Iowa Donor Network has been a significant player in the healthcare landscape since its inception, focusing on organ
and tissue donation. With the evolution of technology and the increasing threats in cybersecurity, Iowa Donor Network
recognized the need for robust IT solutions to enhance its operational efficiency and security posture. This case study
explores Iowa Donor Network’s relationship with IP Pathways and how their collaboration has led to considerable
improvements in Iowa Donor Network’s security and overall IT strategy.
Background & Engagement with IP Pathways
Iowa Donor Network’s relationship with IP Pathways dates back to 2008, when initial efforts began to transition from
physical servers to a virtual environment utilizing NetApp solutions. The collaboration stemmed from a need to upgrade
their IT infrastructure, which was becoming increasingly cumbersome to manage.
Upon engaging with IP Pathways, Iowa Donor Network faced many challenges, particularly in IT operations and security.
Jeshua Lack, Director of Information Technology, mentioned that prior to the partnership, the organization was “flying by
the seat of our pants,” lacking structured processes for managing security compliance and technology implementations.
Empowering IT Strategy
The introduction of services like DNS security and virtualization laid the groundwork for Iowa Donor Network’s IT
transformation. Jeshua praised IP Pathways for their proactive approach and quick response times, stating that their
account management team was exceptional in ensuring their needs were met without additional hassle.
A key element of the partnership has been the implementation of Tenax Solutions’ Security Posture as a Service, which
played a crucial role in strengthening the security posture of the Iowa Donor Network. Tenax provided a structured
framework that allowed streamline compliance efforts with necessary standards, such as NIST and HIPAA, while addressing
specific security requirements tied to their mission of organ and tissue donation.
Background & Engagement with IP Pathways
Jeshua noted that the partnership has led to the plugging of security holes and significantly improved vulnerability scanning
processes. Regular internal and external scans helped identify and mitigate risks effectively. With the implementation of
Tenax’s Security Posture as a Service, Iowa Donor Network now able to focus its efforts on critical security protocols, rather
than being overwhelmed by the complexities of cybersecurity.
One of the major driving forces behind Iowa Donor Networks’ collaboration with IP Pathways was the need to meet strict
compliance regulations. Jeshua articulated the importance of their mission: “If we were unable to continue with our mission,
people would be impacted in a negative way. Tenax has played a vital role in helping us comply with industry standards and
meet the requirements set by UNOS, the organization overseeing organ placement” says Jeshua.
Jeshua highlighted the features of the Tenax IQ platform, which provided valuable insights into their security scores and
compliance standings. The initial training ensured that the IT team could effectively navigate the platform and have ongoing
support from their dedicated security consultant offering more assistance when required.
The partnership has also allowed Iowa Donor Network to allocate resources more efficiently. By utilizing security posture as
a service, the organization avoided the high costs associated with hiring a dedicated Chief Information Security Officer
(CISO). Jeshua emphasized that the budget previously reserved for a high-cost security role is better invested in
collaborative services that drive overall improvements.
Security Posture as a Service has enhanced communication between Iowa Donor Network and its top management,
providing simplified summaries of security status and future initiatives. Jeshua mentioned the creation of executive
summaries, which conveyed vital information to board members without overwhelming them with technical jargon.
Conclusion
Iowa Donor Network’s collaboration with IP Pathways and Tenax Solutions with the implementation of Security
Posture as a Service has proven to be transformative, allowing the organization to improve its IT strategy, enhance
its security posture, and maintain compliance with critical industry standards. The partnership exemplifies the
need for healthcare organizations to adopt robust IT solutions to protect sensitive data and ensure the
organization’s mission continues to positively impact lives.
In a constantly evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats and healthcare regulations, the relationship between
Iowa Donor Network and IP Pathways serves as a model for other organizations aiming to strengthen their IT
capabilities and security compliance effectively.
View full case study here: Iowa Donor Network Case Study
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