Executive Summary
This case study demonstrates how Ancrew Global Services successfully implemented AWS Web Application Firewall (WAF) and complementary security services for one of the leading healthcare companies, significantly enhancing their cloud security posture and protecting against web-based attacks.
Client Overview
Our client is one of the leading healthcare companies leveraging advanced technology to optimize knowledge services across multiple domains critical to the healthcare industry. The organization customizes solutions through strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical, nutrition, and medical device companies, specializing in patient access, medical affairs, real-world studies, marketing, and communications.
With a global footprint, they are actively engaged with academic institutions and medical associations worldwide, fostering collaborative relationships to co-create education and training ecosystems for healthcare practitioners, ensuring continuous professional development and knowledge exchange on a global scale.
The Challenge
The client maintained an existing cloud infrastructure on AWS and aimed to enhance the overall security and resilience of their cloud environment in alignment with the AWS Well-Architected Framework.
Key Issues Identified:
- 34 High-Risk Issues (HRI) and 8 Medium-Risk Issues (MRI) discovered during comprehensive infrastructure review
- Web applications vulnerable to common attacks including SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS)
- Evolving cyber threats targeting web applications
- Risk of unauthorized access to sensitive customer information
- Potential financial losses and reputational damage from data breaches
The healthcare industry's sensitive nature of data made these vulnerabilities particularly concerning, as any security breach could have severe consequences for both the organization and the patients they serve.
Our Solution
Ancrew Global Services implemented a comprehensive security enhancement strategy centered around AWS WAF and complementary AWS services:
Core Security Implementations
AWS WAF Configuration:
- Deployed Amazon IP Reputation List rule to block traffic from known malicious IP addresses
- Implemented AWS managed rule sets for SQL injection protection
- Configured WordPress-specific rule sets to protect against common CMS vulnerabilities
- Enhanced overall effectiveness of web application protection
Infrastructure Security Enhancements:
- Amazon Inspector: Deployed for regular and automated vulnerability assessments across the entire AWS environment
- Security Group Reconfiguration: Restricted SSH port access from the internet, significantly reducing the attack surface
- AWS Systems Manager: Configured for centralized operational data management across multiple AWS services, enabling remote patching activities for enhanced system availability
Architecture Overview
The implemented architecture prioritizes security at every layer:
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Acts as the primary shield, blocking malicious requests and safeguarding web applications
- Load Balancers: Evenly distribute traffic while maintaining security protocols
- Auto Scaling: Dynamically adjusts server capacity while maintaining security compliance
- Patch Manager: Ensures systems remain updated with latest security patches
- AWS IAM: Manages user permissions securely with least privilege principles
- Amazon RDS: Handles databases with enhanced security configurations
- Amazon SES: Manages email communications securely
- Amazon GuardDuty & Inspector: Provide continuous security monitoring and threat detection
- Amazon S3: Securely stores data with appropriate access controls
Results and Outcomes
The implementation delivered significant security improvements:
Immediate Security Enhancements
- Strengthened Security Posture: Deployment of AWS WAF and complementary services provided enhanced defense mechanisms against web-based attacks
- Threat Mitigation: Amazon IP Reputation List integration improved the client's ability to block malicious traffic and unauthorized access attempts
- Layered Protection: AWS managed rule sets added multiple layers of protection against common web-based attacks
Specific WordPress Protection
- Successfully mitigated threats targeting WordPress sites, including attacks on plugins, themes, and core files
- Proactive approach significantly reduced risk of WordPress-specific exploits
- Enhanced protection against unauthorized access attempts
Measurable Impact
- 3.02% of requests blocked within the first 24 hours, demonstrating effective threat protection
- Substantial reduction in security vulnerabilities
- Improved compliance with healthcare industry security standards
- Enhanced confidence in data protection capabilities
Long-term Benefits
- Automated vulnerability assessments ensure ongoing security monitoring
- Centralized patch management reduces manual overhead while improving security
- Scalable security architecture supports business growth
- Improved operational efficiency through automated security processes
Why This Matters for Healthcare
Healthcare organizations handle some of the most sensitive data, making robust cybersecurity essential. This implementation demonstrates how AWS security services can be effectively leveraged to:
- Protect patient data and maintain HIPAA compliance
- Prevent costly data breaches that could damage reputation and trust
- Ensure business continuity in an increasingly threat-prone digital landscape
- Scale security measures alongside business growth
Conclusion
This successful AWS WAF implementation showcases how strategic security enhancements can dramatically improve an organization's cybersecurity posture. By implementing a comprehensive, multi-layered security approach, the leading healthcare company now enjoys enhanced protection against evolving cyber threats while maintaining the operational flexibility needed to serve their global healthcare community.