Digitally compatible medical devices are at risk of cyberattacks, which can interfere with how they operate, harm patient health or even lead to death. Medical devices are also increasingly utilising IoT technology and data sharing, which increases the attack surface for hackers. As the digitalisation of medical devices continues to expand, medical device cybersecurity companies play an increasingly pivotal role in developing and maintaining safety within this vital industry.
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Medical device cybersecurity for engineers and manufacturers is now shifting toward a holistic approach to ensure detection, prevention and rapid response to cyberattacks.
Discover the leading medical device cybersecurity companies & services
Using its experience in the sector, Medical Device Network has listed some of the leading companies offering products and services related to cybersecurity for the medical devices industry.
The information provided in the download document is drafted for medical device cybersecurity consultants and technology leaders involved in cybersecurity innovations.
The download contains detailed information on suppliers and their product offerings, alongside contact details to aid your purchase or hiring decision.
Amongst the leading suppliers of medical device cybersecurity solutions are Zscaler, Cisco, Netskope, Fortinet, NTT, Data, Palo Alto Networks, Microsoft, Dell, IBM, and Rapid7.
Cybersecurity trends in medical devices
Cybersecurity trends in the medical devices industry include, but are not limited to:
Endpoint security and education
Medical device companies need to invest in endpoint security due to the increasing use of multiple devices and access points. A comprehensive endpoint security solution comprising a centralised management portal that controls and manages all the endpoints across the enterprise is essential to reinforce security.
Organisations also need to educate and train their employees on data protection and cybersecurity to ensure that they are aware of the potential gateways to cyberattacks.
Multi-factor authentication
The adoption of multi-factor authentication is increasing for data sharing among employees, patients and healthcare providers. Such protocols help in protecting patient data from unauthorised access and tampering.
Real-time analytics
The application of real-time analytics is currently limited in the medical device and pharma industries, but it can serve as a core enabler for improving enterprise security. It can serve as an effective tool to prevent outsider attacks while detecting advanced threats within the organisation.
Medical device cybersecurity regulations
The risk posed by the hacking of connected medical devices such as infusion pumps, implanted pacemakers, and insulin pumps, has led to increased pressure to impose cybersecurity regulations on medical devices.
Such regulations, however, have not been passed yet but regulatory authorities have issued cybersecurity guidelines. For example, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued guidance documents that include suggestions and recommendations for engineers and manufacturers regarding medical device cybersecurity.
Strategic partnerships
Medical device companies are entering partnerships with technology companies to improve their offerings and protect their devices from cyberattacks. Such partnerships enable medical device companies to create more marketable solutions and address the growing need for cybersecurity solutions in connected medical devices.
For full details (including contact details) on the leading companies within this space, download the free Buyer’s Guide below:
Frequently asked questions
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What are the key cybersecurity threats facing medical devices?
Medical devices are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks due to their connectivity and use of IoT technologies. Hackers can exploit these devices to tamper with operations, access sensitive patient data, or cause malfunctions, which could harm patients.
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How are cybersecurity regulations evolving for medical devices?
Governments and regulatory bodies are enhancing guidelines to address cybersecurity risks. For example, the FDA has issued recommendations to improve device security during development and deployment, though comprehensive regulations are still evolving.
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What are endpoint security solutions in medical devices?
Endpoint security focuses on protecting devices connected to a network, preventing potential breaches at vulnerable points. It includes encryption, real-time monitoring, and multi-factor authentication to safeguard sensitive data and prevent unauthorised access to medical devices.
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How do cybersecurity consulting firms support medical device manufacturers?
Cybersecurity consulting firms help manufacturers identify vulnerabilities, develop robust security frameworks, and comply with regulatory standards. These firms provide expertise in areas like real-time threat detection, risk assessment, and incident response.
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What role does real-time analytics play in medical device cybersecurity?
Real-time analytics enhance device security by identifying and mitigating threats as they occur. By continuously monitoring device behaviour, these analytics systems can detect abnormal activity, providing early warnings to prevent cyberattacks.