AI has become indispensable in a new age of security threats

AI breakthroughs keep making headlines. While Large Language Models such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini receive a mix of praise and criticism, other AI technologies are making a remarkable and consistently positive impact under the radar. AI security systems are one of them. They’re transforming how hospitals keep patients, staff, visitors and facilities safe.

Hospitals have always had many internal and external security threats to monitor. Alarmingly, both types of threats are rising in the UK. Years of cuts to the NHS and the rapid growth of technology have put hospitals under pressure.

Frontline NHS staff have seen a rise in violence against them since 2023. “We are seeing more weapons, more threats to life, and more intense and traumatic incidents – often from people in genuine distress.” — Security Supervisor, London NHS Trust

As for external threats, hospitals have long been a common target for cybercriminals. Synnovis experienced a highly sophisticated cyberattack in 2024; it caused severe harm to patients and major disruption to services. The threat of similar attacks is growing, as new AI technologies create new security concerns.

How AI is helping hospitals tackle their biggest security challenges

Security tech uses machine learning algorithms, computer vision, smart sensors and the Internet of Things (IoT) to spot anomalies that pose internal or external threats. AI security tools in hospitals are not fully autonomous. They alert security teams to threats, so they can take action as fast as possible. Human judgment remains paramount.

AI is assisting hospital security teams with:

• Investigations: Standard CCTV requires security teams to carry out the time-consuming task of going through countless hours of footage. It’s a long process prone to occasional human error. AI cameras are saving security teams countless hours of tedious work, as they can rapidly compile footage of people/objects under investigation.
• Physical threats: AI can alert security teams to weapons and aggressive behaviour, helping staff take action before it escalates. Facial recognition technology is also used to alert teams when a banned individual is spotted on site.
• Health hazards: Modern sensors have built-in AI that detects vaping/smoking, poor ventilation, and harmful gases in the air.
• Theft: Facial recognition technology increases security in staff and public areas. AI cameras and sensors can also detect when people are loitering around pharmacies and hospital equipment.
• Break-ins & lockdowns: AI cameras can monitor all break-in sites and alert security to intruders. Cameras can also be synced with smart locks and electronic access controls to trigger lockdowns should intruders break in.
• Vehicle security: Sensors can be applied to alert security when unauthorised vehicles are detected in sensitive areas.
• Data protection: AI can monitor access to electronic health records (EHRs) and alert IT security teams to any suspicious activity or potential GDPR breaches.
• Wandering prevention: Vulnerable and pediatric patients are at greater risk of leaving their wards, putting themselves and others in danger. A combination of AI cameras, sensors, and wearable tech can detect when patients have left their ward and need immediate assistance.
• Visitor management: AI systems can alert staff to address overcrowding and long queues before they cause serious disruption.
• Cybersecurity threats: A downside of AI and interconnected systems is that cybersecurity has become more complex. Ironically, AI technology is also a powerful tool to protect against cyberattacks. Hospitals are a common target for cybercriminals, which has led to an uptake in AI-assisted monitoring activity to detect abnormalities and suspicious activity across digital systems.

AI has become a necessity to keep hospitals safe in a new age of security threats

While the biggest names in AI face constant scrutiny, AI is making a hugely positive impact in hospitals. AI helps security teams monitor thousands of people across thousands of rooms, 24/7. AI security cameras, sensors and the IoT help security teams tackle problems that have overwhelmed hospitals for decades. Patients, staff and facilities are safer when AI is integrated into security systems.