Case studies

PatientMpower prioritises privacy and security in remote healthcare with NordLayer


patientMpower case study

Summary: PatientMpower is a digital healthcare company that helps people with chronic illnesses monitor their health at home. Based in Dublin, they serve patients worldwide.

Results at a glance patientmpower

PatientMpower is a digital healthcare innovator. They help people with chronic illnesses manage their conditions at home. Their remote monitoring platform integrates with Bluetooth devices like spirometers and blood pressure monitors. Healthcare providers can then access this data through a secure portal.

They are based in Dublin, Ireland, but serve customers in the US, UK, Canada, and Europe. Their platform supports chronic conditions, including COPD, heart failure, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung transplants.

Profile of patientMpower

PatientMpower needed a flexible VPN to support their global team and keep data safe. Hardware VPNs caused downtime and needed constant upkeep. NordLayer’s cloud-based solution fixed these issues, saving time and making security easier.

The challenge: old physical VPN caused problems

PatientMpower’s hardware VPN was fine when most people were in the office. Then COVID-19 forced them to work from home. The physical VPN kept failing. The company wanted a cloud-based service that offered a static IP in Ireland. Oisín Hayes, Business Operations Manager & Data Protection Officer, says:

“Before NordLayer, we had a physical hardware VPN in the office. It was hard to maintain. It shut down often, and nobody was there to restart it when we all worked remotely.”

They checked many VPN providers. Some charged extra for a dedicated IP. Others had hidden fees. NordLayer stood out by offering a fair price and an admin console that was easy to use.

Step 1. Deploy NordLayer in 10 minutes

They switched to NordLayer in 2022. It replaced their old VPN right away.

  1. They chose a NordLayer plan
  2. Created user accounts
  3. Trained employees on the new client

“NordLayer was the one that felt most accommodating. We wanted a dedicated IP in Ireland, and they didn’t charge us extra.”

Step 2. Set up a Server with a dedicated IP

PatientMpower uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) to host their database. They need strong encryption and secure connections. Here’s what they did:

  1. Configured a server in Ireland
  2. Enabled a static IP for NordLayer
  3. Restricted access to only those on the VPN

They stay HIPAA-compliant and ISO 27001-compliant. ISO 27001 requires an external auditor every year. That means they must prove their security and alignment with best practices, and NordLayer helps with that.

“ISO 27001 is a top standard. Using a dedicated IP solves many security problems and helps to stay compliant with it.”

NordLayer Network - Gateways - Filter

* Example screenshot for illustration purposes.

Step 3. Combine NordLayer with AWS encryption

AWS encrypts data at rest. NordLayer encrypts data in transit. This two-layer approach keeps patient data safe.

  1. Linked AWS with the VPN
  2. Allowed access only from the NordLayer IP
  3. Met encryption and data breach controls

“We set it up so you can only access AWS if you go through our VPN.”

Step 4. Enable Web Protection

NordLayer’s Web Protection (ex-ThreatBlock) feature blocks harmful websites. It also removes pop-up ads and other distractions.

  1. Turned on Web Protection to filter malware
  2. Monitored for any sites falsely blocked
  3. Reduced risk of accidental infection

“When enabled, it blocks websites flagged as threats, so malware can’t infect your device.”

Step 5. Use Dashboards for ISO 27001 audits

NordLayer’s dashboards track user logins and network activity. These insights help with ISO 27001 audits.

PatientMpower reaches full 2FA adoption

Here is what they did:

  1. Pulled reports from the dashboard
  2. Shared data with external auditors
  3. Proved secure remote access for employees

“We use the dashboard for our ISO 27001 audit. It’s easy to show proof of security.”

Results: 50% admin time saved

  • 50% admin time saved
    They no longer waste hours fixing a physical VPN. It just works in the background.
  • Committed to NordLayer
    They compared other solutions but decided to stay. NordLayer had better pricing and support.
  • Seamless operation

“Our physical VPN caused no end of issues and it just wasn't really functioning. NordLayer just exists in the background and does its job, and we don't know it's there.”

Why NordLayer works for patientMpower

They have used NordLayer for three years. It meets their top priorities: security and reliability. It also keeps remote work simple. Adding or removing seats is easy.

“You just add a seat, and then they bill you next month. It’s very straightforward.”

Pro cybersecurity tips from patientMpower

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Conclusion

PatientMpower replaced their old physical VPN with NordLayer. They set up a Dedicated IP, turned on Web Protection, and used Dashboards for ISO 27001.

“It only took 10 minutes to deploy NordLayer. Now it keeps data secure without any hassle.”

Any business can do the same. NordLayer offers quick deployment, flexible pricing, and strong data protection.

Visit NordLayer and find the plan that fits your needs.


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