Tackling AI Threats, Ransomware and Emerging Risks in Digital Health

As healthcare organisations continue to embrace digital transformation, cybersecurity has become one of the most significant challenges facing the sector. From AI-powered healthcare solutions and connected medical devices to electronic health records and cloud-based systems, healthcare providers are increasingly reliant on technology to deliver services and improve patient outcomes.

However, this digital evolution also brings new risks.

Healthcare organisations remain a prime target for cybercriminals due to the sensitive nature of patient data, the complexity of healthcare systems and the critical services they provide. The rise of artificial intelligence, increasing regulatory requirements and sophisticated cyberattacks have created a rapidly changing threat landscape that healthcare leaders can no longer afford to ignore.

To help organisations understand and prepare for these challenges, the Connected Health & Wellbeing Cluster (DkIT) and Cyber Ireland, in collaboration with the Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland (HIRANI) and with support from TrendAI and InterTradeIreland, will host the Cybersecurity for Healthcare 2026 Conference on 1 July 2026 at Dundalk Institute of Technology. The conference will bring together healthcare leaders, healthtech innovators, cybersecurity professionals, researchers and policymakers from across the island of Ireland to explore emerging threats, share best practices and strengthen cyber resilience across the healthcare sector.

Bringing Healthcare and Cybersecurity Together

The conference will bring together healthcare providers, healthtech and medtech companies, cybersecurity professionals, researchers, policymakers and innovators for a full day of expert insights, practical demonstrations and networking opportunities.

The event has been designed to address the unique cybersecurity challenges facing healthcare organisations today, while exploring how emerging technologies can be deployed safely and securely.

Delegates will gain valuable insights into current threats, regulatory developments, security best practices and the future of cyber resilience within healthcare environments.

Understanding the New Healthcare Cybersecurity Landscape

Healthcare organisations are operating in an environment where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and disruptive.

Ransomware attacks continue to impact healthcare services worldwide, while AI-enabled cyberattacks, deepfakes and social engineering techniques are creating new vulnerabilities. At the same time, organisations must navigate evolving compliance requirements such as NIS2 and increasing expectations around supply chain security, governance and risk management.

The conference programme will explore these issues through expert presentations, case studies and practical demonstrations designed specifically for healthcare audiences.

Topics include:

  • The evolving cyber threat landscape in healthcare
  • AI-enabled cyberattacks and emerging risks
  • AI governance and cybersecurity considerations
  • Ransomware prevention and response
  • NIS2 readiness and compliance
  • Medical device and connected healthcare security
  • Supply chain and vendor risk management
  • Governance, resilience and organisational preparedness
  • Best practices for prevention, detection and response

Expert Speakers Sharing Real-World Experience

Cyber Security for Healthcare 2026 features speakers from across healthcare, cybersecurity and technology sectors who bring practical experience and industry expertise.

Delegates will hear from healthcare cybersecurity leaders, security practitioners and innovators who are working at the forefront of protecting healthcare systems and patient data.

The conference will provide attendees with practical guidance they can apply within their own organisations, whether they work in healthcare delivery, digital health innovation, medical technology, research or cybersecurity.

Live Demonstrations and Interactive Sessions

One of the highlights of the conference will be a series of practical demonstrations designed to showcase real-world cyber risks and mitigation strategies.

Attendees will have the opportunity to see how healthcare AI systems can be manipulated or exploited, helping organisations better understand the vulnerabilities that may exist within emerging technologies.

The programme will also explore how AI can be used as both a defensive and offensive tool in cybersecurity, providing valuable insights into the opportunities and risks associated with the rapid adoption of AI across healthcare.

These practical sessions are designed to move beyond theory and give delegates a deeper understanding of the cybersecurity challenges they may face in their own environments.

Supporting Cyber Resilience Across Healthcare

As healthcare becomes increasingly interconnected, cybersecurity can no longer be viewed solely as an IT issue. It is a strategic priority that impacts patient safety, operational continuity, regulatory compliance and organisational reputation.

Building cyber resilience requires collaboration between healthcare providers, technology companies, policymakers and security experts.

Events such as Cyber Security for Healthcare 2026 play an important role in bringing these communities together to share knowledge, learn from each other and develop practical solutions to common challenges.

The conference also reflects the growing importance of cybersecurity within the Connected Health & Wellbeing ecosystem, supporting organisations as they navigate digital transformation while maintaining trust, security and resilience.

Who Should Attend?

This conference is designed for:

  • Healthcare providers and hospital leaders
  • Healthtech and medtech companies
  • Digital health innovators and entrepreneurs
  • Healthcare IT and information security teams
  • Cybersecurity professionals
  • Researchers and academics
  • Policymakers and regulators
  • Healthcare administrators and operational leaders

Whether your organisation is developing innovative healthcare technologies, managing patient data, delivering healthcare services or supporting healthcare infrastructure, the conference offers valuable insights and practical takeaways.

Join Us at DKIT

Cybersecurity for Healthcare 2026 provides a unique opportunity to hear from leading experts, explore emerging threats and technologies, and connect with professionals working at the intersection of healthcare and cybersecurity.

As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, understanding cybersecurity risks and building resilient systems will be critical to protecting services, safeguarding patient data and enabling innovation.

Join healthcare and cybersecurity leaders from across Ireland and beyond for a day of learning, collaboration and practical insights into the future of healthcare cybersecurity.