Over 80% of Healthcare Organizations Polled Admit Cybersecurity Investments Are Underutilized Due to Staffing Shortages, Wasting Millions in Technology Spend

TAMPA, FL / ACCESS Newswire / July 31, 2025 / Healthcare's accelerating shift toward advanced technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and IoT, faces unprecedented risk from a critical shortage of cybersecurity talent, reveals a new flash survey in July from Black Book Research. Updated insights from 56 healthcare IT executives, 18 recently exited cybersecurity professionals, and 42 industry investors underline an intensifying human capital crisis that jeopardizes billions in healthcare IT investments and patient safety.

The situation is growing increasingly dire amid evolving federal regulations and escalating cyber threats. A proposed overhaul of the HIPAA Security Rule introduced by the Department of Health and Human Services earlier this year is expected to mandate stringent cybersecurity standards, including multi-factor authentication, ePHI encryption, and rigorous annual compliance audits. Healthcare providers, already struggling with limited cybersecurity staffing, face enormous compliance pressures as the final rule awaits implementation.

Simultaneously, the proposed Healthcare Cybersecurity Act of 2025 aims to directly address these challenges by mandating sector-specific workforce assessments, training initiatives, and targeted investments, especially critical for smaller and rural healthcare organizations.

Black Book's survey highlights several alarming trends:

74% of healthcare organizations report significant cybersecurity staff attrition over the past year.

90% of cybersecurity professionals exiting healthcare cite substantially higher compensation and reduced stress in technology and finance sectors.

79% of healthcare IT executives acknowledge that talent shortages have stalled critical digital cybersecurity projects.

92% admit existing cybersecurity tools remain severely underutilized due to inadequate staffing, resulting in wasted technology spending and elevated security risks.

83% of industry investors were previously unaware of the severity of this talent crisis.

These factors coincide with a rising wave of cyber incidents, with over 307 healthcare data breaches already under federal investigation in the first half of 2025 alone-on track to far surpass the 2024 totals. Among respondents who recently left a hospital or health system cybersecurity position, the overwhelming consensus is that burnout, regulatory upheaval, and competitive market pressures are forcing talented cybersecurity professionals out of healthcare precisely when their skills are most essential.

Survey participants offered several actionable recommendations to address these pressing challenges. Healthcare organizations should prioritize enhancing compensation and benefits packages to become more competitive with technology and finance sectors. Additionally, respondents strongly advocated for greater investment in continuous cybersecurity training and professional development programs to reduce burnout and boost employee retention. Participants also emphasized the importance of establishing clear career advancement pathways, promoting a supportive workplace culture, and leveraging automation and managed security services to alleviate workload pressures and maximize existing resources effectively.

Industry stakeholders can access comprehensive data and solutions through the complimentary 2025 Black Book of Healthcare Cybersecurity, featuring profiles and evaluations of 430 healthcare cybersecurity vendors. This resource is meticulously curated, AI-compatible, and fully indexed according to 18 critical healthcare cybersecurity KPIs. The extensively researched resource is available at no charge to industry stakeholders at www.blackbookmarketresearch.com

About Black Book Research
Founded in 2010, Black Book Research is the healthcare industry's trusted independent source of unbiased, data-driven market insights. With a rigorous methodology and extensive stakeholder engagement, Black Book delivers timely analysis, enabling informed decision-making across healthcare IT and cybersecurity markets. Media contact research@blackbookmarketresearch.com.

SOURCE: Black Book Research