Abu Dhabi DoH, CPX partner to enhance cybersecurity in healthcare

Cyber threats don't knock — they barge in. And when it comes to healthcare, the stakes are sky-high. That's why the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) and cybersecurity heavyweight CPX have decided to lock arms. During the splashy Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, the two signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to beef up the digital walls guarding patient data and healthcare infrastructure.

Their aim? Turn Abu Dhabi's healthcare system into a digital fortress — nimble, secure, and world-class.

How will it work?

This isn't just another handshake photo-op. The agreement sets the stage for a hands-on collaboration:

• Cyber drills across the healthcare sector will test response readiness — think fire drills, but for digital emergencies.
• Experts from both sides will swap insights to sharpen their defenses.
• Upskilling programs and events will train healthcare workers to spot, prevent, and respond to cyber threats.

Engineer Eissa Nasser Alhammadi, who heads up DoH's Information and Cyber Security Office, put it plainly: "We are taking a vital step towards protecting our healthcare ecosystem... aligning it with global best practices in cybersecurity."

CPX brings its full suite of cybersecurity tools to the table, while DoH offers deep knowledge of the healthcare terrain. Together, they're crafting a system where cybersecurity isn't an afterthought — it's baked in.

Why does it matter?

Let's face it: modern medicine runs on data. From MRI scans to prescription histories, patient info flows through digital veins. That's great for care — but ripe for cyberattacks.

• A breach could mean more than lost data. It could delay care, scramble diagnoses, or even put lives at risk.
• With connected systems on the rise — AI diagnostics, remote monitoring, digital prescriptions — threats can spread faster than ever.
• A resilient cybersecurity system isn't just about protection; it's about trust. And trust is the backbone of any healthcare relationship.

As CPX CEO Hadi Anwar said, "We are creating a resilient digital ecosystem built on trust... [supporting] better patient outcomes through secure uninterrupted services."

The context

The timing couldn't be better. As Abu Dhabi's healthcare sector doubles down on digital transformation — embracing AI, automation, and real-time data — its attack surface grows too. It's not just about firewalls anymore; it's about culture, coordination, and keeping up with a world where cyber threats are evolving faster than flu strains.

This MoU is part of a broader push to stay ahead of those threats:

• Aligning with global standards
• Sharing knowledge locally
• Preparing for the worst, even when hoping for the best

The message is clear: cybersecurity isn't a luxury. It's a necessity — one that underpins the future of smart, safe, and seamless healthcare in Abu Dhabi.