the Security of Your Medical Device

This article also originally appears on www.healthcareguys.com

Any device that can connect to wireless internet can become a victim of hackers stealing information. The most common devices that get hacked are computers and phones, but more recently medical devices have become a target as well.

Security breaches and malware of medical devices can happen to morphine dispensers, insulin pumps, and pacemakers. Hacking is a way to get access to the device with negative intentions and finding means to get information from medical devices without authorizing is nothing new but has been increasing according to Christian Espinosa’s medical device hacking interview.

It is recommended to check with The Food and Drug Administration when devices are made or updated to ensure its safety, but that can be very time-consuming. Luckily, there are ways to protect your medical devices from cyber security breaches.

Tips to protect your medical device from hackers  Tip 1. Update your technology

It used to be hard to update medical equipment and devices to make sure that is fighting against hackers, as the FDA requires screening to check that it is completely safe on the patients.

With the growing cyber security breaches in medical devices, the FDA has approved routine software updates without the screening process to make it easier for companies to prevent hackers from stealing information. The newer your software is, the harder it is for hackers to get through the device.

Tip 2. Monitor your device 

Medical devices that can connect to networks are very vulnerable and can get hacked easily. It is unrealistic to think there is a way to prevent hackers completely, but that shouldn’t mean that your only option is to give in.

Monitoring your device will help minimize the risk of hackers finding a way to access your device and cause harm. Taking the extra steps to keep your eye on unusual activities will protect your data from unauthorized users.

Tip 3. Make sure your device is secure 

Ask a question and get a lot of information about the manufacturer’s plan against cybersecurity hacking before purchasing a medical device and using it. The manufacturer must take cybersecurity risks very seriously, as well as your concerns about their plan if the device ever gets hacked.

A company that takes responsibility for security breaches and ensures that it is one of their main concerns will greatly benefit you in the future.

Tip 4. Share your experience 

The FDA encourages everyone from individuals to organizations to share their experience if they ever have a security breach in their medical device. Sharing the information will help to identify and detect how the hacker found a way to access vulnerable devices.

The more data they receive, the more they will be able to prevent future security breaches.

Tip 5. Improve your security system 

The best way to ensure that you are keeping hackers away is by perfecting your security measures. Use stronger passwords and secure networks to make it hard for hackers to find ways to steal data or harm your business.