Life Sciences Horizons Brochure 2025 - Flipbook - Page 24
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2025 Horizons Life Sciences and Health Care
AI and cybersecurity in life sciences: A path to resilience
Despite AI’s transformative potential, it presents
significant cybersecurity challenges. AI systems can
be exploited through hacking or manipulated with
erroneous, misleading, or intentionally harmful data.
Additionally, vulnerabilities within the supply chain
may be exploited to compromise or alter AI-driven
processes. The consequences of cyber incidents
can have a significant impact: not only can they
compromise data and systems, but they can also
undermine the integrity of research findings and
treatment outcomes, erode public trust, and impede
the progress of life-saving innovations.
As part of its digital strategy, the European Union prioritizes cyber
resilience and AI regulation. Key legislative frameworks such as
the Network and Information Systems Directive 2 (NIS2), the EU
AI Act, and the EU Cyber Resilience Act play a vital role in shaping
regulatory requirements. From a cybersecurity standpoint,
these regulations emphasize the necessity for companies to
implement proportionate and effective technical, operational,
and organizational measures to safeguard networks and systems
against cyber threats.
Enhancing AI and cybersecurity governance
To harness AI’s benefits securely and in compliance with
evolving regulations, organizations must proactively strengthen
their AI and cybersecurity governance frameworks. Key
considerations include:
Conducting periodic cybersecurity risk assessments and
AI impact assessments to identify and mitigate risks
and vulnerabilities.
Implementing and monitoring robust technical and
organizational measures and controls to ensure AI system
security, accuracy, and reliability.
Developing or updating existing cybersecurity policies
in relation to cybersecurity governance, risk-management
measures, and incident reporting obligations.
Forming a dedicated AI governance team with expertise
in cybersecurity to oversee and adapt security strategies.
Conducting regular cyber awareness training sessions, and
regular tabletop exercises with the involvement of the board
and C-suite executives.
The convergence of AI and life sciences presents remarkable
opportunities, but it also necessitates a vigilant approach to
cybersecurity. By implementing comprehensive security
measures and fostering an adaptable approach to AI and
cybersecurity governance, organizations can navigate AI’s
evolving landscape with confidence.
Chantal Van Dam
Counsel
Amsterdam
