Building a Mature Medical Device Cybersecurity Program

Health systems are spending more than ever on cybersecurity, but they need to build the right processes for managing medical device technology to fully realize the benefits of their investments. Without the right processes in place to coordinate between people and technology, major gaps can remain in a healthcare organization’s cybersecurity strategy.

Health systems increasingly rely on digital technology and networks to provide patient care, adding a complex new element to the efforts of protecting patient data and healthcare assets. Cybersecurity is one of the most prevalent challenges in healthcare, with attacks increasing each year. Each of these breaches cost health systems an average of $10 million.1 The cost of cyberattacks, combined with operational disruption to vital medical equipment and patient care, put healthcare facilities’ reputation and, most importantly, patient safety and outcomes at risk.