Hospitals Urged to Strengthen Cyber Defenses Amid Rising Digital Threats

With healthcare increasingly reliant on digital systems and electronic health records, experts warn that hospitals are more exposed than ever to cyberattacks that can endanger both patient safety and data security. During a Healthcare Dive event, cybersecurity leaders emphasized the need to balance prevention and recovery, advising hospitals to invest equally in system restoration and downtime operations. Regular cyber drills and tabletop exercises were recommended to help staff prepare for real-world disruptions and ensure clinical continuity.

Experts also highlighted the growing risks from third-party vendors and urged rigorous vetting before partnerships, especially amid the surge of AI-driven firms. Additionally, hospitals must navigate complex state and federal reporting requirements to remain compliant while maintaining robust defenses. Crucially, leaders cautioned that compliance alone doesn’t guarantee security, urging proactive, organization-wide strategies to safeguard healthcare systems from escalating cyber threats.

11-11-2025