# The Hidden Cybersecurity Crisis in African Digital Health: When Vendors Become the Real Threat

In the rapidly evolving landscape of African digital healthcare, a silent danger lurks beneath the surface. It's not the stereotypical cybercriminal hiding behind a screen, but something far more insidious: the vendors themselves.

## The Unexpected Vulnerability

African healthcare systems are increasingly going digital, promising better patient care and more efficient medical services. But this digital transformation comes with a critical blind spot that most organizations aren't seeing.

Vendors, the very companies contracted to build and maintain digital health platforms, are emerging as the primary cybersecurity risk. Their lack of robust security protocols can expose sensitive patient data to unprecedented vulnerabilities.

## Why Vendors Are the Real Problem

Many digital health vendors in Africa operate with minimal cybersecurity standards. They often:

- Neglect basic data protection practices

- Use outdated security infrastructure

- Lack comprehensive privacy protocols

"The biggest threat isn't external hackers, but internal system weaknesses," says Dr. Chidi Okeke, a digital health expert from the University of Nairobi.

## The Data at Risk

Patient information is incredibly sensitive. A single breach can expose:

- Medical histories

- Personal identification details

- Financial information