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Healthcare technology trends 2026 | Insights from ViVE

Written by natalie.yahnke | Feb 27, 2026 11:50:37 PM

ViVE 2026 in LA highlighted the intersection of rapid innovation and the growing need for security. As healthcare organizations increasingly adopt new technologies, the focus has shifted from questioning cloud adoption to ensuring it is done safely and efficiently.

Main healthcare technology trends discussed were AI governance, interoperability, and multi-cloud cybersecurity, emphasizing the shift from merely protecting data to enabling its strategic use.

The event featured engaging discussions, including insights from the Cybersecurity Zone and main stage sessions.

Session Highlight: A CTO’s Blueprint for Keeping Healthcare Data Secure and Compliant in the Cloud

In this session, RosettaHealth’s CTO, Kevin Puscas, sat down with ClearDATA Chief Revenue Officer, Gregg Bjork to discuss how to navigate healthcare innovation in the cloud. Kevin provided a comprehensive overview of building a secure, cloud-native healthcare data platform. The discussion focused on how advanced cybersecurity measures, such as encryption and access controls, can be integrated into scalable cloud architectures to protect sensitive healthcare data.

Key takeaways included the importance of continuous monitoring for potential threats, strategies for maintaining HIPAA compliance, and enabling interoperability to foster innovation in healthcare.

Podcast Highlight: Healthcare Innovation & Security: Cloud Governance and Data Interoperability

In his latest podcast in partnership with ViVE, ClearDATA’s own Chief Technology Officer, Jim Ducharme shared his expert perspective on this critical balancing act. He explored the evolution of data interoperability, the rise of “shadow IT” in the cloud era, and the urgent need for robust cloud and AI governance. Let’s review his insights here:

Data Interoperability

Healthcare data sharing has advanced from on-premise storage to interoperable systems using standards like HL7 and FHIR, improving patient care but increasing security risks. Data security has evolved through three phases: anonymization for privacy, contractual controls for trust, and secure environments for collaboration.

Modern solutions include public cloud clean rooms for safe collaboration without exposing raw data and private cloud escrow spaces jointly owned by partners to reduce infrastructure-related risks.

Democratization of the cloud

The democratization of the cloud makes technology more accessible, enabling even non-technical users to build applications. This has led to the rise of “shadow IT” and “shadow AI,” where users bypass security and compliance protocols.

Key risks associated with these shadow applications include a lack of proper encryption, backup policies, secure access management, and the potential mishandling of sensitive data. These practices often fail to meet compliance frameworks like HIPAA, HITRUST, and NIST, increasing the risk of security vulnerabilities and data breaches.

Read more of Jim’s insights on Cloud Democratization and AI governance here.

 

Governance as an Enabler, Not a Gatekeeper

So, how do healthcare organizations leverage AI to innovate, while doing it safely? Jim asserts that the CISO’s role must evolve from being a gatekeeper or, the “department of no,” to being an enabler of innovation. “This isn’t about blocking AI,” it is about wrapping it in a secure layer that monitors data lineage, controls access, and ensures that the underlying patient data remains protected.

The key lies in building a governance framework that empowers the business to leverage AI to innovate and move quickly while staying within safe guardrails.

The New Frontier of AI in Healthcare

Once again, the buzzword dominating the ViVE healthcare technology conference 2026 was Artificial Intelligence. However, the conversation has matured beyond the hype of generative AI itself, to the practicalities of utilizing and integrating AI governance and cyber resilience.

Sessions like “Cyber Resilience in the Era of AI Threats” made it clear that AI is now a day-to-day business requirement. But AI loves data, and the more data we feed it, the more complex the security landscape becomes.

Cybersecurity to Accelerate Cloud Innovation

The Cybersecurity Zone was the hub for security leaders at ViVE. The overarching theme was that in healthcare, cybersecurity must be everywhere decisions are being made, not just in the IT department.

This year, we saw a massive push toward modernizing identity security and vulnerability management. With threats becoming more sophisticated, relying on traditional perimeter defenses is no longer sufficient.

  • Regulatory Updates: Sessions led by experts from Cesinet and First Health Advisory shed light on proposed updates to the HIPAA Security Rule. Compliance is becoming more prescriptive, requiring organizations to benchmark their practices against new industry standards.
  • Identity-Based Defense: Companies like CrowdStrike and Ping Identity showcased solutions focused on identity. In a world where credentials are the new perimeter, ensuring the right person (or bot) has the right access is paramount.
  • Medical Device Security: As care becomes more connected, securing the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) remains a top priority. Innovations from companies like Phosphorus and Reisity are helping hospitals gain visibility into these often-unmanaged devices.

Enabling Innovation Safely in the Cloud

The ViVE healthcare technology conference 2026 made one thing abundantly clear: the healthcare industry is not slowing down. The democratization of the cloud and the explosion of AI are empowering clinicians and researchers to solve problems faster than ever before.

For IT and security leaders, the mandate is to support this speed without compromising safety. It is about moving from being a roadblock to being the architect of a secure fast lane. By implementing secure cloud baselines, robust AI governance, and automated compliance controls, you can ensure your organization stays resilient in the face of emerging threats.

Don’t navigate the complexities of healthcare cybersecurity alone. Speak with a healthcare cybersecurity and compliance expert today to learn how you can accelerate your digital transformation safely.