Study Highlights Critical Security Deficiencies in Medical Devices
Synopsys Inc. released the results of the study “Medical Device Security: An Industry Under Attack and Unprepared to Defend,” which found that 67 percent of medical device manufacturers and 56 percent of healthcare delivery organizations (HDOs) believe an attack on a medical device built or in use by their organizations is likely to occur over the next 12 months. The survey also found that roughly one third of device makers and HDOs are aware of potential adverse effects to patients due to an insecure medical device, but despite the risk only 17 percent of device makers and 15 percent of HDOs are taking significant steps to prevent such attacks.
The Synopsys study conducted by the Ponemon Institute, an IT security research organization, aimed at identifying whether device makers and HDOs are in alignment about the need to address cybersecurity risks. Focused on the North America market, the study surveyed approximately 550 individuals from manufacturers and HDOs, whose roles involve the security of medical devices, including implantable devices, radiation equipment, diagnostic and monitoring equipment, robots, as well as networking equipment designed specifically for medical devices and mobile medical apps.