Medicine in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Cybersecurity, Hybrid Threats and Resilience

Fast development of digital and computer systems has profoundly shaped the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and expanded its use across almost every aspect of society. Medicine stands among the fields most deeply transformed by this revolution where AI can accelerate diagnostic processes, personalize treatments, support clinical decision-making and enhance education. Yet the same technological progress that enables these benefits also introduces new vulnerabilities and exposure to growing cyber threats. As in other areas of use of digital and computer technologies (especially advanced ones), the possibility of their misuse for various purposes and with different motives is increasing: from personal revenge, through organized crime (national and international) and influencing operations to espionage and terrorism. This paper explores the dual nature of AI in medicine: as both an enabler of progress and a potential vector of systemic risk, through the lenses of information and cybersecurity, intelligence, and resilience. It examines the technological and organizational dimensions of these challenges by jointly analyzing documented AI-enabled clinical infrastructures, data flows, and security controls alongside governance structures, institutional responsibilities, and human factors shaping system resilience. As researchers, clinicians, technologists, intelligence analysts, and security professionals, we believe that this human dimension must guide all our efforts to ensure that AI (today and in the future) serves its true purpose: strengthening medicine’s capacity to heal, protect, learn, prevent, and uphold the dignity of human life.

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Publication Details

Journal
Applied Sciences
Published
2026-02-10
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/app16041736
Primary Topic
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Medicine in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Cybersecurity, Hybrid Threats and Resilience

Gordan Akrap, Ivo Dumić-Čule, Sonja Jandroković, Natalija Parlov
Applied Sciences
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
article

Medicine in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Cybersecurity, Hybrid Threats and Resilience

Gordan Akrap, Ivo Dumić-Čule, Sonja Jandroković, Natalija Parlov
article en

Abstract

Fast development of digital and computer systems has profoundly shaped the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and expanded its use across almost every aspect of society. Medicine stands among the fields most deeply transformed by this revolution where AI can accelerate diagnostic processes, personalize treatments, support clinical decision-making and enhance education. Yet the same technological progress that enables these benefits also introduces new vulnerabilities and exposure to growing cyber threats. As in other areas of use of digital and computer technologies (especially advanced ones), the possibility of their misuse for various purposes and with different motives is increasing: from personal revenge, through organized crime (national and international) and influencing operations to espionage and terrorism. This paper explores the dual nature of AI in medicine: as both an enabler of progress and a potential vector of systemic risk, through the lenses of information and cybersecurity, intelligence, and resilience. It examines the technological and organizational dimensions of these challenges by jointly analyzing documented AI-enabled clinical infrastructures, data flows, and security controls alongside governance structures, institutional responsibilities, and human factors shaping system resilience. As researchers, clinicians, technologists, intelligence analysts, and security professionals, we believe that this human dimension must guide all our efforts to ensure that AI (today and in the future) serves its true purpose: strengthening medicine’s capacity to heal, protect, learn, prevent, and uphold the dignity of human life.

Applied SciencesVol. 16(4)
University of Zagreb (HR), University North (HR), University of Zadar (HR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 63%
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
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