Cybersecurity: Medical Devices and Hospital Networks

The security of medical devices and hospital networks refers to the measures that are put in place to protect medical devices and networks from unauthorized access or tampering. These devices, which include everything from pacemakers to hospital equipment, often contain sensitive personal and medical information that must be protected. Ensuring the security of these devices is crucial to maintaining the privacy and trust of patients and the integrity of the healthcare system. Some measures that can be taken to improve healthcare cybersecurity include implementing strong passwords, regularly updating software and firmware, and ensuring that devices are used only by authorized personnel. It is also important to regularly review and assess the security measures in place to ensure that they are effective and up to date.s

Why Securing Medical Devices and Hospital Networks are Crucial?

Hospitals must ensure they safeguard their networks and devices. Securing these medical devices and hospital networks is crucial for a plethora of reasons. 

Firstly, these devices often contain sensitive personal and medical information that must be protected in order to maintain the privacy and trust of patients. If this information is compromised or leaked, it could lead to serious consequences for both the individual and the healthcare organization.

Secondly, medical devices and hospital networks can be vulnerable to cyber attacks, which can compromise their functionality and potentially put patients at risk. For example, if a device used to administer medication is hacked, the attacker could change the dosage or frequency of the medication, leading to serious harm to the patient.

Finally, the reliability and accuracy of medical devices are essential for patient care. If a device is compromised or malfunctioning, it could lead to incorrect diagnoses or treatment, which could have serious consequences for the patient.

In order to secure medical devices and hospital networks, healthcare organizations must implement robust security measures such as strong passwords, regular software updates, and network security protocols. It is also important for medical device manufacturers to design devices with security in mind, and for healthcare professionals to be trained in the proper use and maintenance of these devices and networks.

Vulnerabilities in These Medical Devices & Infra Can Lead to Severe Consequences

Are you aware of the vulnerabilities in medical devices and infrastructure that could have severe consequences? Hackers are constantly looking for ways to exploit weaknesses in these systems, and the consequences can be devastating. From unauthorized access to patient data to tampering with medical equipment, the risks are real and the potential damage is significant.

Drug Infusion Pumps

Back in 2017, Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) addressed a total of 8 security flaws in the Drug Infusion Pumps (Medfusion 4000 Wireless Syringe Infusion Pump).

These drug infusion pumps are generally utilized for the delivery of insulin, nutrients, chemotherapy drugs, other hormones, antibiotics, and pain relievers in fluid form. The medical devices in question are commonly used around the corners of the world for the delivery of small portions of drugs or medication for acute critical care, such as pediatric intensive care, neonatal intensive care, and operating room procedures. 

Pacemakers

Pacemakers were lately embroiled in a severe hijacking risk, with about 465, 000 medical devices from Abbott (formerly St Jude Medical) recalled by the FDA. Believing officials, threat actors could put lives at risk by remotely depleting the batteries of pacemakers or malfunctioning the life-saving devices to operate at hazardous speeds.

MRI Systems

North Korea, in May 2017, possibly used a purloined National Security Agency or NSA invading tool to infect healthcare devices in U.S. hospital settings. Although the corroboration is still not apparent, it was found that nearly 200,000 Windows systems in medical centers and hospitals were infected. A common payload delivered to these systems was ransomware, but provided that the attack infected the Windows systems at the “administrator’ side, any sort of payload could have been transferred. 

This MRI systems attack infected almost 48 medical centers and hospital organizations in the U.K. and unclear figures of healthcare facilities in the USA.

Heart Rate Monitors

Believing in reports, in 2008, the University of Washington detected a critical security flaw in the implantable cardioverter defibrillators (commonly known as heart rate monitors).

As per the research, all that was required to compromise this heart rate monitor (or ICDs) was a computer, an oscilloscope, a wireless radio, and a few free-version software. 

If this vulnerability had been misused by the threat party, it could put the lives of patients in danger. 

Hospital Networks

Hijacked hospital networks are one of the major threats to the healthcare industry. Con actors are focused on compromising the entire network of a hospital organization, and misusing it for their own benefit. A network shutdown can prove to be a lucrative opportunity for ransomware attackers.

There have been a number of ransomware invaders on healthcare providers over the past few years, including the WannaCry cyber attack which completely wrecked the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) and several U.S hospitals. These attacks on the healthcare industry occurred using security vulnerabilities in Microsoft Operating Systems.

Protecting against these vulnerabilities is crucial for the safety and well-being of patients and healthcare providers. Don't let your medical organization become a victim - take steps to secure your systems and safeguard against these threats.

Look for a cyber security company that delivers vigorous solutions and services in the field of medical devices and hospital networks. Rely on a company that holds rich experience in dealing with cyber security matters and has successfully served a range of clients.

Below are a few names that businesses and hospital organizations can pick on -

• Kratikal Tech 

• Bharat Electronics Limited

• Mirox Cyber Security & Technology Pvt Ltd

• RNR Consulting Private Limited

• Panacea InfoSec Pvt. Ltd.