AI Enhances Healthcare Cybersecurity Amid Rising Threats from Malicious Use

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into healthcare cybersecurity measures to bolster defenses against cyber threats. While medical institutions leverage AI to detect and prevent breaches, malicious actors are also harnessing the technology to facilitate cyberattacks such as phishing campaigns, malware development, and deepfake creation. Limor Kessem, head of global cyber crisis management at IBM Consulting, notes that the adoption of AI in cybersecurity strategies has contributed to reducing the financial impact and operational disruptions caused by data breaches in the healthcare sector. According to IBM's latest report, the average cost of a healthcare data breach has decreased to $7.4 million from $9.7 million the previous year, though it remains the highest across industries. Despite the benefits, Kessem emphasizes that malicious actors are also capitalizing on AI to enhance their attack methods, posing ongoing challenges for healthcare organizations striving to protect sensitive patient information.