Amplify Care offers AI cybersecurity training

KITCHENER, Ont. – Amplify Care’s Shield Cybersecurity and Privacy Training program has launched a new course titled “AI and Cybersecurity,” which focuses on the growing role of artificial intelligence within the Canadian healthcare landscape. AI tools are becoming increasingly integrated into clinical systems, data management, and healthcare operations.

“With cyber threats continuing to occur at an alarming rate and with deeper sophistication, and with AI technologies reshaping the healthcare landscape, education and awareness remain our first line of defence,” said Dr. Mohamed Alarakhia (pictured), CEO of Amplify Care and a practicing family physician.

He added, “Shield works by empowering physicians and healthcare teams to understand the cybersecurity landscape better and take proactive steps to reduce risk. By combining expert-informed training with recognized continuing education credits, the program ensures participants gain both professional value and practical skills they can apply immediately in their clinical environments.”

This course has been conceived to help physicians better understand both the opportunities and the potential cybersecurity and privacy risks associated with these emerging technologies.

Cybersecurity risks within the healthcare sector are well-documented. In fact, 64% of Canadian healthcare professionals have experienced one or more security breaches since 2021, highlighting the growing vulnerability of healthcare environments. Cybersecurity attacks against Canadian healthcare information systems are also increasingly common, with 48% of all reported Canadian breaches in 2019 occurring in the healthcare sector.

Since 2004, more than 207.4 million accounts have been compromised in Canada alone. These statistics underscore the urgent need for accessible, high-quality cybersecurity training tailored to physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Amplify Care’s Shield program was designed to meet this need. Developed to support healthcare workers and clinicians in today’s digital healthcare environment, the program provides practical and relevant education, focused on recognizing threats, preventing breaches, and protecting patient data.

The training explores key topics such as phishing attacks, password security, privacy protection, safe data practices, and the growing role of cybersecurity in clinical care. The most recent evaluation of the program, including over 500 surveys from healthcare providers who have completed the training, found 99% satisfaction with the training and 97% of participants noting that the training improved their knowledge to prevent cyberattacks.

One family physician describes the program as a “very clear and concise overview of cybersecurity, how to protect oneself from such threats, and practical examples to illustrate the need to ensure cybersecurity.”

What makes the program especially valuable is its newly recognized continuing education status. This activity has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada for up to three Mainpro+ credits, 9.5 certified activity credits. This means that in total, physicians can earn up to 12.5 Mainpro+ credits while completing the training.

Healthcare professionals interested in strengthening their cybersecurity knowledge while earning accredited professional development credits are encouraged to connect with the Amplify Care Shield program team to learn more about tailored training opportunities.