Elevating healthcare cybersecurity beyond medical devices in 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, there are five key trends that will define the future of healthcare cybersecurity and change the game for vendors and organisations alike.

1. Cybersecurity becomes a core operational business strategy

A strategic shift in the perception and application of cybersecurity initiatives has been in the works for some time now. In 2026, we will see cybersecurity moving from a “nice to have” to table stakes that inform and reflect the other business objectives for healthcare organisations. Every individual contributor’s actions aligning will be what creates the most successful outcomes.

To support this, security solutions and technology vendors will need to show their value by demonstrating how they can support initiatives like operational efficiency and smarter resource use. For example, data from a cybersecurity platform could improve patient scheduling or help make better use of medical devices across the facility, which in turn can create cost savings and maximise the investment of your medical device fleet.

Healthcare organisations will seek security partners who can play the long game and fit just as well with their technology stack as they do with their strategic goals. Making cybersecurity a shared goal and embedding key security practices into day-to-day tasks will help facilitate teamwork and collaboration that is necessary to keep patient care secure and protected.

2. Organisational structures converge to join forces on security practices

The emphasis on aligning Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) teams and IT Security teams will only gain momentum. In the past, these organisations have been disconnected, focused on their own priorities, and often lacking clear communication and guidance from other teams, which prevents real progress in holistic security. Healthcare organisations are seeing the benefit of bringing these teams together. Their shared goal is to improve cybersecurity (in the pursuit of protecting patient care delivery), ensure medical devices work correctly, and boost operational efficiency.

Increasing financial and staffing pressures will make this collaboration even more critical. With widespread layoffs and budget cuts, having IT security be an island of its own is less and less feasible. Personal accountability and shared vision will be essential to make every move count. By combining the expertise of HTM and IT Security, healthcare organisations can build a unified approach to cybersecurity, break down barriers, and work together to tackle the vulnerabilities and risks that leave the door open for bad actors.

3. Proactive device lifecycle management: The new frontier for medical device security

‘Proactive’ has been the keyword in the cybersecurity space for the past few years, and 2026 will be no exception. While there are all sorts of innovative technologies and threat hunting tactics that help organisations move “left of boom” and preempt cyberattacks, device lifecycle management will be the underdog that becomes a crucial defence in healthcare.

Managing an expansive medical device and technology fleet throughout each asset’s lifecycle requires thinking ahead. Specialised equipment like heart monitors or imaging machines is in circulation for an average of 15 years, but is often used for far longer.

There are countless touchpoints and security requirements throughout this lifecycle, including scheduled maintenance, vulnerability management, and planned upgrades or obsolescence, which are crucial for extinguishing risks before they result in clinical disruption.  This strategy will help prevent security gaps that are too often exploited by bad actors for financial gain, and keep medical devices available and secure whenever they’re needed.

4. Regulatory pressure and public demands continue to intensify

Both government advisories and public expectations are raising the stakes for healthcare organisations. There is no shortage of rulebooks and frameworks for healthcare organisations to follow, which can make establishing an effective cybersecurity strategy confusing.

HDOs should continue to look toward industry best practices and effective frameworks like the European Medical Device regulation (MDR) or NIST Cybersecurity Framework to ensure they are considering every angle and potential security gap in the patient journey. 

Cybersecurity is now a collective challenge that spans everything from medical device manufacturers to daily employee security practices. Every provider, employee, and leader must play their part to protect patient care. The public expects healthcare organisations to take care of them during their most vulnerable moments.

It’s time for the entire healthcare and technology community to come together with the patient’s best interests at heart, and ensure that we are providing the safest possible environments for patient care, and ensure sensitive data is thoroughly protected. Consistent pressure from both regulatory bodies and the general public to do better will continue throughout the year ahead, but being able to demonstrate effective security policies and procedures will go a long way in setting minds at ease.

5. Moving beyond ‘Medical Device Security’

As healthcare environments continue to adapt and innovate, the image of what a ‘medical device’ looks like is also changing. Hospitals are continuing to adopt smart technology and power more digital patient experiences, which in turn expands the security landscape to include more than just what meets the eye.

The broader definition of technology in healthcare is often overlooked, ignoring essential assets like security cameras, digital signage, patient check-in kiosks, HVAC systems, or pharmacy management systems. Limiting the focus of cybersecurity on only a select few of these devices only adds to the lack of visibility and protection in healthcare.

Savvy organisations and those further along their cybersecurity maturity journey will take cues from other industries and apply a complete view of their exposures for every asset. In 2026, the term ‘medical device security’ may start to feel outdated. This changes the game for security. Organisations that can show they are serious about protecting every asset will build trust and lead the way in this new era of healthcare.

Looking ahead to a new approach to healthcare cybersecurity

The healthcare cybersecurity landscape is changing quickly. The trends we see emerging for 2026 point to a future where security is deeply integrated into every aspect of healthcare delivery. For too long, cybersecurity has been seen as a tool or an initiative that is solely for InfoSec teams.

To make a lasting impact, cybersecurity initiatives will need to map directly to patient outcomes and be championed by every individual and vendor in any given healthcare facility. For security leaders, this is an opportunity to drive meaningful change.

By breaking down silos between HTM and IT, adopting a lifecycle approach to device management, and ensuring advanced security processes align with more comprehensive industry guidelines, you can build a stronger, more resilient organisation.

It’s about moving beyond old definitions and embracing a comprehensive security strategy that protects your entire environment. The organisations that adapt to these changes will enhance their security posture and make key strides to improve their overall patient care processes.