Building a cyber-resilient life sciences organization

A growing emphasis on patient-centered business models has sped up digital transformation and technology investments in the life sciences industry. As companies innovate to create better health outcomes, there is a growing need to strengthen their security posture to defend against new cyber threats and build customer trust.

CISOs are likely to play a key role in shaping a broader dialogue on cyber resilience, helping companies secure data, maintaining compliance, and protecting the business. Four considerations stand out as life sciences leaders navigate the future of healthcare.

Digital trust: A shared responsibility

To build digital trust among stakeholders, leading life sciences companies are prioritizing transparency and data privacy. A CISO must work with the Board and C-suite to change the narrative about cyber as a positive enabler of trust and ultimately, a competitive advantage. 

Unobtrusive security drives secure behaviors

CISOs need to create a more security-aware workforce that is guided by robust IT governance. By participating in the right forums and industry discussions, life sciences companies can gain an outside-in perspective which can in turn help drive the necessary cultural changes across the enterprise. 

Securing a perimeter-less and data-centric future

Life sciences companies need to find a middle ground between on-and off-prem systems to develop a mature security model in an interconnected, digital world. Adopting innovative approaches such as zero trust frameworks is critical to minimizing the impact of cyber incidents across a distributed user ecosystem. 

Trust in automation

With automation now front and center in business transformation dialogues, companies must improve visibility into AI implementation across their organization and document it. Training and awareness among employees interacting with AI/ML models is essential, especially with new AI regulations on the horizon.

Forward-looking CISOs are focused on developing robust people, processes, data, technology, and compliance strategies as they seek to secure their operations, fast-track recovery, and build a more resilient life sciences business.