Healthcare Urgency: How to Deal With Medical Device Security

Why do We Need Cyber Security for Medical Devices? 

It is becoming increasingly common to hear about medical devices being connected to the internet, hospital networks, and even other equipment - all aimed at improving healthcare and aiding healthcare providers in treating patients.  

However, this new wave of technological integration also raises significant concerns, particularly related to medical device cyber security. Just like any other computer system, this healthcare equipment is vulnerable to meddling by hackers, possibly leading to cyber attacks. 

From insulin pumps to cardiac implants like pacemakers, from imaging and diagnostic devices to data management systems, all have either fallen victim to cyber security attacks or displayed serious vulnerabilities to such threats and the consequences are alarming: 

• Device malfunction  
• Personal data breaches 
• Inability to access critical data  

The pressing question is: why are medical devices so receptive to these vulnerabilities, and what should we consider to reduce that risk?

Connected Medical Devices and Its Security Challenges 

Interconnectivity and the proliferation of IoT in healthcare is a notable advantage of modern medical devices, although it exposes them to cyber security threats and vulnerabilities - it elevates the risk of cyber attacks due to their increased connection to the internet.  

In this landscape, the race is on between medical device manufacturers striving for safety and hackers aiming to exploit vulnerabilities, which only emphasizes the pressing need for cyber security. 

The Evolution of Medical Device Refitting 

As health appliances become more interconnected, they face a multitude of cyber security challenges. The need for constant updates to address software flaws and maintain compliance is crucial, but the process is far from straightforward. This complexity can lead to delays and introduce new vulnerabilities. Also, the prevalence of legacy operating systems in many hospitals further complicates device updates, making cyber security measures even more critical. Furthermore, the challenge extends to devices that no longer receive updates, providing potential entry points for hackers and endangering patient safety. These risks underscore the importance of robust medical device cyber security measures.

Manufacturers are transitioning devices into networked systems to meet market demands, but this shift also raises concerns about cyber security, particularly for devices not initially designed for interconnectivity.  

Regulatory Safeguards and Ongoing Medical Device Updates

The lack of regulation and market pressure surrounding medical device cyber security may have inadvertently left manufacturers in the dark. However, as the number of cyber attacks continues to rise, companies are gradually waking up to the serious consequences associated with taking a passive stance. This growing awareness is prompting a shift in behaviour and approach.  

Manufacturers are increasingly recognising the need to prioritise cyber security throughout the product development lifecycle. A holistic approach is now paramount, encompassing aspects from company policies and internal development processes to system design. This shift extends from the corporate level down to individual products. It highlights the growing significance of cyber security and medical devices, aiming to tackle cyber security vulnerabilities, and combatting one of the most feared threat: cyber attacks.  

Therefore, medical device regulatory updates become crucial in navigating the evolving landscape of cyber security regulations. 

Setting the Bar: Defining Cyber Security Standards in Medical Devices 

A pressing need exists for a unified approach to defining and implementing cyber security standards in the health sector. Regulations and guidelines, enforced by bodies such as the FDA and the European Commission, put additional pressure on manufacturers and regulatory authorities, forcing them to prioritise cyber security. These regulations are vital, not only for the benefit of healthcare providers but also for patients, as they infuse a sense of trust and safety that would otherwise be absent.

Guarding Against Threats: Strategies to Protect Medical Devices 

Addressing and resolving cyber security threats on medical devices is a complex challenge with no simple solution. Completely eradicating the threat is extremely hard to achieve, but we can take steps to mitigate and manage the risks effectively. This endeavour requires a collaborative effort from multiple parties and effective communication. 

For more insight into why medical devices are vulnerable and what needs to be done to fix it, read our free white paper that details the process of building cyber security from manufacturer to end user.