Cybersecurity in medical devices has never been more critical. As connected technologies advance, so too do the risks posed by cyber threats—threats that could have direct consequences for patient safety.
In a recent MD+DI article, MEDIcept’s own Gregg Van Citters, MS, PhD, highlighted why medical device manufacturers must take a proactive approach to security. According to the piece, about 80% of device software relies on open-source components, many of which go insufficiently vetted. That, combined with the speed at which AI-powered attacks can exploit vulnerabilities—sometimes within hours—creates a dangerous window for potential breaches.
“Cybersecurity should be treated as an integral part of the product lifecycle, not an afterthought,” Van Citters explains. This means starting with secure coding practices and conducting early-stage risk assessments, followed by rigorous validation testing before products ever reach the market.
The article emphasizes that simply complying with regulatory requirements isn’t enough. Manufacturers are urged to establish continuous monitoring, strengthen supplier vetting processes, and build a culture of security across all teams—from engineering to quality to regulatory compliance. This also includes having a solid incident response plan and the ability to deploy timely software updates in the event of a discovered vulnerability.
As the healthcare sector becomes more connected, the stakes grow higher. MD+DI’s coverage reinforces that cybersecurity is no longer a “nice to have” — it’s a core requirement for patient safety and business continuity.
Read the full article on MD+DI here: Software to Bolster the Security of Medical Devices