Why Healthcare Cybersecurity Staffing Matters
Healthcare cybersecurity staffing is critical right now. As hospitals evolve at breakneck speed and healthcare systems gather sensitive patient data, cyber threats are on the rise. According to a recent report, U.S. health systems are investigating 307 breaches in just the first half of 2025—already nearing 2024’s record of 385 .
Adding to the challenge, talent is scarce. Many effective cybersecurity professionals come from IT consultancies—not hospitals. That’s forcing health systems to build in-house training pipelines tailored to their unique environment
Challenges in Hiring Cyber Talent for Healthcare
1)Experience Gap – True cybersecurity specialists with healthcare knowledge are rare.
Frank Sinatra, CISO at University Hospital (NJ), shared: “we really have to develop our own talent,” often hiring programmers and training them on threat detection
2) Budget Constraints – Healthcare salaries tend to lag tech sectors:
“You’re looking at more like $150,000, and that’s not the salary we’re paying,” Sinatra admits
3) Legacy Systems – Outdated software (e.g., Windows 2003) adds technical debt that surprises external hires .
4) Cultural Fit – Cyber staff must align with healthcare’s mission-driven values—not just technical skills.
Winning Staffing Strategies
- Grow From Within
At University Hospital, Sinatra hired a programmer, then trained them in cybersecurity. The result? A manager who automated alert handling, improved detection, and learned fast
- Focus on Drive and Attitude
Sinatra advises looking for curious self-starters. He hired someone who “takes it personally” when systems are threatened—transforming potential into performance
- Combine Mission + Technical Training
At Children’s Nebraska, CISO Melissa Rappl emphasizes strategic hiring, robust operations, and learning culture. This approach includes partnerships with CrowdStrike and ongoing staff exercises .
- Upskill IT and Engineering Staff
Tower Health built cybersecurity leaders from IT support or engineering roles. They supported them with CISSP training and third-party coaching .
- Use a “Try Before You Buy” Model
Temporary hires through staffing agencies helped MultiCare Health evaluate candidates’ curiosity and motivation before making full-time offers .
Key Attributes Healthcare Employers Should Seek
- Technical Curiosity: Able to explore log patterns, detect anomalies quickly, and avoid deep but unproductive rabbit holes .
- Growth Mindset: Continuously learning via events, certifications, and simulations .
- Patient-Centric Approach: High-performing teams are rooted in mission and values aligned with patient care .
Why This Strategy Works
- Custom Fit: New hires adapt to healthcare’s systems and regulations rather than struggle with misalignment.
- Cost Efficiency: In-house training reduces dependency on expensive consultants.
- Culture & Loyalty: Staff developed internally are typically more committed and mission-focused.
- Scalable Teams: Easy to replicate across multiple regions and facility types.
Conclusion:
As cyber threats grow more complex, investing in the right people is just as critical as the technology itself. By focusing on upskilling, mission alignment, and proactive recruitment, health systems can build resilient, future-ready teams. Prioritizing Healthcare Cybersecurity Staffing today ensures safer care environments and stronger patient trust tomorrow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Teams at University Hospital, Tower Health, and MultiCare built cybersecurity teams by upskilling talented employees with coding or IT experience
Focus on mission, learning culture, career growth, and unique healthcare challenges rather than matching Silicon Valley salaries.
Include CISSP classroom prep, vendor-led drills (e.g., CrowdStrike), sandbox threat detection exercises, and continuous learning opportunities.
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