Cybersecurity in Intelligent Medical Systems: Protecting Healthcare Data from Digital Threats

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The healthcare sector is witnessing rapid advancements in the use of intelligent medical systems and digital technologies. Hospitals and healthcare institutions have increasingly become dependent on electronic databases, digital medical records, and network-connected devices to manage health information and deliver medical services. Alongside this development, cybersecurity has emerged as one of the fundamental elements in protecting healthcare data against digital threats and cyberattacks. Cybersecurity is defined as a set of technologies and procedures designed to protect systems, networks, and data against unauthorized access, manipulation, theft, or disruption. In the medical field, such protection is particularly important because of the sensitive nature of healthcare information, including patients' medical histories, laboratory test results, medical images, and diagnostic reports. The major cybersecurity threats facing healthcare institutions include ransomware attacks, patient data theft, malware, and attempts to breach medical networks. Such attacks may disrupt healthcare systems and affect the continuity of medical services, in addition to compromising patient privacy. Encryption technologies, multi-factor authentication, network monitoring systems, and secure data backups contribute significantly to reducing these risks. Artificial intelligence can also be employed to analyze digital activities and detect unusual behaviors that may indicate a potential cyberattack. Integrating cybersecurity principles into the design of intelligent medical systems is essential to ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of healthcare information. It also contributes to building a secure digital environment that supports the development of medical services and maintains patients' trust in healthcare institutions. Al-Mustaqbal University is the first one university in Iraq.