2026 Healthcare Cybersecurity Trends: What IT Leaders Should Expect Next Year

IT professional reviewing a cybersecurity dashboard with a glowing yellow healthcare shield icon, representing 2026 healthcare cybersecurity trends.

Healthcare continues to face a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape as we head into 2026. Hospitals, clinics, and their business associates are experiencing more frequent attacks and larger data breaches than ever before. In fact, the number of reported healthcare breaches has surged dramatically over the past decade, making cybersecurity a top concern for IT … Read more

Straight-Talk: Questions to Ask When Hiring a vCISO

Executives meeting with a virtual CISO in a modern office, reviewing cybersecurity strategy and discussing key questions to evaluate a vCISO candidate.

Hiring a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) is a smart move—but only if you know what you’re really getting. Cyber threats are escalating. Regulatory scrutiny is tightening. And the pressure to reassure boards, clients, and insurers is at an all-time high. For many mid-market companies, a full-time CISO isn’t realistic—so a vCISO seems like … Read more

Board Reporting for Cybersecurity: What Executives Need to See (and Why)

In 2025, cyber threats have escalated from an IT headache to a core business risk. Regulators are raising the stakes—the U.S. SEC now requires public companies to disclose their cybersecurity incidents and how the board oversees cyber risks. This pressure is trickling down to private firms as well, as investors and partners expect similar transparency. … Read more

Signs You Need a Virtual CISO

Two business professionals in a modern office analyzing cybersecurity strategy on a laptop, representing the role of a Virtual CISO in corporate risk management.

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT problem—it’s a business risk. And for mid-market organizations juggling growth, compliance, and digital transformation, that risk is growing faster than internal teams can manage. A Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) offers leadership-level cybersecurity guidance without the full-time cost. But how do you know when your organization is … Read more

How Business Leaders Should Evaluate Cybersecurity Solutions in 2026

A light-skinned business executive in a modern office space reviews cybersecurity metrics on a digital dashboard alongside a technology consultant, symbolizing strategic evaluation of enterprise security solutions.

In 2026, cyber threats are not just an IT problem—they’ve become a boardroom concern. Cybersecurity now tops the list of business risks for many organizations, with 72% of U.S. business leaders seriously worried about cyberattacks on their companies. This concern is well-founded: industry data shows that nearly 60% of businesses experienced a successful cyberattack in … Read more

Why Cybersecurity is Now a Risk Function in the Healthcare Industry

A healthcare executive in a hospital setting consulting with a cybersecurity expert in a modern workspace, symbolizing the integration of IT risk into clinical and operational decision-making.

When a massive ransomware attack struck Britain’s National Health Service in 2017, ambulances were diverted and surgeries canceled. This was not a mere IT glitch—it was a crisis that put patient lives and hospital operations at risk. Incidents like this underscore a reality that healthcare leaders can no longer ignore: cybersecurity failures directly threaten patient … Read more

What Does a vCISO Do?

A middle-aged Caucasian cybersecurity executive stands in a modern office, attentively reviewing data on a digital screen displaying charts and risk metrics.

Ever wondered if your company could use a seasoned cybersecurity leader, but you’re not ready to hire a full-time executive? Enter the Virtual CISO (vCISO). No, it’s not a superhero or a VR simulation—a vCISO is essentially a “rent-a-CISO”, an experienced security chief you bring in on a flexible basis to protect your organization. This … Read more

Top 5 Cyber Threats Targeting Orthopedic & Urology Practices

A healthcare IT professional in a modern medical office reviews cybersecurity alerts on a screen, representing digital threats targeting specialty clinics.

Healthcare providers of all sizes—including specialty clinics like orthopedic and urology practices—have become prime targets for cyberattacks. These practices manage highly sensitive patient information, making them attractive to hackers. In fact, stolen medical records can command a much higher price on the black market than financial data (by some estimates, personal health information is nearly … Read more

How to Build a Cost-Effective IT Roadmap for 2026

A professional woman with light skin, focused on her laptop screen, reviewing a strategic IT roadmap in a modern office setting.

Technology is becoming a top investment priority for business leaders. In fact, a recent Gartner survey found 77% of CFOs plan to increase their tech budgets in 2025, far outpacing other expense categories. This trend underscores the critical role of IT in driving growth and efficiency. Yet for many mid-market companies, building a cost-effective IT … Read more

Fractional CIO vs. Fractional CISO: What’s the Difference and When Do You Need Each?

Two business professionals in discussion, representing strategic IT and cybersecurity leadership roles, in a modern office setting with Meriplex branding.

Technology leadership comes in different flavors for growing businesses. Many mid-market firms reach a point where they need high-level guidance in IT strategy or cybersecurity, but hiring full-time C-suite executives may be impractical. This is where fractional or virtual CIOs and CISOs come in. In fact, over 60% of small and mid-sized businesses now use … Read more