Medical device technology saves and improves people's lives. Wearable healthcare technology gathers user health and activity data (Phaneuf, 2022). Numerous implants provide artificial replacements for body components that may be missing. Other implants provide medicine, monitor physical activities, or support organs and tissues (FDA, 2019). In addition, robots are becoming more mainstream in the operating room and clinical sessions to assist healthcare professionals and improve patient care. For example, robots provided a considerably more comprehensive way to decrease pathogen exposure during Covid-19 (Intel, n.d.). Cyber Risks It is now more important than ever to secure medical equipment with enhanced cybersecurity protections. Unfortunately, the healthcare industry has been the most prominent target for data breaches for over a decade. Medical equipment that is out-of-date or unsecured threatens patients' lives, making data breaches in healthcare settings very dangerous. For instance, tampering with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment might lead to inaccurate diagnoses or even unneeded medical operations (Filipov, 2021). Enormous patient data volumes and a massive network of medical equipment offer substantial security threats to all healthcare organizations. However, the healthcare industry is unprepared for attacks due to obsolete technology and unwillingness to learn/teach new systems. In addition, it is difficult for workers in the healthcare industry to be knowledgeable about cybersecurity best practices (Elkebir, 2022). This doesn't mean all is lost in the battle to secure medical devices. Innovations to medical device technology allow outdated, vulnerable technologies to be replaced with new and secure ones and provide updates to obsolete technology. With cyber risks in mind, innovators of medical device technology can ensure that best cyber practices are incorporated into the development process. Summary Medical device technology saves and improves lives. Wearable technology in healthcare refers to wearable electronic devices, such as Fitbits and smartwatches. Medical implants provide medication, monitor physical activity, or offer support for organs and tissues. Outdated or unprotected medical equipment endangers human life, making data breaches in healthcare environments perilous. For instance, tampering with CT and MRI equipment might result in erroneous diagnoses or even unnecessary procedures. It is now more crucial than ever to safeguard medical equipment with heightened cybersecurity measures. Due to old technology and a reluctance to learn/teach new systems. Innovations in medical device technology replace obsolete, insecure technologies with new, secure ones. Innovators of medical device technology may guarantee that optimal cyber practices are integrated throughout the development process by keeping cyber risks in mind, as risk management is essential for the ecological health system. References Elkebir, M. (2022, February 17). Why cybersecurity is so important in the medical device industry. Promenade Software. https://www.promenadesoftware.com/blog/why-cybersecurity-is-becoming-more-important-in-medical-device-1
Filipov, E. (2021, December 17). Cybersecurity risks in medical devices. Medical Device Network. https://www.medicaldevice-network.com/comment/cybersecurity-risks-medical-devices/
Intel. (n.d.). Robotics in healthcare: The future of medical care. Retrieved June 26, 2022, from https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/healthcare-it/robotics-in-healthcare.html
Phaneuf, A. (2022, April 15). Latest trends in medical monitoring devices and wearable health technology. Insider Intelligence. https://www.insiderintelligence.com/insights/wearable-technology-healthcare-medical-devices/
Riskonnect. (2021, May 20). What is risk management in healthcare – And why is it important? Retrieved June 26, 2022, from https://riskonnect.com/healthcare/what-is-risk-management-in-healthcare/