Next-Generation Cybersecurity Architecture for Medical Imaging Ecosystems: Quantum-Resistant Zero-Trust Framework with Predictive Threat Intelligence

Abstract

Hospitals are increasingly under pressure because of the growing volume of imaging tests carried out, but also because of the sophistication of the attacks by the cybercriminal. Conventional security systems are unable to meet today's challenges to patient records and radiological data. In this research, these challenges are addressed directly by designing an advanced defence system that is specifically designed for medical imaging archiving and communication systems in radiology departments. Architected an extensive protective architecture with seven layers that are interconnected. It's a combination of cutting-edge encryption techniques capable of resisting the powerful future quantum computer, authentication processes that validate every access attempt on the fly, data patterns that are learned, suspicious activity recognized, blockchain technology that makes data impossible to tamper with, and predictive algorithms that foresee threats before they happen. Our system is proactive, identifying and neutralising threats at an early stage, instead of reacting to attacks as they happen. Real-world validation took place within five different hospital networks, covering two years, and thus subjected the framework to the real conditions of operation and to real cyber threats. The results of the system's performance were outstanding – the system had a rate of 99.9% accuracy in detecting malicious activities and a rate of 0.15% False Alarms. The overhead for security operations was just 23 milliseconds, not affecting clinical workflow. Most impressively, there was a 67% reduction in the number of attempts to break in onto the network unauthorisedly, due to the formidable defence measures that they faced.Our framework thwarted 847 real tests against it, ranging from sophisticated persistent intrusions and previously unknown software vulnerabilities to attempts by ransomware to encrypt patient information – all during testing. The system ensured complete compliance with healthcare privacy laws from various jurisdictions, aligning with the American HIPAA regulations, the European GDPR and the new quantum-security protocols. In essence, this is a paradigm shift in medical imaging security, offering healthcare institutions proactive and intelligent protection that safeguards patient privacy and institutional integrity in the face of future threats.