What's Happening?
At the Infosecurity Europe conference, experts highlighted the urgent need for healthcare organizations (HCOs) to adopt AI-powered tools to better manage and mitigate cyber threats. Sher Baig, CEO of Cyber Salus, emphasized that the healthcare sector
is particularly vulnerable due to legacy infrastructure and hyper-connectivity, which increase the risk of cyber-attacks. According to Proofpoint research, 93% of HCOs experienced at least one cyber-attack in 2025, with an average of 43 attacks per organization. The reliance on outdated medical equipment, which can remain in use for 15 to 20 years, exacerbates the issue. Baig argued that reactive security measures are insufficient and that AI can help by providing continuous monitoring, faster anomaly detection, and automated threat prioritization.
Why It's Important?
The healthcare sector is a prime target for cyber-attacks, with ransomware posing a significant threat to clinical services. The potential for cyber breaches to lead to patient fatalities underscores the critical need for improved security measures. By adopting AI tools, HCOs can enhance their ability to detect and respond to threats, thereby protecting patient data and ensuring the continuity of care. The shift from reactive to proactive security strategies could significantly reduce the risk of cyber incidents, ultimately safeguarding both patients and healthcare providers.
What's Next?
Healthcare organizations are encouraged to transition to a proactive security posture by implementing AI-driven solutions. This includes gaining full visibility into devices and threats, prioritizing threats based on clinical risk, and using AI for signal correlation to reduce alert fatigue. Additionally, organizations should focus on patching vulnerabilities, segmenting networks to reduce exposure, and applying appropriate compensating controls. As AI continues to evolve, it will be crucial for HCOs to strengthen their governance, resilience, and workforce capabilities to fully leverage AI's potential while mitigating new risks.
