Building a resilient cybersecurity program amidst regulatory change

Shifting from regulatory compliance to cyber resilience 

Cyberattacks targeting healthcare organizations are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread, while regulatory requirements continue to grow in complexity. For healthcare leaders, this dual pressure raises a critical question for healthcare leaders: Should the priority be strict adherence to every new regulation, or building a cybersecurity foundation that is resilient, adaptive and future-ready? 

The answer is clear — prioritize cyber resilience.  

Rather than reacting to each regulatory shift, healthcare organizations should focus on developing a robust cybersecurity program that proactively safeguards patient data and critical systems. A resilience-first approach not only positions organizations to meet complex compliance requirements more naturally, but also strengthens their ability to anticipate, withstand and recover from emerging threats. By shifting the mindset from compliance-driven to resilience-driven, healthcare leaders can better protect their institutions—and the people who depend on them. 

A practical starting point lies in adopting the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), which is endorsed by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) as a reliable structure for risk-based security programs. Anchoring efforts on this framework enables healthcare organizations to align their cybersecurity strategies with recognized standards while preparing for regulatory changes. 

A strong core cybersecurity program matters 

The value of a strong cybersecurity program extends far beyond legal compliance. At its core, it serves to protect sensitive patient information and uphold the trust that is fundamental to the provider-patient relationship. Patients expect their health data to remain private and secure. When that trust is broken—through a breach or security lapse—it can undermine confidence not only in the organization’s technology, but in the quality of care itself.  

By investing in a resilient cybersecurity foundation, healthcare organizations reinforce both their legal obligations and their ethical commitment to patient safety and trust.