Cybersecurity Is a Top Priority as Healthcare Software Investments Grow in 2025

New Software Advice survey highlights tech purchase drivers and regrets among U.S. healthcare organizations

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following a year of high-profile data breaches impacting millions of patients, healthcare organizations across the U.S. are doubling down on cybersecurity while ramping up tech investments. According to Software Advice’s latest Medical Tech Trends Report, based on a survey of 364 healthcare providers, data protection is the top priority for software budgets this year.

Software Advice’s research reveals three key trends in healthcare software purchases:

Security Remains the Top Priority for Healthcare Tech Buyers
Cybersecurity and IT management lead the list of software investment priorities for healthcare organizations in 2025. This is consistent with last year’s findings as healthcare software buyers are increasingly aware of the operational, reputational, and legal risks of unprotected patient data.

IT security is also top of mind for buyers as they plan software purchases. Nearly half (45%) say data security is the biggest barrier to adopting new software—suggesting buyers are concerned about the vulnerabilities caused by ill-fitted tech purchases.

Faster Decisions Lead to Better Software Outcomes
Considering these highly consequential purchases, it’s no surprise that many healthcare organizations pursue a drawn-out process in evaluating new software. However, healthcare organizations that take longer to decide on new software are more likely to regret their purchase. Survey data shows regretful buyers spent an average of five months evaluating options, while those who were satisfied made a decision in just 3.7 months on average.

A majority of successful buyers (64%) completed the process in three months or less—highlighting the value of having clear goals and desired outcomes early on.

Software Budgets Are Expanding to Meet Operational Demands
Despite economic uncertainty in other sectors, healthcare organizations in Software Advice’s survey expressed a more optimistic outlook. In fact, 85% expect revenue growth of at least 5% this year, and a quarter of respondents forecast a 15% or greater increase.

To support this growth, 75% of survey respondents say they’re spending more on software in 2025 than they did last year.

With rising stakes and a greater emphasis on tech investments, U.S. healthcare organizations are taking a strategic approach to software buying in 2025.

For additional insights from Software Advice’s Medical Tech Trends Report and tools to simplify the medical software selection process, visit www.softwareadvice.com

About Software Advice
Software Advice simplifies software buying. Through 1-on-1 conversation and trusted insights, industry-specific advisors guide buyers to top software options in as little as 15 minutes (and it’s 100% free). Founded in 2005, Software Advice has helped nearly 900,000 businesses find the right software for their specific needs. Software Advice also features over 1.5 million verified user reviews to ensure people feel confident in their technology decisions. For more information, visit softwareadvice.com.