Posted by: Ebonee Hunter-Goldsby, Senior Manager, Customer Service, Enlyte Company Apricus
The advent of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has facilitated the transmission of data from medical devices, allowing physicians to remotely customize treatment settings. However, like any computer system, medical devices are susceptible to security breaches that can compromise the safety and effectiveness of the device.
The healthcare sector is a prime target for cyberattacks, with hospitals accounting for 30% of major data breaches. In many cases, medical devices continue to operate despite being outdated, potentially exposing vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
The security firm's report identified nurse call systems, infusion pumps, and medication technology as the highest-risk medical devices with internet connectivity. This conclusion was drawn based on a common vulnerability and exposure (CVE) analysis. An assessment conducted by a security firm revealed that 39% of nurse call systems and 27% of infusion pumps had significant unpatched CVEs.
Unfortunately, many medical devices are exposed to cybersecurity risks due to outdated software, poor encryption, and weak password security. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by cybercriminals to compromise patient data and engage in identity theft, fraud, and other malicious activities.
After years of concerns about the increasing number of internet-connected medical devices used in hospitals and medical facilities making them vulnerable to hacking and ransomware attacks, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has implemented new recommendations. This document provides guidance to ensure medical devices comply with cybersecurity standards to reduce potential risks.
According to updated guidance, all manufacturers planning to file new medical devices must present a comprehensive strategy outlining how they will monitor, detect and resolve cybersecurity concerns. is required to do so. Additionally, a systematic approach must be established to ensure an appropriate level of protection for the device under consideration. Manufacturers are responsible for regularly releasing updates and patches as part of a predetermined schedule and under critical circumstances. In addition, companies must submit a software bill of materials to the FDA, including any open source or other software utilized by their devices.
Maintaining the health of medical devices and protecting personal information is not the sole responsibility of device manufacturers and healthcare providers. Patients and caregivers also play an important role in this regard. The FDA offers the following tips to consider.
- Adopt good password practices.
- Maintain physical control of your device.
- Establish connections between other devices/software only if approved by both the device manufacturer and your healthcare provider.
- Please update your device regularly to ensure optimal protection.
- Consult your device manufacturer or healthcare provider for specific best practices.
As the use of wireless, Internet-connected devices, portable media, and routine electronic sharing of medical device information continues to increase, the importance of advanced cybersecurity will continue to grow, ensuring device functionality and safety. The need to protect is emphasized.
About the author
As a program and process implementation and improvement leader, Ebonee Hunter-Goldsby plays a key role in overseeing the success of projects, transitions, and systems development. With over 12 years of experience in the workers' compensation insurance industry, she leads a diverse team of professionals dedicated to providing superior service, including trainers, data management specialists, finance, quality, and business analysts. Masu.
Ebonee is also a regular contributor to Specialty Solutions Spotlight, where this article originally appeared. To ask and find answers to other professional questions about Work Comp, visit our website and subscribe to our monthly series.
www.apricusinc.com
resource:
https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/medical-device-cybersecurity-risk/648306/
https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/29/tech/fda-medical-devices-secured-cyberattachs/index.html
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/digital-health-center-excelence/cybersecurity#:~:text=Medical%20devices%2C%20like%20other%20computer,cybersecurity%20risks%20is%20special%20challenging .
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/medical-device-cybersecurity-what-you-need-know
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