As new cyberattack techniques emerge and evolve, so too must the strategies for protecting artificial intelligence systems in the healthcare setting. And AI-enabled cybersecurity efforts at hospitals and health systems need to keep pace.
CIOs, CISOs, and other IT and security leaders must learn to bridge the gap between AI security and cyber defense, which includes leveraging their synergies to drive advancements in both fields, says Sunil Dadlani, chief information and digital officer at Atlantic Health System.
Dadlani will describe techniques for leveraging this interdependence to create an innovative and resilient digital health landscape at the HIMSS AI in Healthcare Forum in Boston. His session, titled “Case Study: Dynamic Defense: The Interplay of AI Security and Cyber Threat Mitigation,” is scheduled for Thursday, September 5.
We interviewed Dadlani recently to get a preview.
Q. What is the focus of your HIMSS AI in Healthcare Forum session and why is it important in healthcare today?
A. The focus of the session is on the critical need for secure AI systems in healthcare as AI becomes integral to standard care, influencing all aspects of the industry. Ensuring the integrity, confidentiality and availability of AI technologies is paramount.
To enable secure, trustworthy, ethical and transparent AI deployment, it is essential to develop robust AI systems that protect against vulnerabilities that could compromise patient data, clinical decisions and healthcare operations.
Additionally, the topic emphasizes the critical role of AI in enhancing cybersecurity within healthcare. As the industry rapidly transforms digitally, integrating AI and cybersecurity has become essential. AI enhances security by enabling advanced threat detection and rapid response, identifying anomalies and potential breaches in real time.
Conversely, robust cybersecurity measures are crucial to protect sensitive patient data and ensure the integrity of AI systems used in diagnostics, treatment planning and administrative tasks. This synergy between AI and cybersecurity not only defends against sophisticated cyber threats but also ensures the safe and effective implementation of AI technologies in healthcare, leading to improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Q. What is an example of this kind of AI and cybersecurity in action at your organization?
A. An example is organizations leveraging implementation of AI-based identity and access management (IAM) systems with advanced machine learning and deep neural network-enabled intrusion detection and prevention systems.
These AI-driven systems enhance the security of our healthcare network by continuously analyzing user access patterns and behaviors to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive patient information and critical systems.
Q. What are some takeaways you hope session attendees will learn and be able to apply back at their provider organization?
A. First, a comprehensive approach to AI security. Attendees will learn the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to securing AI solutions in healthcare. This includes ensuring data security and privacy, implementing robust model development practices, and following secure deployment and integration processes.
By understanding these key aspects, attendees can effectively protect sensitive patient data and maintain the integrity of their AI systems, leading to more secure and reliable healthcare operations.
And second, AI-enabled defense versus offense in cybersecurity.
AI plays a dual role in cybersecurity, serving both defensive and offensive purposes. On the defensive side, AI enhances threat detection, response and prevention by continuously monitoring network traffic and user behavior to identify anomalies in real time.
It automates incident response, mitigating threats quickly and minimizing damage. AI-driven predictive analytics anticipate potential threats, enabling proactive measures.
However, AI also is leveraged offensively by cybercriminals to launch sophisticated attacks. They use AI to automate phishing campaigns, develop advanced evasion techniques, enhance social engineering attacks and exploit vulnerabilities.
Understanding this dual role is crucial for implementing proactive AI-enabled security measures, staying ahead of evolving threats, and continuously improving defense strategies to protect against sophisticated cyberattacks.
Attend this session at the HIMSS AI in Healthcare Forum scheduled to take place September 5-6 in Boston. Learn more and register.
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