Cybersecurity governance in the healthcare sector during digital transformation

An integrated model and hybrid analytical approach

Bibliographic Data

ID22066565
AuthorsAmnah Alharbi (Qassim University, corresponding author), Ali Alkhalifah (0000-0001-5581-5336, Qassim University, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume13
Pages1703689-1703689
Publication date2025-11-19
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1703689
PMID41346737
OpenAlexW4416402992
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited98

Introduction: Digital transformation is increasingly relied upon in the healthcare sector, enhancing service efficiency but posing security challenges related to privacy and trust. With the increasing use of digital technologies, cybersecurity issues are becoming more critical, especially given the risks of breaches and data leaks. Therefore, understanding the impact of security factors on employee security behavior during digital transformation is critical. Methods: Based on general deterrence theory and protection motivation theory, this study developed a research framework for examining digital transformation factors, such as complexity (the interconnectedness of diverse digital health systems) and exploitability (the potential for vulnerabilities in those systems to be leveraged by attackers), and cybersecurity-related factors, such as privacy, trust, and awareness, and to understand how they influence employee behavior in healthcare. Data were collected from 252 healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia and analyzed using structural equation modeling and artificial neural networks. Results: The results showed that trust, exploitability, awareness, and certainty of punishment significantly impact security behavior during digital transformation. Privacy concerns and complexity were also found to significantly influence threat assessment and response evaluation. However, consistent with some studies in managed security environments, perceived vulnerability, perceived threat, and self-efficacy had no impact on security behavior. Finally, the study presents its theoretical and applied contributions and recommendations for future research

Certainty · Corporate governance · Data governance · Health care · Information security · Cybersecurity and Cyber Warfare Studies · Information and Cyber Security · Smart Grid Security and Resilience

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