Together against cyber attacks: Working group promotes exchange and networking in the healthcare sector

The "Digital Security in Healthcare" working group has been established within the German Informatics Society (Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V.). The founding members are THI Professor Patrizia Heinl, Professor Andrius Patapovas, Nuremberg Institute of Technology, and Professor Michael Pilgermann, Brandenburg Institute of Technology.

One of the aims of the working group is to raise awareness of the topic of "digital security in healthcare" and current developments in cyber attacks. In addition, a forum is to be created that promotes a qualified and practical exchange between players and interest groups from industry and research. Networking at the EU level with leading international institutes is also planned.

Increasing digitalization in the healthcare sector, which is being driven by new technological developments but also in response to the shortage of skilled workers, means that hospitals and other healthcare facilities are increasingly becoming the focus of cyberattacks. Accordingly, new IT security requirements are also emerging. The exchange of information initiated by the working group is intended to strengthen IT and AI security in healthcare to recognize cyberattacks at an early stage and take appropriate countermeasures.

The dialogue takes place on a dedicated platform and in regular (online) meetings. Workshops, scientific colloquia, and other event formats are also planned. Specific projects will be explored and prepared in the working group. There will also be an overview of relevant publications, events, and examples on the topic.

The annual work plan for 2024 will be discussed by the Digital Security in Healthcare working group at an online meeting on 19 April 2024 from 2 pm. Interested parties are invited to take part in the meeting. Further information is available online at ak-ds-gesundheit.gi.de.

The Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. is the largest professional association for computer science in the German-speaking world. Since 1969, it has represented the interests of computer scientists in science, society, and politics and is committed to digitization for the common good.