Medical Devices Security: How to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks?
Since 2017, ransomware attackshave affected everything on the internet including medical devices. Reports from many resources say that 2018 and the upcoming years will witness more severe cyber-attacks.You can read a full report about Cyber Vulnerabilitiesand Risks in the Healthcare systems from here: https://www.cyberwatchfinland.fi/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/MDISS_Cyber_Vulnerabilities_and_Risks_in_the_Healthcare_Ecosystem_2017_en.pdf.
Healthcare providers should be aware that their devices are vulnerable to these attacks too. According to anFDA report of Cybersecurity for Networked Medical Devices Containing Off-the-Shelf (OTS) Software, the use of OTS software opens the door forthe cybersecurity vulnerability which provides unauthorized access to networks or the medical devices. Check the whole report from here: https://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/ucm077823.pdf.
Securing medical devices is a challenging process. Devices like insulin pumps, pacemakers, monitors and many other devices use types of software making them vulnerable to any kind of attacks.
What’s more dangerous is that there are some old devices use old operating systems that no longer receive security upgrades. These devices are still in service.
Medical devices are critical for the life of the patients and must be 100% secured. So the question now is what should be done to secure these devices?
Despite the role of security companies and IT departments, there are three major areas that must be covered to make sure that the devices will be totally secured.
1. The Cooperation between Different Teams:
Cyber security team, biomedical team, medical device manufacturer must work togetherwith the same goal in mind which is patients’ safety. For example the cybersecurity team must explain all the complexities of the medical devices and the security operations to the biomedical equipment technicians; that is how they will have a shared goal in mind. It is an organizational effort that has a big impact on the clarity of the goals.
2. Detailed Plans in Cases of Emergencies:
Emergencies happen. If intense cyber-attacks happened, what should be done? Is there a detailed plan?
Everything must be clear and the plans must be explained to everyone with specific roles.
Cyber security team, biomedical team, medical device manufacturer should work together on imagining every possible risk andput clear and detailed plans.
3. Keep Your Networks Updated:
Securing medical devices and especially patching them is challenging and we, at Culinda, understand it completely. That is why we come up with a solution securing medical devices staying out of band and protecting them.
• The Conclusion:
Investing in keeping your medical devices and data secured is about to become a must in all healthcare organizations. Keeping your healthcare facility secure is part of the care you provide to your patients.
At Culinda, we know this well. We work with your patients in our minds and know how critical your work is; that is why we just do our best to take care of security letting you focus on patient care.
Contact us now and get your healthcare facility secure: http://www.culinda.io/
