Key points: The use of Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare systems
introduces significant data security risks. 92% Of U.S. healthcare
organizations experienced at least one cyber-attack in 2024. Security and
compliance are essential to building trustworthy, innovative AI.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and its pros and cons remains the hottest topic in
healthcare. AI is transforming how healthcare is delivered. But with this
transformation comes a new set of responsibilities as AI relies on enormous
volumes of sensitive patient data. Without the right safeguards, dangerous
risks can be created, like data breaches and compliance failures.
Healthcare organizations can leverage AI’s potential while ensuring data
security, regulatory compliance, and ethical use.
The use of AI in healthcare systems introduces significant data security
risks. Patient data is highly sensitive and must be protected from breaches
and unauthorized access, especially as healthcare systems are often
attacked by cyber criminals
(source: https://www.tribe.ai/applied-ai/how-to-implement-ai-in-healthcare).
92% Of U.S. healthcare organizations experienced at least one cyber-attack
in 2024. With losses ranging from $10,000 to more than $25 million, cyber-
attacks are incredibly costly for healthcare organizations.
“An effective cybersecurity approach centered around stopping human-
targeted attacks is crucial for healthcare institutions, not just to protect
confidential patient data but also to maintain the highest quality of medical
care,” stated Ryan Witt, chair, Healthcare Customer Advisory Board at Proofpoint (source: https://www.hipaajournal.com/92pc-us-healthcare-organizations-cyberattack-past-year/).
But did you know that the real danger isn’t just hackers? Weak security practices and careless data sharing are significant concerns for healthcare professionals. Encryption, restricted access, and monitoring are the best measures to keep patient data safe and AI systems reliable.
“If healthcare providers want AI that is more accurate, secure and truly life-changing, they must build on a foundation of structured, meaningful and well-governed data. This isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a critical part of fostering the scalability and security of the AI solutions we trust with our most sensitive data.” (source: https://medcitynews.com/2025/03/unlocking-ais-potential-in-
healthcare-a-semantic-foundation/).
Bottom line: AI is reshaping healthcare, and every AI application presents
unique risks. Security and compliance are essential to building trustworthy,
innovative AI, but they can’t be one-size-fits-all. Primeau Consulting’s AIRMAP is designed to support risk management and data governance. With AIRMAP, you can effectively govern AI functions within your information systems by providing visual team ownership for each AI function, ensuring continuity of compliance while identifying potential risks. Learn more at https://primeauconsultinggroup.com/regulatory-compliance-
airmap/
AI is here to enrich patient care, not create new problems. Strong security strategies let healthcare organizations take advantage of AI’s full potential without compromising the privacy and trust that define quality care.
The result? Better outcomes for patients and a system that runs smoother than ever. Better cyber safety is better patient safety.
Resources:
https://www.hipaajournal.com/92pc-us-healthcare-organizations-
cyberattack-past-year/
https://medcitynews.com/2025/03/unlocking-ais-potential-in-healthcare-a-
semantic-foundation/
https://www.tribe.ai/applied-ai/how-to-implement-ai-in-healthcare
