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Healthcare has been evolving at an unprecedented pace and shows no sign of stopping in 2025. With technology and digital transformation at the forefront, the industry increasingly finds itself grappling with complex cybersecurity challenges. Weighed down by legacy technologies and slashed budgets, the healthcare sector has been the victim of countless high-profile cyberattacks over the past year. As technology investment continues and the push toward smart hospitals is already underway, added security challenges balance the benefits. As we look ahead to 2025, what will healthcare providers have to navigate as they embrace new forms of healthcare and the security measures needed to support them? In this blog, I’ll provide my outlook on emerging trends in healthcare cybersecurity and guidance for safer, more secure processes to tackle the challenges yet to come.
At a glance:
- Ransomware attacks place a greater risk of more direct patient harm, shifting the focus from financial gain to maximum disruption.
- Cyber criminals seek collaborative methods to coordinate attacks, HDOs, and solution providers must follow suit.
- Cybersecurity will become more embedded in day-to-day operations, from device manufacturers to individual employees.
Ransomware Attacks Causing More Direct Patient Harm
Ransomware attacks traditionally focus on financial gain. And as we know, healthcare is consistently a prime target for these attacks, due to the highly sensitive nature of information and the need for continued access to data to uphold essential patient services. In a 2024 report, 67% of healthcare institutions globally were revealed to have been affected by ransomware attacks, showing an increase from 60% in the previous year. Due to this influx of attacks, malicious attacks will likely focus on direct threats to patient safety in an attempt to further exploit healthcare providers. As attackers gain control over medical devices or critical care systems, the risk of patient harm due to delayed treatments or shutdowns of medical equipment will escalate. It is vital that healthcare providers fortify their defenses and implement robust incident response plans to mitigate these risks.
Cloud and Remote Monitoring Expand the Attack Surface
The adoption of cloud platforms and remote monitoring in healthcare has revolutionized the industry. Yet, it also expands the attack surface, offering cybercriminals more opportunities for entry and exploitation. Misconfigurations in cloud systems and unsecured remote monitoring tools are common entry points for attackers. The basics of cybersecurity protection and phishing awareness campaigns will continue to fall short in the face of increased attack vectors.
Healthcare organizations must prioritize securing these platforms by implementing stringent access controls and continuous monitoring. Regular audits and vulnerability assessments can help identify and rectify potential weaknesses. By doing so, healthcare providers can capitalize on the benefits of technology without compromising security.
Regulatory Pressures Continue to Drive Medical Device Security Improvements
Governments and regulatory bodies will continue to impose stricter requirements on the cybersecurity of medical devices. Guidelines and governance, such as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR), will drive manufacturers to integrate stronger security features and provide regular patches and updates to mitigate vulnerabilities. For example, in the wake of massive disruptions caused by ransomware attacks in 2024, the United States Congress held hearings in response to the Change Health attack. We will continue to see pressure from governments and regulatory bodies and more regulatory requirements, causing more liabilities for HDOs.
Juggling these requirements in parallel with the continued goal to move the dial to more proactive cybersecurity practices in healthcare will continue to play out in 2025. The weight of these requirements must not be solely shouldered by healthcare delivery organizations, which already contend with their laundry list of regulatory requirements daily. Medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers, cybersecurity providers, and in-house security teams must share the load to make progress and continue to improve practices across the board.
Medical Device Exploit Kits in the Dark Web
As we have observed in 2024, due to the influx of ransomware attacks in healthcare, we should prepare for the possibility that threat actors may collaborate with each other to continue to wreak havoc on this already vulnerable sector. By 2025, the dark web may see the proliferation of “exploit kits” specifically designed to automatically target and exploit vulnerabilities in medical devices and healthcare networks. These kits make it easier for cybercriminals to install malware and launch coordinated attacks on healthcare facilities, posing significant risks to patient safety and data integrity.
With exploit kits remaining one of the most popular mass malware campaigns or remote access tools (RAT), greater automation and AI in security protocols will be essential to combat this tactic. Keeping software up to date and having an accurate view of the entire attack surface of assets within your network is foundational to preventing these exploit kit attacks. Early threat detection, effective segmentation policies, and bolstered attack surface management are key methods to protect healthcare operations and keep medical records safe.
Medical Device Manufacturers Adopt Proactive Security Measures
To counteract threats of ransomware or malicious attacks, medical device manufacturers will begin to play a more active role in medical device security, creating a more cohesive and proactive approach to security from the earliest stages of product development to healthcare delivery organizations alike. Security-by-design approaches will become the norm. This includes incorporating a comprehensive Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) to track all components and address vulnerabilities and threats proactively through timely disclosure and efficient patching. Staying compliant with evolving industry standards and regulations ensures security is embedded through the product life cycle, reducing risks to patient safety and maintaining the integrity of healthcare ecosystems.
Security-First Approaches in Smart Hospitals
Smart hospitals continue to embrace advanced technologies and automation, including AI-based diagnostics, robotic surgeries, and connected medical devices. While these innovations enhance patient care, they also require a security-first approach. A study by Juniper Research has found that smart hospitals will deploy 7.4 million connected IoMT devices globally by 2026; and over 3,850 devices per smart hospital. Every layer of hospital infrastructure, from patient data handling to the integration of new technologies, must be secured.
Embedding security within the fabric of smart hospitals ensures a seamless operation while minimizing risks. Healthcare providers must invest in security solutions that address both clinical needs and cybersecurity concerns. This holistic approach supports the transition to smarter healthcare environments, and more convenient, accessible patient care.
Integration of Cybersecurity in Healthcare Staff Training
Cybersecurity awareness among all staff members is the foundation of any good security practice. Hospitals and healthcare organizations will focus more on cybersecurity awareness training for medical staff to educate employees on recognizing phishing attacks and securing personal devices. Individual actions have just as much impact as broader business initiatives in preventing inadvertent breaches in highly sensitive environments.
Regular reminders and updates on new attacker methods keep security front of mind and begin to make security second nature even in fast-paced environments. Regular training sessions and refresher courses keep staff informed of the latest threats. This collaborative effort enhances the security framework in healthcare facilities and ultimately keeps them running smoothly. Effective training regimes should also include operational resilience and recovery plans in the event of a breach, to facilitate rapid response and minimize the impact on essential work. As we’ve already established, ransomware or data breaches are more common than not. It’s not a question of whether something could impact your organization, but how fast you can recover.
Collaboration Between Healthcare and Cybersecurity Vendors
The complexity of healthcare cybersecurity challenges will require greater collaboration between healthcare institutions and cybersecurity vendors. As threats become more complex and adapt to traditional security measures, solutions must become more specialized. Addressing clinical and security needs requires more integrated platforms. Effective collaboration between healthcare organizations and cybersecurity vendors can streamline processes while ensuring robust security measures become the norm.
Partnerships with cybersecurity vendors provide access to cutting-edge technology and expertise. Healthcare providers can leverage these relationships to develop tailored solutions that align with their specific requirements. This collaborative development strengthens the protection of the industry as a whole.
Striking the Right Balance in 2025
The year 2025 promises a landscape of both opportunity and challenge for healthcare cybersecurity. As the industry embraces technological advancements and navigates the abundance of aging devices, the focus will be on safeguarding the facility and patient data. By addressing the trends of evolving ransomware threats, an ever-expanding attack surface, and new malicious tactics like exploit kits and implementing proactive security measures, healthcare providers can strike a balance between innovation and security.
Healthcare professionals and security teams must collaborate to create inherently resilient systems that protect both patients and business operations. The stakes are high, but with greater collaboration, innovative and automated approaches, and a concerted effort from every part of the healthcare process, the possibilities for greater, more secure patient care processes can outweigh the risks. I look forward to continuing the conversation around healthcare-first cybersecurity and secure medical devices by design throughout 2025 and the years to come.
