AI in Healthcare: Building a Resilient Healthcare System with AI-Driven Cybersecurity
- The Cybersecurity Podcast
Most industries, including healthcare and pharmaceuticals, are relying more and more on AI-powered tools. The need for a massive workforce with technical expertise is growing by the day as companies are striving to build a security-aware culture.
An insightful conversation at RSAC 2025 between EC Council Group CEO Jay Bavisi and R1 SVP & CISO Cecil Penida throws light on the complexities of managing cybersecurity in a healthcare BPO that provides end-to-end support to hospitals, ranging from patient data to appointment scheduling and billing. Cecil highlights the constant change in the cybersecurity landscape, fueled by rapid technological advancements and the increasing use of AI by both defenders and attackers. Cecil especially focuses on the importance of behavior-driven training and upskilling of cybersecurity teams and fostering a security-aware culture in the healthcare industry.
AI is the double-edged sword in cybersecurity
Attackers are leveraging AI to craft sophisticated threats, while defenders are investing in AI-powered tools to enhance threat detection, automate responses, and accelerate defenses. Penida emphasizes that AI’s dual role requires cybersecurity professionals to integrate AI thoughtfully, balancing innovation with risk.
Dynamic leadership in the cybersecurity landscape
The constant flux in the cybersecurity universe demands an attitude of continuous learning and an adaptive mindset. Technological advancements, frequent mergers & acquisitions, and an evolving threat landscape mean that CISOs must remain highly agile and committed to growth.
Cecil notes that while upskilling and continuous learning are important, they need not necessarily remain confined to internal training material. Gamified, personalized, and adaptive learning platforms help make upskilling more effective as well as foster a culture of security awareness. Behavioral analytics can identify employees most vulnerable to social engineering, allowing for targeted support and reducing the risk of cyberattacks.
Community building and networking are key drivers of professional growth
The importance of social capital in cybersecurity leadership has always been underestimated. Networking forms a crucial part of professional growth for CISOs and security team members. Along with upskilling, networking is also essential for CISOs to cultivate knowledge exchange, mentorship, and emotional support, all of which are crucial for navigating complex challenges and driving career advancement.
Balancing innovation and budget constraints
Implementing cutting-edge AI solutions in healthcare cybersecurity comes with significant financial challenges. All too often, organizations approve only a minimal budget when the skies are blue (before any security incident) and then dramatically increasing spending under pressure in the aftermath of a cyberattack.
The future of AI in healthcare cybersecurity
This Leading at Scale: Cecil Penida on Automation & Building Future-Ready Ops podcast episode delivers a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities faced by a CISO in managing one of the largest BPO organizations in the healthcare sector.
Penida acknowledges that AI’s dual role accentuates the urgency for security teams to integrate it thoughtfully into their processes to maintain tactical advantage. It also means that significant investment and skill development training for professionals are necessary to use AI effectively. Fostering a culture of engaging, behavior-driven training for security teams, can enable organizations to elevate their security posture.
For more conversations shaping the future of cybersecurity, subscribe to the Cybersecurity Podcast by EC Council.
