At the Day Hospitals Australia Conference, cybersecurity was a key topic of discussion. Healthcare leaders, government representatives, and IT experts came together to address the growing threat of cyber-attacks on hospitals and medical organisations.
With sensitive data and digital systems increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, proactive cybersecurity strategies are essential. As sponsor and host of the panel Solutions for Cyber Security, Tecnic Group facilitated an open discussion on how healthcare providers can strengthen their defences and build long-term resilience across the sector.
Understanding the Cyber Threat
The panel was chaired by Josh Paul, Managing Director of Tecnic Group, and featured experts from across healthcare and government, including Serena King, Assistant Director, Cyber Security Engagement WA at the National Office of Cyber Security within the Department of Home Affairs, Grant Lockwood, Chief Information Security Officer at Virtus Health, Dwight Hellings, Account Director at PSC Mediprotect, and Dr David Canty, Consultant Anaesthetist and Academic Director of Ultrasound Simulation at the University of Melbourne.
Together, the panel explored how cyber-attacks occur and how increasingly sophisticated techniques are being used to target healthcare systems. Artificial intelligence and automation are making phishing scams and social engineering attempts more convincing than ever.
Dr Canty noted that even staff who are normally cautious can be caught out when attackers use AI to craft believable messages that exploit trust or fear. This reinforces why awareness training and layered protection are critical components of any cybersecurity strategy.
Building a Culture of Cyber Resilience
The panel agreed that technology alone is not enough to protect an organisation. True resilience starts with people who understand their role in keeping information secure.
Hospitals can strengthen security by training staff to recognise phishing attempts, implementing secure password practices, and enforcing multi-factor authentication. Systems should be updated regularly and tested to ensure they can withstand potential incidents.
Dwight Hellings from PSC Mediprotect highlighted the importance of preparation. Organisations that rehearse their response plans and simulate cyber incidents are better positioned to recover quickly and minimise disruption.
The discussion also highlighted the value of maintaining clean and up-to-date data records. Removing outdated or unnecessary patient data reduces exposure during a breach and allows teams to focus on protecting what matters most.
Practical Steps for Healthcare Organisations
The panel outlined several practical actions healthcare organisations can apply:
- Developing and testing detailed incident response plans
- Regularly updating software, encrypting devices, and backing up data
- Using multi-factor authentication across all systems
- Reviewing and updating data retention policies to limit exposure
- Following recognised compliance and governance frameworks
These measures help foster a workplace where cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and trust is maintained.
Tecnic Group’s Commitment to Cybersecurity Leadership
By sponsoring and hosting the Solutions for Cyber Security panel, Tecnic Group demonstrated its commitment to supporting Australian organisations in strengthening their cyber resilience.
Since 2014, Tecnic has supported healthcare, defence, and enterprise clients through managed IT services, cloud infrastructure, and tailored cybersecurity solutions. The company prioritises clarity and collaboration, helping clients understand complex systems and respond confidently to digital risks.
Under the leadership of Josh Paul, Tecnic Group continues to simplify technology so organisations can focus on their core operations. Sponsoring industry discussions reflects Tecnic’s belief that education, collaboration, and awareness are among the most effective defences against cyber threats.
Tecnic Group’s Vision for Secure and Connected Healthcare
The Day Hospitals Australia Conference reinforced an important principle: cybersecurity in healthcare is a shared responsibility. Protecting sensitive information and maintaining operational stability requires collaboration between healthcare providers, government, and technology experts.
Tecnic Group remains committed to contributing to this shared effort. Through long-term partnerships, educational initiatives, and industry collaboration, Tecnic continues to promote proactive cybersecurity practices that protect healthcare organisations and the communities they serve.
As technology evolves, Tecnic’s focus remains consistent. The company aims to deliver IT solutions that are simple, secure, and dependable, empowering healthcare organisations to remain connected, resilient, and confident in an increasingly digital environment.
