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How to Address Medical Device Cyber Attacks

Connected med devices offer great promise for users and healthcare providers. But with the increasing risks of cyber attacks, here are some key activities and standards for device manufacturers.

Connected med devices offer great promise for users and healthcare providers. But with the increasing risks of cyber attacks, here are some key activities and standards for device manufacturers. (Image credit: (c) Can Stock Photo / kentoh)
Connected med devices offer great promise for users and healthcare providers. But with the increasing risks of cyber attacks, here are some key activities and standards for device manufacturers. (Image credit: (c) Can Stock Photo / kentoh)

Cyber attacks are not just a potential threat, they’re a reality. It seems that every other week, a cybersecurity issue is making headlines globally. We live in an ultra-connected world where medical devices are a big part of what is connected.

When it comes to cybersecurity, it’s no surprise that medical device manufacturers hold a lot of responsibility. Any medical device connected to a hospital network or to the cloud could be exposed to some form of medical device cyber attack.

Another challenge lies in the speed at which software changes occur. The responsibility and accountability of manufacturers are not only important during development, but absolutely necessary throughout the entire lifecycle of the device.

What are governments and international organizations doing about medical device cyber attacks?

Governments around the world are working to tackle this issue. In Canada, cybersecurity initiatives fall under National Security and Defence, which provides tools and guidance to businesses and private citizens.

The U.S. is at the forefront, with the Department of Homeland Security being heavily invested in cybersecurity. There is also NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce), which works to develop standards and best practices to meet cybersecurity challenges. In the medical device world, the FDA has looked to NIST in developing their own recommendations and has come out with two guidance documents specific to medical devices and cybersecurity.

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