Medical devices are clearly necessary. They make the difference between life and death in the most severe cases, and even in more minor examples, they will be doing the job of monitoring the patients’ health and potentially administering medication.
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Yet there is a big problem with medical devices; they can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to their software and network capabilities. This means that anyone using such a device could be subject to compromise in terms of; fraud, theft, and identity attacks. These problems might even cause the devices to work incorrectly, putting patients’ lives at risk.
Three specific areas are particularly susceptible to these attacks. The first relates to updates. Security updates, virus protection, and patches have to be assessed and confirmed that they are safe in order to be used on the medical device. The supplier must do this, and confirmation must be given to the purchaser that this has been done. The problem is that the time between making these assessments and the device being used (or a new update being delivered) can be many months, during which time hackers may have been able to gain access.
Another issue is with the updates themselves. As soon as any security updates are released for these important medical devices, cybercriminals will immediately start to analyse them to discover – and exploit – their vulnerabilities.
The fact that these updates then also make any exploitation of the device more challenging to detect can even mean that compromised medical devices are unwittingly used – on the assumption that they are safe and have been checked.
It is evident therefore, that the security issues surrounding medical devices are serious ones.
More Sophisticated Devices
As time goes on, the software used within these medical devices is becoming more and more sophisticated. This might initially sound like the best thing that can happen since it will surely make it harder for cybercriminals to attack.
The truth is far different.
The truth is that the more sophisticated the technology, the more likely it is that cybercriminals will understand how to crack it, and the repercussions from these attacks, when hackers are able to get into the medical devices and steal information or change settings, can be catastrophic.
Add to this the fact that the more complicated the devices and their associated software, the harder it is for healthcare professionals and patients to thus understand and control. The last thing that is needed is for the medical devices to be unusable, especially as they are a large investment.
Being unable to keep patients safe from cyber-attacks through their medical devices could result in fines due to GDPR being breached. Along with that, it has a negative impact on the healthcare provider’s reputation, a loss of business, and massive financial losses too.
NHS Advice
The NHS has a stake in ensuring that all medical devices are, as far as possible, safe and secure, especially with regards to cyber-attacks and data breaches. One of the NHS’s main pieces of advice is to create a mitigation plan to reduce the likelihood of the devices being compromised and reduce the impact if they are compromised. This mitigation plan includes limiting the ability of medical devices to have access to removable media and untrustworthy services (including email and web browsers), limiting remote access (which will also modify the way the device can be used), removing any unnecessary services, and ensuring that only those who require access to the medical devices have it. Everyone else has restricted access or no access at all.
This is a big task, particularly for those who may not be up to date with cyber-security protocols. Engaging JVR Consultancy to assist you with any medical devices you might need to carry out assessments on. This will negate the need for such a plan; our work is enough to keep all medical devices secure.
How Can JVR Consultancy Help?
If you are concerned about the safety and security of medical devices and you need assistance, do not hesitate to contact the experts at JVR Consultancy for advice. We are able to offer the best in specialist consultancy information for any medical device of any age.
This includes:
- Supplier management (ensuring that the correct compliance and checks are carried out before you even receive the device
- Device tracking to keep tabs on any errors and potential threats
- Complete protection against cyberattacks
- Asset management
- Regulation disposal of the devices, audited for your records
- A full GDPR audit and assessment
Please find out more about Medical Devices and Cyber Security by contacting us today.
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More to the point, I ask clients how quickly can you start. We can have a consultant working on your accreditation within the hour if you are ready. The only things that take time are the audit dates, these are issued to the client by the certification body so it is out of our control.
This depends on how much the client has in place already. The more they have, the easier it becomes to work on their accreditation. The gap analysis that we carry out is free of charge and afterwards will give you an exact fixed price.
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Initially, we need to talk to you to carry out the free gap analysis. Afterwards, we would require you to forward all the relevant documents. After that, we can complete the work with the minimum of your input, leaving you to concentrate on doing what you do best for the company.
Yes! Let us Manage your Accreditations with Ongoing Support and Maintenance. With us managing your accreditations, your team can then focus on business growth and development. This gives you peace of mind knowing your compliance is being routinely managed by professionals. Ongoing support and maintenance avoids panic in your business when suddenly faced with an audit, knowing at all times you are well prepared.
Achieve Accreditation and Compliance with JVR
JVR Consultancy was formed in the year 2008 and their head office is based in Windsor and Maidenhead. We noticed that there was a gap in the market, for companies who work in the construction, rail, utilities, oil and gas sector who were not fully supported in the way that they could be when it came to industry compliance and certification. That is why our highly experienced team of compliance consultants can serve these sectors by providing over 135 years of combined experience with all compliance needs. In short, you won’t find anyone else who cares as much, or who tries as hard as we do.
Speak with one of our experienced consultants. At JVR, we know that time is precious, and you want the answers to your questions quickly, especially during an audit!. Once we speak with you for the first time over the phone, we need around 10 minutes to fully evaluate which accreditation you need support with and a brief introduction into you and your company.
Managing Director at JVR Consultancy, Steven Sandhu, is passionate and committed to supporting his clients within their chosen Compliance accreditation. With over 15 years of experience across multiple compliance industries, Steven prides himself on delivering 100% accreditation success for his clients, mixed with a passion for providing excellence by understanding the goals and the needs of his clients’ businesses. All this, combined with his strong breadth of skills and knowledge by routinely researching industry requirements changes and introducing new regulated requirements
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