SCOPE Summit 2025 Key Takeaways: A Look Inside, Outside and Beyond the Cybersecurity Wall

Jay Ferro, EVP, CIO, CPO & CTO at Clario discusses safety, trust and what keeps him up at night.

In recent years, cybersecurity attacks and incidents have increased in frequency and in profile. As technology continues to evolve, attacks will become more frequent and harder to detect and contain. While a breach for all companies in the life sciences and healthcare industries can be catastrophic, one can shutter smaller drug and medtech developers in the drug discovery and early clinical trial stages.

In an interview with Lori Ellis, head of insights at BioSpace, Jay Ferro, EVP, CIO, CPO, and CTO at Clario, addresses the dual role of AI in drug development and cybersecurity, noting its benefits and potential misuse. Looking towards the future, the discussion touches on the emerging threat of quantum computing in combination with AI in cybersecurity, stressing the need for proactive measures and a cultural shift towards a security-first mindset.

Key Takeaways

  • Cybersecurity must be a top priority for organizations in drug discovery/development due to the significant risks, including IP theft and data corruption that can impact drug efficacy and safety.
  • AI has both positive and negative implications for cybersecurity and drug development. While AI can enhance capabilities, it can also be used maliciously by bad actors.
  • The potential impact of quantum computing on cybersecurity is a growing concern that organizations need to start preparing for, even though practical applications are still 5-10 years away.
  • Fostering a security-first mindset and culture within the organization is crucial to building trust with patients, sites, and sponsors in the life sciences industry.

ALL COVERAGE
Jay Ferro, EVP, CIO, CPO & CTO at Clario discusses safety, trust and what keeps him up at night.
Continuing our SCOPE 2025 coverage, Rohit Nambisan, CEO at Lokavant addresses not only current challenges, but the life sciences industry’s responsibility to maintain scientific integrity.
Elisa Cascade, CPO at Advarra explains why addressing the challenges faced by clinical research sites is vital for improving patient trust and the overall viability of clinical trials.
The industry remains unwavering in the commitment to increased clinical trial accessibility and representation.
As communication gaps in the US healthcare market widen, the emphasis on the need for credible information and patient empowerment is paramount.
While at SCOPE 2025, Sam Srivastava, CEO at WCG Clinical discusses the challenges and responsibilities of the life sciences industry in building public trust amidst growing anger towards healthcare.
In the current legal and political landscape, it is all about survival for DEI initiatives.
Konstantina Katcheves, Senior VP of Innovative Global Business Development at Teva Pharmaceuticals brings insights from the World Economic Forum to SCOPE 2025.

Lori Ellis is the Head of Insights at BioSpace. She analyzes and comments on industry trends for BioSpace and clients. Her current focus is on the ever-evolving impact of technology on the pharmaceutical industry. You can reach her at lori.ellis@biospace.com. Follow her on LinkedIn.
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