Top 10 Healthcare Cybersecurity Threats to Watch in 2025

Last year, the Change Healthcare mega-breach sent shockwaves through the industry because it was the largest data breach in U.S. history. There will undoubtedly be surprises like that in 2025 as well, so it’s important for healthcare organizations to assess the likeliest threats in order to chart a successful path forward.

Here are 10 cybersecurity threats and developments that merit special attention in 2025:

1. AI-driven threats – We’ve seen a rise in AI-generated threats, with advanced threat actors leveraging AI for more sophisticated attacks. AI is even embedded in malware and ransomware, allowing these threats to evolve dynamically. We’re also seeing AI voice cloning used in fraud campaigns targeting help desks and even doctors. It’s clear this trend is accelerating, and we anticipate AI-driven attacks will increase in 2025.

2. More stringent cybersecurity regulations –Both HHS and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) have ramped up regulatory efforts, and we’ve seen significant legislative activity. The big question is how these initiatives will play out with the new administration, but we don’t expect major delays. Healthcare remains a prime target for cyber-criminals, and stronger regulatory measures are inevitable. Proposed changes to HIPAA and security rules are already in progress, so we’ll likely see even more movement in 2025.

There’s also a lot of action at the state level. Balancing federal and state regulations will be a major challenge this year. Historically, when states like New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire move, others follow quickly. We’re also seeing activity in Texas, Minnesota, and Massachusetts, so expect a wave of state-level regulatory shifts in 2025.

3. Telemedicine’s impact on cybersecurity – While remote care cases have declined post-COVID, new trends – like the rise of telehealth prescriptions – are shifting the landscape.

The explosion of telehealth for prescriptions, particularly for medications like Ozempic, has opened new attack surfaces. We’re also seeing more AI-driven interactions and generative models being integrated into remote care. Smaller entities are expanding telehealth access, broadening the attack surface significantly. Threat actors will follow, targeting these new entry points.

4. Interoperability of data exchange – Many think of healthcare IT in terms of EHRs, but hospitals run hundreds – if not thousands – of applications on top of those systems. That creates enormous data sprawl and attack opportunities, especially as organizations add more connected devices.

As we integrate more bedside monitors, wearables, and home-based devices, security perimeters will shift. Many of these devices connect via unsecured home networks, introducing additional risks. The entire security model needs to evolve.

5. Third-party incidents targeting supply chains –We saw a 45% increase in breaches reported to OCR that involved a third party in 2024. The Change Healthcare breach was a wake-up call. Many organizations didn’t even realize Change Healthcare was embedded in their services. That level of dependency on third parties makes this an ongoing issue.

6. Increased outsourcing of healthcare cybersecurity – Financial and talent shortages in healthcare are driving this trend. When hospitals are financially constrained, it’s hard to attract top-tier cybersecurity talent. We’re seeing more discussions about outsourcing key cybersecurity functions, and we expect that to accelerate in 2025. It’s not about outsourcing everything. Many organizations are adopting hybrid models where they retain strategic control but leverage partners for specialized services.

Historically, healthcare outsourcing has involved large, multi-service agreements, but we’re seeing a shift toward more targeted, expertise-driven outsourcing. CIOs and CTOs are focusing on best-of-breed partners rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

7. Adoption of Zero-Trust Architectures – Another major focus for 2025 is Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). Zero Trust is the ideal, but achieving full implementation in 2025 is unlikely. Instead, we foresee organizations focusing on foundational elements like network segmentation, multi-factor authentication, and enhanced identity management. These are necessary steps toward a Zero Trust framework, even if full adoption is years away.

8. Challenges ahead for prioritized security of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) – Another big issue in 2025 is securing the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). Regulatory efforts are starting to push device manufacturers toward greater accountability, but legacy devices remain a challenge. How do we secure them while maintaining patient care?

Medical device manufacturers are being held to higher security standards, but hospitals still rely on legacy equipment. Replacing it isn’t always feasible, so we need strategies like network segmentation and compensating controls to secure these older devices. We expect 2025 to bring a stronger focus on holding manufacturers accountable while also addressing real-world hospital constraints.

9. Increase in cybersecurity insurance premiums – Cybersecurity premiums will rise for many organizations because the financial impact of breaches is growing. While overall breach numbers dipped slightly in 2024, the scale and severity of attacks increased. Insurers are becoming more rigorous, adjusting risk profiles based on attack trends. Organizations that proactively manage cybersecurity may see some premium relief, but for most, rising risks will lead to higher costs.

10. Phishing threats still on the rise – While network servers remained the most common breach location, phishing remains a go-to tactic for threat actors, with email breaches increasing by 18% last year.

About Russell Teague
Russell Teague is Chief Information Security Officer at Fortified Health Security in Brentwood, Tennessee, the MSSP partner of choice for healthcare systems in the U.S. and across the globe. Teague was a contributor to the White House National Cybersecurity Healthcare Strategy.