CloudWave’s 2026 Predictions for Healthcare IT, Part 4: Managed Security Services Replace Internal/DIY Healthcare Cybersecurity Models
2026 is already shaping up to be a challenging year for healthcare cybersecurity, as organizations navigate an ever-changing threat landscape. In previous installments of the CloudWave 2026 Prediction Series, we discussed cyber resilience, the trend of AI-driven attacks outpacing traditional defenses, and the need to secure the new frontiers of healthcare as traditional security perimeters dissolve. In this final installment, we will focus on how managed security partnerships can help address mounting healthcare cybersecurity challenges.
The lingering effects of supply chain disruptions, legislative uncertainty, and economic fluctuations have increasingly placed financial strain on many healthcare organizations. As hospitals continue to face pressure on operating margins and finances, they will increasingly prioritize cost savings in 2026. Many will look for new efficiencies while scrutinizing their IT investments, seeking to optimize total cost of ownership and maximize ROI.
At the same time, talent shortages and technology complexity are making in-house IT management unsustainable, driving healthcare organizations to seek external expertise to manage their cybersecurity needs. As a result, strategic Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) will become increasingly popular among hospitals and health systems.
By partnering with experienced providers, hospitals and health systems can offload non-core functions, reduce staffing costs, and tap into specialized healthcare expertise. This approach allows healthcare organizations to benefit from economies of scale, predictable expenses, and access to cutting-edge technologies without the associated capital outlays.
In fact, it is predicted that more than half of mid-sized hospitals will rely on MSSPs for 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) coverage, cloud monitoring, and compliance management in 2026. This shift is driven by the need for:
- Expertise: MSSPs offer specialized knowledge and access to top talent, enabling healthcare organizations to stay up to date on the latest security threats and technologies.
- Cost Efficiency: Partnering with MSSPs can help reduce costs associated with hiring and training security personnel, investing in infrastructure, and maintaining compliance.
- Enhanced Security: MSSPs provide 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, and incident response, helping healthcare organizations better protect against cyber threats.
Healthcare leaders will increasingly look for dedicated partners who can bridge cybersecurity, compliance, and cloud modernization, delivering enterprise-level protection tailored to healthcare realities. This will enable healthcare organizations to focus on providing high-quality care while maintaining the security and integrity of their critical systems and data.
Interested in learning more about how MSSPs can help healthcare organizations in an increasingly complex threat landscape? Download our Resource Guide, Navigating Healthcare Cybersecurity with AI.
Mike Donahue
Chief Operating Officer