Cybersecurity for Medical Devices: Everything You Need to Know

Software across the medical device industry plays a critical role in healthcare evolution. While this tech is transforming cyber health care, it is crucial to always stay one step ahead of security threats and other potential risks.

Medical software predominantly relies on the internet to function. With this in mind, this article explains everything you need to know about cybersecurity for medical devices and how to fully apply a risk management strategy, as outlined by the FDA.

What is Good Risk Management for Medical Device Cybersecurity?

Everything from insulin pumps to pacemakers is becoming more advanced every year. Many internally- and externally-used medical devices can be monitored from the click of a button on our smart devices, which serves to limit the number of hospital visits and be potentially life-saving.

A key risk is relying on the older medical tech that may not have been created with modern cyber protection in mind. So, if possible, try to remain as up-to-date as possible with your devices; and take the time to run any updates as and when the device requires it.

How to Protect Your Medical Device Cybersecurity

There are a few risk management steps you can take to increase patient safety and ensure medical devices are safe from cyber threats, which should be undertaken by all medical workers, caregivers, and patients relying on medical techs. These steps include:

• Creating a unique password that isn’t obvious for hacking software to guess. Keep it as impartial as possible. If possible, change your passwords every 1 to 3 months. If you’re a patient, make sure all caregivers are kept up to date with any password changes.
  
• If the device is external, make sure it is always kept within reach and out of reach of pets/children and away from anything that could damage the device, such as heat or water.
  
• Use reliable online security protection, such as antivirus software.
  
• Manually implement updates as and when the device notifies you that one is due. This goes for your antivirus software too.
  
• Always follow the advice as outlined by your medical practitioner and the device manufacturer.
  

What to Do If Your Networked Medical Devices Malfunction

Technology, as wonderful as it is, can have its blips, which may create security issues too. So, if your medical device is acting bizarrely, here’s some FDA issued guidance:

• Firstly, if there is strange behavior from a medical device that may put someone’s life at risk, seek medical guidance immediately (if you’re a patient).
• For hospital workers relying on a medical device, seek support from the device manufacturer immediately after ensuring any users are secure with an alternative option.
• Always pay heed to any notifications or warnings emitting from the device.
• If you’re a patient, make sure that at all medical appointments, you bring your device with you (if it is external), so your practitioner can monitor how it is functioning.
• Vet all health care providers on how to ensure the medical device is working properly and what to do if it appears to malfunction, and any other necessary guidance.
  

How to Manage New Medical Device Cybersecurity

Tips on managing cybersecurity and preventing cybersecurity issues per FDA’s recommended guidelines:

• Most new devices require registration of some kind, so it is important that this is the first step undertaken.
• As mentioned above, it is extremely important that health caregivers and family members are aware of the fundamentals of how connected medical devices work for full patient safety, including cybersecurity in medical devices.
• Always take stock of a device’s lifecycle as outlined by the manufacturers.
  

How to Report A Cybersecurity Risk to Your Medical Devices

Any cybersecurity threats to your devices and data should be reported to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the manufacturers. They will also be able to offer guidance on patient data protection and other ways to be cyber secure. Feedback to medical device companies is important too.

Healthcare Industry Cybersecurity Risks to Medical Devices

There has been an increase in what’s known as ‘crypto ransomware’ in the medical industry. This is when hackers use malware to encrypt information (including patient records) and then demand payment via digital currency to recover the information.

Threats to Healthcare Patient Safety

The main cybersecurity risks to medical device manufacturers include:

“Thrill-Seeking” Hackers

These are generally hackers with limited security risk agendas—other than to test their hacking abilities for their own amusement.

Criminal Organizations

This is an organized crime for the purpose of monetary gain via bribery.

Spammers

Spams are usually sent by spammers in the form of emails with the purpose of gaining sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details, thus making you vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches.

Phishing

Again, this is to steal information or identities for financial gain.

Spyware & Malware

Malware is hacker-created software that discreetly infiltrates technology for the purpose of private data breaches, such as passwords, bank details, and so on.

Terrorism

This purpose is designed for monetary gain to fund terrorist activities by hacking into medical devices.

Can Full Medical Device Security be Implemented?

Hackers are always trying to stay one step ahead of technology protection methods, so it’s important to take all steps to prevent any cyberattacks. 

While no internet-based device is fully safe from cybersecurity risks, taking the above measures into effect will significantly lessen the risk of a cyberattack.

The Future of Medical Device Security

Technology plays an important role within the medical community, with more devices becoming wholly reliant on an Internet connection. While this provides many benefits for both medical professionals and patients alike, it’s crucial that cybersecurity for a medical device is always kept at the forefront of the mind.

Simply adhering to the above advice will significantly reduce the threat of a cyber attack on your medical devices. This includes making sure all patients and non-professional caregivers understand the importance of knowing how the device functions and the importance of good cybersecurity health. 

While hackers are always working to create emerging threats – medical device manufacturers and homeland security will also work to prevent this.