Healthcare organisations provide an essential service that, if disrupted by a cyber attack, could jeopardise patient safety, disrupt care delivery, and even result in death. In the case of a security incident, the implications could impact not only the victim organisation, but also their patients and national security.
What makes medical device cybersecurity critical?
Unlike traditional computers, medical devices often lack adequate security protections, making them more vulnerable to hacking. These devices frequently rely on hard-coded and typically known passwords, and thus may not be easily patched or updated.
Complicating matters further, the variety of manufacturers and distribution channels leads to a lack of conventional security controls like passwords, encryption, and device monitoring. The primary security risk is the possible exposure of both data and device control, resulting in a delicate balance between safety and security that necessitates stakeholder collaboration, particularly in implementation and maintenance methods.
Given that older medical devices were not initially created with cyber security in mind and are difficult to secure properly, healthcare institutions must prioritise and invest in securing these devices. In order to minimise operational disruptions and protect patient safety and privacy, it is imperative to safeguard medical equipment, as the proliferation of newly linked devices exacerbates pre-existing vulnerabilities.
Mitigation tips
Based on their experience working in healthcare the sector, researchers suggested safety guidelines for healthcare organisations aiming to strengthen their cyber security:
- Adopt a proactive strategy to cyber security, addressing people, processes, and technology.
- Define clear roles and responsibilities for network and information system security so that employees can take ownership of essential cybersecurity practices.
- Conduct regular cyber risk assessments to uncover flaws, evaluate potential threats, and prioritise remedial activities based on the risk to critical systems and patient data.
- Conduct training programs to raise awareness and prepare for cyber threats.
- Establish well-defined policies and procedures as part of your security management system, together with conveniently available documentation to guide your security personnel.
- Use defence-in-depth technical controls to effectively guard, detect, respond to, and recover from incidents.
- Backup and disaster recovery plans are used to ensure the availability and integrity of essential data in the case of a cyberattack, system failure, or data breach.
- Medical device security should be addressed explicitly throughout the product/system lifetime.
By implementing these best practices, healthcare companies can fortify their defences, mitigate cyber risks, and safeguard patient data and critical infrastructure from emerging cyber threats.
