UKC Ljubljana has joined a major European cybersecurity project aimed at protecting hospitals from increasingly sophisticated digital threats. The initiative, known as ShieldHealthAdria, brings together 11 hospitals from Slovenia and Croatia, along with Telekom Slovenije and Combis. Its goal is to help healthcare institutions detect, prevent and respond to cyberattacks more effectively. The project will focus on improving cyber resilience across participating hospitals. It will also test security solutions in real hospital environments. Healthcare workers will receive additional training to improve their ability to recognize and respond to digital threats. The initiative reflects growing concerns about the security of critical healthcare infrastructure.
At UKC Ljubljana, the project will include a detailed assessment of cyber resilience and the introduction of tested cybersecurity solutions. The medical centre will also strengthen staff training as part of the wider programme. More than 1,000 healthcare workers across the participating hospitals are expected to complete cybersecurity training. The information gathered during the project will be used to develop a model that could later be adopted by other healthcare institutions across Europe. The approach is designed to move hospitals away from mainly reactive cybersecurity measures. Instead, institutions will work toward identifying vulnerabilities and preventing attacks before they cause serious disruption. This could help hospitals maintain essential medical services during potential cyber incidents.
Cybersecurity has become increasingly important for modern hospitals because they depend on digital systems and connected medical equipment. A successful attack could disrupt healthcare services while also exposing sensitive patient information. For UKC Ljubljana, stronger protection is intended to help identify technical and security weaknesses at an earlier stage. The project will therefore address both technological protection and the role of healthcare employees in maintaining digital security. Training is expected to give staff a better understanding of common cyber risks and appropriate responses. The participating institutions will also exchange experience and knowledge throughout the project. This cooperation is intended to create a stronger and more coordinated defense against cyber threats.
The project also comes as European healthcare institutions face growing cybersecurity requirements. ShieldHealthAdria is expected to help participating hospitals improve their security practices in line with the NIS2 Directive and relevant national legislation. The initiative will combine technical solutions with staff education and cooperation between healthcare institutions. By testing measures in real hospital environments, participants can assess how effectively they work under practical conditions. The project could also provide useful experience for other hospitals facing similar digital risks. As healthcare becomes increasingly dependent on technology, cybersecurity is becoming an essential part of protecting patients and maintaining reliable medical services. ShieldHealthAdria aims to strengthen that protection through cooperation between institutions across Slovenia and Croatia.
