As telehealth rapidly transforms healthcare access across Africa, experts are raising the alarm over growing cybersecurity risks threatening the sector’s sustainability. With over 615 million Africans lacking access to basic health services, telehealth has emerged as a critical lifeline—connecting rural patients with doctors across long distances. However, this digital revolution also exposes vast volumes of sensitive patient data to potential cyber threats.

“Telehealth platforms generate and store highly sensitive information such as health records, diagnostic reports, and treatment plans. This data is incredibly valuable and, unfortunately, highly attractive to cybercriminals,” said Allan Juma, Cyber Security Engineer at ESET East Africa. “Protecting this information is essential to ensure the long-term success and trust in telehealth solutions.”

Juma explained that the interconnected nature of telehealth—often linked with Electronic Health Records (EHRs), patient management systems, hospital networks, and third-party vendors—makes it increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. A single weak link, such as a compromised user device or an insecure network connection, can provide a gateway for attackers to infiltrate entire systems.

To mitigate this risk, Juma advocates for the implementation of a “zero-trust” security model. “Zero trust is based on the principle of ‘never trust, always verify’. It requires every user and device to undergo rigorous authentication, regardless of their location within the network,” he said. “Segmenting networks and strictly controlling access reduces the risk of large-scale data breaches and prevents attackers from moving laterally across systems if they manage to gain entry.”

Still, Juma warns that even the most sophisticated technology cannot eliminate the human factor. Healthcare providers and patients may fall victim to phishing scams or social engineering tactics, especially given the urgency and trust that characterise medical interactions. “Cybercriminals often exploit that trust, tricking individuals into revealing login credentials or downloading malware through seemingly legitimate messages,” he said.

To combat this, ESET emphasizes the need for widespread cybersecurity education across the healthcare spectrum. “Staff and patients alike must be trained to recognize potential threats and follow best practices for digital hygiene,” Juma noted. “Ransomware attacks or disruptions to real-time communication can be devastating in critical care settings. Awareness is as important as technology when it comes to safeguarding lives.”

With telehealth growing in importance across the continent, experts agree that cybersecurity is no longer optional—it is essential. Ensuring digital safety will allow health professionals to focus on their primary goal: delivering life-saving care to communities that need it most.

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