As the healthcare sector becomes increasingly reliant on digital advancements and interconnected medical devices, cybersecurity has become a critical concern. GlobalData, an analytics and data insights company, stresses the importance of bolstering cybersecurity efforts to safeguard this technology-dependent industry. The imperative to invest more heavily in medical device security, comprehend the implications of widespread interconnectivity, and enforce strong cybersecurity protocols is clear.
In GlobalData's most recent analysis, “Cybersecurity in Healthcare – Thematic Intelligence,” a notable increase in cybersecurity investments within the medical device sphere is evident. Expenditure is forecast to rise by 12.9%, escalating from $631.2 million to $1.2 billion between 2022 and 2027. This substantial increase is a direct reaction to a rising tide of cyber threats targeting healthcare devices, which are often more susceptible compared to other industry IT infrastructures.
Ashley Clarke, Senior Medical Analyst at GlobalData, explains, “The healthcare sector is particularly vulnerable because of the intrinsic value of personal health data and the vast web of connected devices it employs. This network often encompasses outdated legacy systems and personal gadgets linked to health networks. When breaches occur, rapid action to restore compromised systems is essential for patient safety, making medical devices prime targets for cyberattacks. Investing in cybersecurity is paramount to mitigating these risks.”
Recent data underscores this vulnerability, with the US Department of Health and Human Services recording a two-fold surge in data breaches affecting individuals from 2022 to 2023, and a further 15% increase in the first half of 2024 compared to the same timeframe in 2023. This concerning trend highlights the immediate need for healthcare providers to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.
The movement towards interconnected systems and the Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare has substantially increased the demand for sophisticated cybersecurity strategies. It’s anticipated that by 2025, 68% of medical devices will be network-connected, which broadens the cybersecurity risk landscape. This interconnectivity not only increases the number of potential entry points for cybercriminals but also heightens the risk that a single vulnerability could cause significant, widespread disruptions.
A recent example of the dangers posed by poor cybersecurity was a malfunctioning software update by CrowdStrike, which led to IT crashes affecting healthcare devices globally. This incident interrupted patient treatment, obstructed access to electronic health records, blocked data transmission between diagnostic systems, and delayed emergency responses.
Clarke concludes, “With healthcare systems becoming ever more complex, the potential for a single-point failure to cause extensive disruption is on the rise. It is crucial to implement comprehensive security measures to protect patient data, ensure the continuous delivery of care, and reduce the likelihood and impact of cyberattacks, especially given the industry’s heavy reliance on interconnected technologies.”
