Why Cybersecurity is Key to Scaling Digital Health: Ensuring Safe Tech Growth

When COVID-19 hit, something extraordinary happened: artificial intelligence (AI) transformed from a research tool into a crucial lifeline. It helped track outbreaks, predict surges, and speed up vaccine development. But during this time, a different struggle emerged. Cyberattacks targeted health organizations and vaccine supply chains. This experience highlighted an essential truth: AI can’t enhance public health without a strong foundation in cybersecurity.

In my years of working with data, AI, and cloud security in healthcare, I’ve seen how powerful these tools can be. Yet, I’ve also observed how easily they can falter without trust, data integrity, and proper governance. As nations gear up for future pandemics, we should view cybersecurity not just as a backup but as a key part of our readiness. Our ability to respond effectively will hinge on creating trustworthy, secure, and ethical AI systems.

### The Growing Digital Landscape

AI-driven responses during a pandemic rely heavily on various data ecosystems—everything from genomic labs to hospital networks and health-monitoring sensors. These systems share millions of data points each hour, aiding faster decision-making. However, this connectivity also means more vulnerabilities. Each device and every data integration point increases the risk of cyberattacks.

A recent study found that 36% of healthcare organizations experienced a cyberattack during the pandemic. Experts emphasize that investing in cybersecurity is not just smart; it’s essential. Dr. John Halamka, a leading figure in health technology, states, “If we don’t focus on security, we risk undermining the very systems designed to keep us safe.”

Also, historical events shed light on this issue. The 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack disrupted health services worldwide, underscoring the importance of secure networks. As we face ongoing health challenges, ensuring robust cybersecurity will be crucial for AI to be effective.

The road ahead requires collaboration among governments, tech companies, and health organizations. By working together and prioritizing cybersecurity, we can build a resilient future where AI genuinely strengthens public health.



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