This study addresses the swift digital transformation in healthcare by focusing on the heightened importance of safeguarding sensitive medical data. The main objectives are a detailed exploration of the security aspects of digital transformation and proposing effective solutions against emerging cyber threats, particularly emphasizing the protection of medical data. Conducting a systematic literature review, the study examines various academic resources from reputable databases, highlighting themes like digital transformation and security, medical data security, and cyber threats and defense. It underscores the multifaceted nature of digital transformation, urging the adoption of advanced encryption technologies and cybersecurity training to fortify resilience against cyber threats. The research highlights the originality of its focus on smart applications and advocates for risk analysis and management processes, prioritizing patient data security and emphasizing the identification of potential threats and vulnerabilities.
Top1. Introduction
In recent years, the healthcare industry has experienced a period in which digital transformation has accelerated and patient data has become increasingly sensitive. Patient privacy and data security are at the center of this digital transformation in healthcare (Dal Mas et al., 2023; Tosun et al., 2021). In this context, this study aims to examine in detail the security dimension of digital transformation in the healthcare sector and provide effective solutions against cyber threats. It investigates the security basis of digital transformation in the healthcare sector, focusing especially on critical issues such as the protection of medical data (see Figure 1).
Digital transformation is changing how healthcare is delivered, managed, and accessed. Patients now have access to more information and services through mobile health apps and online health resources (Dal Mas et al., 2023). Healthcare organizations can provide more effective services thanks to their ability to store and share medical records electronically. However, with this digitalization, the security of medical data becomes a big problem (Javaid et al., 2023; Transformation & Analiz, 2023). Medical data contains some of the most sensitive and personal information. The confidentiality and integrity of this data are critical for both patients and healthcare organizations. Cyber attacks can lead to serious consequences, such as theft or alteration of patient records. Additionally, medical devices and healthcare applications may also be vulnerable to cyber threats (Bhuyan et al., 2020; de Kok et al., 2023). In this context, medical data security has become one of the top priority issues in the healthcare industry. The healthcare industry is exposed to cyber threats more than ever before. Hospital networks, medical devices, and healthcare applications must be protected against cyber attacks. These threats can compromise not only hospital information but also the safety of patients. Therefore, cybersecurity defense strategies have become an urgent necessity (Firat Kilincer et al., 2023).
Important topics regarding the safety of medical data and the security of digital transformation in the healthcare industry was covered in this review study. It seeks to respond to the subsequent research inquiries:
RQ1. How does the rapid pace of digital transformation impact the security of healthcare data and systems?
RQ2. What are the most effective solutions and cybersecurity measures to counter emerging threats in the healthcare industry?
RQ3. In what ways can healthcare organizations prepare themselves to tackle future cybersecurity challenges?
Through an exploration of these issues, this paper aims to shed light on how digital security is developing in the healthcare industry and propose suggestions for a safe and robust environment. In this context, the remaining paper is arranged as follows. Chapter 2 undertakes a comprehensive exploration of current knowledge and addresses the structural foundations and methods used in the transition from traditional health practices to the world of Health 4.0. Chapter 3 provides a presentation of the world of possibilities as it dives into various scenarios designed to predict future trends in the subject matter. In the final stage, where the findings of the research in the previous chapters are discussed in detail, Chapter 4 synthesizes the knowledge and transforms it into a coherent insight, enabling a deeper understanding of the subject under consideration.