Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Focuses on the escalating cybersecurity challenges unique to healthcare
- Explores new legislation, AI risks, and IoMT security
- Brings together healthcare providers, innovators, corporates, and academics
- Features keynotes, panels, technical sessions, and networking
- Addresses regulatory compliance, ransomware, and supply chain risks
The Cyber Security for Healthcare Conference 2026 convenes at Dundalk Institute of Technology, Ireland, for a one-day, in-person gathering dedicated to the urgent and evolving cybersecurity needs of the healthcare sector. Organised by the Connected Health & Wellbeing Cluster (DkIT) and Cyber Ireland Cluster (MTU), with support from HIRANI and Trend AI, the event draws a diverse mix of healthcare providers, technology innovators, corporates, and academic leaders. The agenda is shaped by the rising frequency and cost of cyberattacks targeting healthcare, and the growing complexity of regulatory compliance.
Industry Context and Relevance
Healthcare has emerged as one of the most-targeted critical sectors for cybercriminals. The proliferation of digital health records, connected medical devices, and third-party integrations has expanded the attack surface, making robust cybersecurity not just a technical necessity but a matter of patient safety and operational continuity. The conference responds to this reality by spotlighting the latest threats, regulatory shifts, and practical solutions tailored to healthcare environments.
Discussion Themes and Topics
- Cybersecurity challenges and evolving legislation in healthcare, including NIS2 and CMMI
- AI in healthcare—security risks such as prompt injection and deepfake phishing
- Supply chain and third-party risk management
- Medical device and IoMT (Internet of Medical Things) security
- Ransomware threats and crisis response strategies
- Non-technical intrusions and social engineering
- Case studies and best practices for hospital cybersecurity
- Integrating charities and voluntary organisations with HSE cybersecurity frameworks
Sessions are designed to move beyond theory, offering real-world case studies and actionable insights. The inclusion of AI governance and IoMT security reflects the sector’s rapid digital transformation and the operational challenges that come with it.
Audience and Value
The event is tailored for healthtech innovators, cybersecurity vendors, technology companies, medtech, pharma, and life science organisations. Hospital IT departments, healthcare administrators, policy makers, investors, and academic researchers will find the content particularly relevant. Senior IT, security, compliance, and executive leaders in healthcare organisations are positioned to gain strategic and operational value from the sessions and networking opportunities.
Operational Challenges and Solutions
Healthcare organisations face mounting pressure to secure digital assets while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. The conference addresses these challenges head-on, with sessions on compliance with NIS2 and CMMI, securing connected medical devices, managing third-party risks, and responding to ransomware incidents. The focus on building organisational resilience and awareness is woven throughout the program.
Format and Experience
The one-day, in-person format combines keynote presentations, panel discussions, technical sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. An expo area and optional pre-event dinner foster further collaboration and partnership development. The event’s structure encourages open dialogue and practical knowledge sharing among stakeholders.
Notable Collaborators and Speakers
- Trend AI
- Smarttech24/7
- Santegic
- Mini Digi Hub
- CloudAssist
- HSE (Health Service Executive)
- Connected Health & Wellbeing Cluster (DkIT)
- Cyber Ireland Cluster (MTU)
- HIRANI
By convening a cross-section of industry leaders, technology providers, and policy makers, the Cyber Security for Healthcare Conference 2026 aims to strengthen the security posture of health systems and foster a collaborative approach to the sector’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges.