Introduction
In the modern world, medical devices are becoming more and more advanced. They’re also becoming increasingly connected to the Internet, which makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Say’s Dr. Jon Kiev, this is a serious concern that has the potential to save lives as well as cost them. Let’s look at why cybersecurity is important for medical device technology and how you should protect yourself from attacks on these devices
Medical devices have the potential to both save and cost lives.
Medical devices are used to both diagnose and treat patients. They have the potential to save lives, but they can also cause harm.
The need for cybersecurity in medical device tech is growing.
Medical device technology is becoming increasingly connected, and cybersecurity threats are growing. As a result, the need for cybersecurity in medical device tech is growing.
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to any device that has an IP address and can be connected to the internet. The number of IoT devices has increased dramatically over the past few years; there are currently over 8 billion connected devices worldwide, with projections suggesting that there will be 20 billion by 2020.[1] With this increase comes an increased risk from hackers who want access to these networks–and this includes medical devices such as pacemakers or insulin pumps.[2]
Medical devices are becoming more connected.
Medical devices are becoming more connected, intelligent and autonomous. The number of medical devices that connect to the internet in the United States is growing at an annual rate of 12 percent and it is estimated that by 2023 there will be over 50 billion connected devices worldwide.
Cybersecurity threats are growing, too.
The number of cybersecurity threats is growing as more devices become connected. The number of cyberattacks is on the rise, and the cost of these attacks continues to rise as well. In fact, the Ponemon Institute estimates that in 2019 alone, organizations will lose $8 billion due to data breaches caused by hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in medical devices (1).
This means that more than ever before–and especially as we move into an era where artificial intelligence (AI) plays a larger role in healthcare–you need to be vigilant about protecting yourself against cybercriminals who want access to your systems and data so they can do harm or profit from it.
Protecting yourself from a cyberattack on medical technology can save you from injury or even death
The most common cause of death in the US is heart disease. The most common cause of injury? Accidents, which can be caused by anything from car crashes to falls at home.
If you’re an avid reader and follower of cybersecurity news, you may already know that cyberattacks are on the rise–and that they’re becoming more dangerous than ever before. In fact, according to a report from Symantec Corporation (a leading provider of security solutions), cybercrime cost businesses $1 trillion annually as of 2018–and this number is expected to increase as technology becomes more advanced and more people use it daily in their personal lives as well as their professional ones.
Fortunately for us all: There are ways you can protect yourself from these threats! One way is through medical device technology such as pacemakers and insulin pumps; these devices monitor our bodies’ vital signs 24/7 so we can stay healthy without having any idea how much work they do behind-the-scenes every minute we’re awake or asleep (or even while we’re sleeping). If someone hacks into them remotely without permission though…well then there could be serious consequences!
Conclusion
Medical device technology is an important part of our lives, and it’s only going to become more so as time goes on. The more connected devices we have, the more vulnerable they are to cyberattacks–but there are steps that can be taken to protect yourself from these threats. By educating yourself about cybersecurity issues and taking action against them when necessary, you can ensure that your medical devices remain safe from harm’s way.
