Healthcare's Data Challenge Demands Transparent Security

CareFirst's Rob Suarez on Protecting Patient Data While Advancing Care Tom Field (SecurityEditor) • October 8, 2025

The healthcare industry faces a growing challenge: managing and protecting vast amounts of sensitive data that drive patient care. Rob Suarez, CISO at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, said data is essential for processing claims, enrolling members and improving outcomes, but it also attracts cyberthreats. As data volumes rise, the need for security measures across every layer of the healthcare ecosystem becomes critical.

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Suarez said artificial intelligence could improve claims processing and patient interactions, but its greatest potential lies in enabling better health outcomes. Rural providers face added challenges related to high technology costs and outdated systems, making investment essential. CareFirst's Cyber Security Trust Center aims to promote openness and collaboration by sharing the company's practices and resources with the ...