The healthcare sector has always been a prime target for cybercriminals. From storing sensitive data and medical records to institutions built on complex IT environments (that often include a lot of legacy tech and interconnected devices), compounded by high financial penalties for non-compliance (meaning criminals can demand hefty ransoms), it’s easy to see why the sector is a prime target for cybercriminals. What’s more, the number of threats facing organisations in the sector is increasing exponentially in terms of both volume and complexity. Worryingly, in 2022, healthcare organisations, on average, experienced 1,426 attacks per week in 2022. This figure has no doubt increased since then.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made it easier for cybercriminals to deploy more attacks at an increasingly heightened speed. However, whilst it may feel counterintuitive, AI has become an indispensable tool in bolstering cybersecurity within the healthcare sector. AI offers a robust defence against increasing threats, enabling healthcare providers to protect patient information and maintain operational integrity.
AI can also be used within organisations to streamline services, manage data and detect anomalies in networks and systems, but how?
AI-Powered Threat Detection and Protection: Proactive Cybersecurity
Healthcare organisations must be proactive when it comes to cybersecurity. They must think of being attacked as an inevitability, preparing for when, not if, they will be attacked. As such, proactively putting in place measures that can spot and stop cybercriminals before they can access a network is critical.
One of the primary applications of AI in healthcare cybersecurity is threat detection and prevention. AI-powered systems can analyse network traffic and user behaviour in real-time, identifying anomalies that may indicate malicious activity. This enables security teams to detect and prevent threats such as malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks before they can cause significant damage. This is especially valuable when resources and specifically skilled cyber personnel are lacking.
Data protection is another critical area where AI plays a vital role. AI algorithms can enhance data encryption and access control mechanisms, ensuring that only authorised personnel can access sensitive patient information. By identifying unauthorised access attempts and enforcing strict security protocols, AI helps to safeguard patient data from breaches and unauthorised disclosure.
AI also plays a crucial role in vulnerability management. By analysing system logs and network traffic, AI can identify and prioritise vulnerabilities in healthcare systems. This allows security teams to patch critical vulnerabilities promptly, reducing the risk of exploitation by cybercriminals. Moreover, AI can predict potential vulnerabilities and recommend updates to software and hardware, further strengthening the security posture of healthcare organisations.
How AI Can Help in the Event of a Breach
In the event of a security breach, AI-powered incident response systems can automate the process of identifying and addressing the threat. These systems can quickly assess the severity of the incident, prioritise responses, and implement containment measures to minimise damage. By automating routine tasks, AI enables security teams to focus on more complex issues and respond to threats more effectively.
Additionally, AI can aid incident investigation efforts. Due to its ability to analyse large datasets quickly, AI can quickly identify the cause of a breach, expedite investigations, and minimise downtime. AI can also assist in digital forensics by automating the collection, analysis, and preservation of digital evidence while security teams focus on other parts of the investigation.
Fraud and Healthcare
Fraud detection is another area where AI can provide significant benefits. By analysing large volumes of data, AI algorithms can identify unusual patterns and discrepancies that may indicate fraudulent activity. This enables healthcare organisations to detect and prevent fraudulent claims, billing errors, and identity theft.
The (Increasingly Popular) Converged Cyber AI Approach
Critical infrastructure organisations are embracing a “converged cyber AI” approach to counter evolving AI-driven threats. By integrating AI-native architectures throughout their security stack, organisations can build adaptive defences to safeguard vital systems and data. Additionally, AI-powered tools are essential for mitigating the dynamic and complex threat landscape. Healthcare organisations are facing more complex and voluminous threats than ever, which requires tools that are adaptable to the rapidly changing landscape. By adapting to the changing attack surface, these tools can proactively protect organisations from emerging threats in real-time.
The Future of Healthcare: Working With AI
AI is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance healthcare organisations’ cybersecurity. By automating tasks, detecting threats, and protecting sensitive data, AI helps to safeguard patient information and maintain the integrity of healthcare systems. As the threat landscape evolves, AI will remain a critical component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for the healthcare sector.
