LAS VEGAS – Implementing artificial intelligence (AI) systems in a structured manner can enhance trust within organizations, although it may require more time for proof of concept. At the HIMSS25 Healthcare Cybersecurity Forum, Anahi Santiago, the Chief Information Security Officer at Christianicare, highlighted how AI can boost security team efficiency by performing tasks faster through machine learning and technology.
However, Santiago noted that AI has been plagued by false positives, leading to a lack of trust and increased time consumption. Instead of freeing up time for teams through automation, they end up dealing with deciphering false positives and tuning tools to their intended tasks.
Looking ahead, the next generation of tools involving agentic AI and artificial general intelligence will require healthcare organizations to establish governance and structure around adoption. Bridget Karlin, a former SVP IT for Kaiser Permanente, emphasized the importance of partnering AI with automation for functions like threat detection, anomaly detection, and incident response.
When it comes to implementing AI, challenges arise from developers not achieving intended results and the presence of various legacy applications in different environments. Mike Nelson, the Vice President of Digital Trust at Digicert, stressed the need for methodical movement when incorporating new automation and AI tools.
Karlin highlighted the significance of establishing a framework that prioritizes data source transparency and clear indications of how inputs yield verifiable results. In the absence of frameworks, healthcare organizations should implement guardrails to maintain trust, according to Nelson.
Proof of concept and rigorous testing before deploying off-the-shelf tools are crucial for Santiago’s IT team. They scrutinize tools to ensure they deliver on their promises and negotiate limits on data usage with vendors.
Collaboration is now more critical than ever in cybersecurity, emphasized Attila Hertelendy, an assistant professor at Florida International University. As organizations delve into AI implementation, change management becomes essential.
Looking beyond AI, Nelson addressed concerns about the future of quantum computing. He urged organizations to prepare for quantum-resistant algorithms, as quantum computing is expected to become more widely available in the 2030s, posing a significant challenge to current security measures.
In conclusion, the journey towards quantum-resistant cryptography will be complex and time-consuming, requiring organizations to take proactive steps to safeguard their systems. It’s a call to action to start preparing now to mitigate the potential security risks posed by quantum computing.
Andrea Fox, senior editor of Healthcare IT News, can be reached at afox@himss.org. Healthcare IT News, a HIMSS Media publication, continues to provide insights and updates on the evolving healthcare IT landscape.
