Security and Privacy in E-Health Systems: A Review of AI and Machine Learning Techniques

The adoption of electronic health (e-health) systems has transformed healthcare delivery by harnessing digital technologies to enhance patient care, optimize operations, and improve health outcomes. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of e-health systems, tracing their evolution from traditional paper-based records to advanced Electronic Health Record Systems(EHRs) and examining the diverse components and applications that support healthcare providers and patients. A key focus is on the emerging trends in AI-driven cybersecurity for e-health, which are essential for protecting sensitive health data. AI’s capabilities in continuous monitoring, advanced pattern recognition, real-time threat response, predictive analytics, and scalability fundamentally change the security landscape of e-health systems. The paper discusses how AI strengthens data security through techniques like anomaly detection, automated countermeasures, and adaptive learning algorithms, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of threat detection and response. Furthermore, the paper delves into future directions and research opportunities in AI-driven cybersecurity for e-health. These include the development of advanced threat detection systems that adapt through continuous learning, quantum-resistant encryption to safeguard against future threats, and privacy-preserving AI techniques that protect patient confidentiality while ensuring data remains useful for analysis. The importance of automating regulatory compliance, securing data interoperability via blockchain, and prioritizing ethical AI development are also highlighted as critical research areas. By emphasizing innovative security solutions, collaborative efforts, ongoing research, and ethical practices, the e-health sector can build resilient and secure healthcare infrastructures, ultimately enhancing patient care and health outcomes.