Medical devices with updated security features seem prepared to fight any possible cyber attack.
FREMONT, CA: Cybersecurity is one of the common concerns across the industries. The medical device spectrum is not alien to this threat. The modern medical devices are increasingly getting connected via the internet of things (IoT) or sensor devices. Consequently, there is an increased probability of the data from these devices to be misused. Further, the exponential rise of cyberattacks makes medical devices a possible means of privacy exploitation.
Cyberattacks can be carried out by the introduction of malware into equipment or by unauthorized entry to data and configuration settings. Such attacks can impact not only the devices but also the hospital or other networks to which the devices are connected. Medical devices can collect and share critical patient data. Thus, attacks on these networked devices can be costly. Further compromise of devices such as defibrillators and insulin pumps could result in serious health implications for the patients.
There are various factors that contribute to cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the medical device landscape. For instance, various medical devices are still operating based on out-of-date software. Healthcare should avoid the usage of old software solutions. The advancement in IoT also blurs the space between private and public data, thereby contributing to the cybersecurity risks. Patients must be provided with an updated wearable that doesn’t offer unauthorized access to hackers. Further, the proliferation of wearable and at-home medical devices also increases the region for the attackers to act upon. Another factor that can undermine the security capabilities of a medical device includes limited collaboration between device manufacturers and healthcare.
The increased cybersecurity threats have led the device manufacturers to adopt increasingly sophisticated methods of safeguarding the devices. However, manufacturers must also collaborate with healthcare professionals. Such collaboration will enable the professionals to understand the complexities of the devices. Further, device manufacturers must ensure the inclusion of security features that address cybersecurity threats.
The above practices can ensure minimal losses due to cybersecurity breaches. Increasingly, healthcare firms are realizing the need for preparedness against online attacks and are ensuring that their devices can thwart possible intrusions.
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