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.