Top trends of 2026: Cybersecurity breaches emphasize the importance of secure tech in healthcare

As seen in Figure 2, the number of healthcare records impacted by cyberattacks has gradually increased from 2019-2022. Major data breaches rocked the industry in 2023 and 2024, resulting in hundreds of millions of private health records being exposed. While these years may be seen as anomalies, it's an indication that cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and more dangerous.

And when millions of records are compromised, the fallout can lead to serious downstream effects for patients. Stolen health information can be used for identity theft, fraudulent insurance claims, or to illegally obtain prescription drugs. But beyond the financial risks, breaches also violate patient privacy in deeply personal ways. For individuals managing mental health conditions, reproductive health services, HIV treatment, or substance use disorders, the unauthorized release of medical information can lead to stigma, discrimination, and emotional distress. Even patients with relatively routine records may lose confidence in the safety of the healthcare system, making them more likely to delay care, withhold sensitive information from providers, or avoid treatment altogether.

The damage isn't limited to patients. Healthcare organizations face significant repercussions as well, including HIPAA investigations, regulatory penalties, lawsuits, reputational harm, and loss of patient trust. In many cases, the breach itself may be resolved in weeks, but the effects on provider-patient relationships can linger for years.

Shifting the cybersecurity story to patient safety

As data breaches continue to compromise clinical workflows, expose protected health information (PHI), and put patients at risk, healthcare leaders are rethinking their approach to cybersecurity.

Rather than continue labeling cybersecurity as an IT issue, leaders are treating it as a patient safety issue, and a core component to delivering great patient care.

The shift is already taking shape, and we'll see it continue to gain momentum throughout 2026.

Cybersecurity leadership is growing

At the governance level, healthcare organizations are building more robust cybersecurity leadership. A recent industry analysis found that 42% of health system CISOs were appointed in just the past three years, with most recruited externally. This reflects a growing recognition that protecting patient care in a digital world requires specialized expertise and executive-level oversight.

Secure technologies are paving the way forward

To defend against increasingly complex threats, healthcare systems are adopting advanced cybersecurity technologies like zero trust architecture, multi-factor authentication (MFA), endpoint detection and response (EDR), and cloud-based security platforms. These tools are designed not just to prevent breaches, but to ensure continuity of care even when threats emerge.

AI used for early threat detection

Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics are also being employed to fight against cyber threats. These tools use historical data and real-time inputs to forecast potential vulnerabilities and cyberattack trends. This capability allows healthcare organizations to stay ahead of evolving threats rather than reacting to them after a breach occurs.

AI is also being used for its ability to automate and execute aspects of incident response. When AI tools identify a security incident, such as a ransomware infection or unauthorized access, they can automatically execute predefined actions. This may include isolating compromised devices, disabling accounts, or alerting IT teams to the threat. By addressing incidents swiftly, healthcare organizations can support continuity of care, protect sensitive data, and minimize financial and reputational damage.

Employees are being trained as a first line of defense

Recognizing that phishing attacks and human error remain top causes of data breaches, organizations are also investing in workforce training and awareness programs.

According to Dialog Health, 75% of employees across the healthcare ecosystem report receiving cybersecurity awareness training, but gaps remain. Only 41% of organizations reported that they conduct phishing simulations to educate staff about cybersecurity risks, and 34% of employees said they were unsure if their workplace even had a cybersecurity policy in place.

To close these gaps, security leaders should review vendors and software to ensure they meet all requirements (such as HIPAA regulations) to effectively evaluate and educate staff and reduce overall risk. While many resources are available across the Internet, HHS offers a number of awareness and phishing training modules that can serve as a foundation.

Regular audits are also an important part of a comprehensive cybersecurity system. As technology and cyber threats evolve, healthcare leaders can conduct regular audits to identify any potential weaknesses and keep security measures up to date and compliant.

Learn more

Cyberattacks are no longer just technical disruptions-they're clinical ones. When systems go down, care slows, communication breaks, and patient safety is put at risk. That's why healthcare leaders are reframing cybersecurity as a core component of safe, effective care.

At the same time, the evolving healthcare landscape presents real opportunities. Whether you're a software provider offering secure data solutions or a growing healthcare organization looking to build out a cybersecurity team, there's never been a more important time to act.

With the right data, you can identify the facilities most in need of stronger digital defenses-or find the healthcare professionals you need to protect your own systems.

To get hands-on with this data, book a demo with Definitive Healthcare today.

This blog is our fourth in our 2026 healthcare trends series. In case you missed it, check out our previous blog which analyzes the changing reality of the pharmacy benefit manager, and how drugmakers and insurers must rethink their strategies.