Connected Healthcare Devices

Connected healthcare devices are IoT-enabled medical equipment and systems that improve patient care through real-time data sharing and remote monitoring, but they also introduce critical cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

The healthcare industry faces escalating cybersecurity threats, especially in connected healthcare devices. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in IoT-connected medical equipment, leading to data breaches and operational disruptions. For example, high-profile attacks have targeted Ireland’s health service and Italy’s Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) in Lazio. The breach in Ireland tragically impacted patient safety, while the Lazio attack disrupted vaccine campaigns, highlighting the severe risks tied to compromised sensitive information.

Hospitals now operate an average of 10–15 connected medical devices per bed, amplifying the risks of cyber intrusions. A single cyberattack can disrupt healthcare operations, compromise sensitive data, and jeopardize patient safety.

Connected Healthcare Devices

Hackers increasingly target Healthcare Delivery Organizations (HDOs) due to the high value of personal information like Protected Health Information (PHI). On the black market, sensitive data like medical records fetch up to $250 each, far exceeding the value of payment card information. These cybercrime activities compromise patient safety and privacy, with unauthorized access leading to data breaches and system-wide disruptions.

Cyber-criminals exploit vulnerabilities in connected healthcare devices to manipulate or disable critical equipment. Such actions can harm patients directly, as malicious actors tamper with device functionality. Furthermore, the interconnected nature of healthcare information systems enables lateral movement, allowing bad actors to spread malware and gain control over entire networks.

Threat actors use diverse methods, such as hardware-based attacks, phishing schemes, and social engineering, to infiltrate healthcare systems. They may deploy spoofed peripherals or malicious devices into physical premises, further compromising the security of IoT and IoMT devices.

Existing Cybersecurity Gaps in Healthcare

Traditional cybersecurity tools like NAC, EDS, and IoT security solutions fail to address physical layer vulnerabilities. This gap leaves healthcare organizations exposed to attacks that bypass existing defenses. Spoofed peripherals, for instance, can impersonate legitimate devices and evade detection, enabling attackers to:

Security breaches through spoofed devices impersonating legitimate hardware.
Data theft targeting sensitive information and encryption protocols.
Launching ransomware or denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks that disrupt critical operations.

These gaps pose significant security risks, with cascading failures jeopardizing patient care, operational continuity, and regulatory compliance.

How Sepio Strengthens Cybersecurity for Connected Healthcare Devices

Sepio’s platform offers a comprehensive solution to mitigate the risks associated with connected healthcare devices. By leveraging advanced asset visibility and Rogue Device Mitigation capabilities, Sepio enhances the cybersecurity posture of Healthcare Delivery Organizations.

Key features of Sepio’s solution include:

Complete Asset Visibility: Creates a digital fingerprint for all IT, OT, and IoT devices.
Policy Enforcement: Blocks unauthorized or rogue hardware in real-time.
Threat Intelligence: Provides actionable insights for effective incident response.

Sepio addresses physical-layer security gaps, ensuring healthcare organizations are protected from advanced cyber threats, including ransomware, data breaches, and hardware-based attacks. This robust defense safeguards critical systems, ensures patient safety, and supports compliance with healthcare regulations.

Learn More About Healthcare CyberSecurity

By implementing Sepio’s solution, healthcare organizations can secure their connected healthcare devices, protect sensitive data, and maintain uninterrupted operations in the face of evolving cyber threats.

Don’t let cyber threats compromise your healthcare systems and patient safety. Discover how Sepio’s advanced cybersecurity solutions can protect your IoT and connected medical devices from vulnerabilities and attacks. Take the first step toward securing your healthcare organization. Schedule your demo.