Artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly transforming the landscape of both healthcare delivery and cybersecurity, according to Anahi Santiago, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at ChristianaCare, Delaware’s largest healthcare provider. Speaking during an interview with Information Security Media Group at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Santiago highlighted the dual role of AI in enhancing operational efficiency and integrating into patient care.
Santiago noted the positive impact AI has on productivity within cybersecurity teams, emphasizing that clinicians within ChristianaCare are increasingly recognizing the advantages of incorporating AI tools into their care practices. This enthusiasm for AI reflects a broader trend within the healthcare sector, where technology is being leveraged to improve both clinical outcomes and organizational security.
However, Santiago cautioned that the rise of AI does not come without risks. Cybercriminals are exploiting AI for malicious purposes, including social engineering attacks. This presents a unique challenge for organizations like ChristianaCare as they navigate the evolving threat landscape. In response to these challenges, Santiago indicated that the institution has updated its educational strategies to include training focused on the implications of AI technologies, such as deepfake scenarios that could deceive both staff and patients.
In her conversation, Santiago further explored how ChristianaCare is proactively addressing the threats posed by AI-fueled deception. By shifting their educational frameworks, ChristianaCare aims to better equip its workforce to recognize and mitigate potential risks presented by malicious actors utilizing advanced technologies.
Beyond AI’s applications in security, Santiago discussed the most promising uses of AI that can directly benefit cybersecurity professionals, offering insights into how these innovations can bolster defenses. Additionally, she pointed out not only AI advancements but also other emerging technologies that stand to reshape patient care and the associated cybersecurity needs.
Santiago brings a wealth of experience to her role, having previously served as an information security and privacy officer for over a decade at Einstein Healthcare Network. Her active participation in numerous cybersecurity organizations—including the Healthcare Sector Coordinating Council’s Cybersecurity Working Group and the Delaware Healthcare Cybersecurity Alliance—positions her as a leading figure in advocating for robust cybersecurity practices across the healthcare sector.
As the conversation around AI and cybersecurity continues to evolve, organizations like ChristianaCare must navigate the delicate balance between technological advancement and the potential risks posed by adversaries. The integration of AI into healthcare not only opens new avenues for patient care but also necessitates a vigilant approach to cybersecurity, in order to safeguard sensitive information against increasingly sophisticated attacks. Leveraging frameworks such as the MITRE ATT&CK Matrix, organizations can better understand potential tactics and techniques employed by adversaries, enhancing their overall security posture.
