The healthcare industry’s increasing reliance on digital technologies and interconnected medical devices has underscored the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures. According to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, the growing dependence on technology in healthcare necessitates heightened spending on medical device security, a comprehensive understanding of interconnectivity implications, and the implementation of strong cybersecurity protocols.
GlobalData’s latest report, “Cybersecurity in Healthcare – Thematic Intelligence,” highlights a significant rise in cybersecurity spending within the medical devices sector. Projections indicate a 12.9% growth, with investments increasing from $631.2 million to $1.2 billion between 2022 and 2027. This surge is a direct response to the escalating number of cyber threats targeting healthcare devices, which are often more vulnerable than IT infrastructure in other industries.
Ashley Clarke, Senior Medical Analyst at GlobalData, states, “Healthcare is uniquely susceptible due to the value of personal data and the extensive network of connected devices. This network often includes legacy systems with outdated security protocols and personal devices connected to health networks. In the event of a breach, there is an immediate need to restore compromised systems to ensure patient well-being, making medical devices an attractive target for cyberattacks. Investing in cybersecurity is critical to protect against these heightened risks.”
Data breaches in the healthcare sector are on the rise, with the US Department of Health and Human Services reporting a two-fold increase in affected individuals from 2022 to 2023, and a further 15% increase in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This alarming trend underscores the urgency for healthcare providers to bolster their cybersecurity protocols.
The shift towards interconnected systems and the Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare has further amplified the need for advanced cybersecurity measures. GlobalData projects that by 2025, 68% of medical devices will be network-connected, expanding the risk landscape. This increased connectivity not only raises the number of potential entry points for cybercriminals but also increases the likelihood that a single vulnerability could lead to widespread disruptions.
A recent incident involving a faulty software update from CrowdStrike, which caused IT crashes across healthcare devices worldwide, highlights the potential consequences of inadequate cybersecurity. The update interrupted patient treatments, prevented access to electronic health records, halted data flow between diagnostic systems, and delayed emergency response teams.
Clarke concludes, “As healthcare systems become more advanced, the risk of a single point failure causing large-scale disruption of critical systems is growing. Implementing comprehensive security measures is essential to protect patient data, ensure uninterrupted care, and minimize the opportunities and impact of cyberattacks, especially given the industry’s reliance on interconnected technologies.”
