Rising Medical Device Cybersecurity Risks: Protecting Patient Safety and Data Integrity

The growing reliance on medical devices in patient care has increased concerns about cybersecurity threats that endanger user safety and sensitive patient data. Recent research shows that 75% of healthcare leaders have increased their device and security budgets over the past year, reflecting an urgent need for advanced security measures. This shift highlights how cyber threats now jeopardize not only data integrity but also the quality and continuity of patient care.

Medical Device Attacks and Their Impact on Patient Care

According to Runsafe Security’s 2025 Medical Device Cybersecurity Index, 22% of healthcare organizations experienced cyberattacks targeting medical devices. Alarmingly, 75% of these incidents directly affected patient care, revealing widespread vulnerabilities. Confidence in current security defenses is diminishing; nearly half of IT decision-makers report lacking trust in their organizations’ ability to protect critical medical systems.

Concerns over security have led many to decline purchasing certain devices, underscoring the urgent demand for devices with built-in, robust cybersecurity features. Cybercriminals are shifting from traditional data theft towards disruptive attacks aimed at vital medical devices. While electronic health record (EHR) systems remain major targets, compromise rates at 52%, ransomware, malware, and network intrusions increasingly focus on impairing medical operations.

Strategies for Strengthening Medical Device Cybersecurity

To mitigate these risks, healthcare organizations are adopting strategies such as:

• Quarantining compromised devices quickly

• Isolating vulnerable systems from broader networks

• Prioritizing devices with built-in security to reduce reliance on post-deployment patching

Downtime caused by device compromises is significant. The study reports that 43% of affected organizations experienced outages lasting one to four hours, while some suffered interruptions exceeding thirteen hours.

The Growing Importance of Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs)

SBOMs have become essential to procurement decisions, with 78% of respondents rating them as important or critical. Furthermore, 79% of buyers are willing to pay premiums for enhanced runtime protection or built-in exploit prevention, signaling a market shift that values security innovation.

Despite their importance, implementation of SBOMs remains gradual. These tools help organizations track and evaluate the components and vulnerabilities inherent in medical device software, providing a stronger foundation for security assurance.

Innovation and Collaboration for a Secure Healthcare Future

The increasing demand for cybersecurity in medical devices offers manufacturers an opportunity to innovate and raise industry-wide security standards. Enhanced funding and stronger regulations can drive improvements that safeguard patient safety and restore trust in medical technologies.

Equally critical is building a knowledgeable IT workforce. Executives and decision-makers must be equipped to assess cybersecurity risks effectively and to embed robust security requirements into procurement and operations.

Conclusion: Security Is a Shared Responsibility

As healthcare providers work to protect patient safety in an interconnected environment, medical device manufacturers must elevate their cybersecurity efforts. Investment in advanced protection is no longer optional; it is essential to protect patients and preserve organizational integrity.

If your organization faces device cybersecurity challenges or concerns about vulnerabilities, we encourage you to schedule a conversation with us. Together, we can develop tailored solutions that navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape of healthcare and medical device manufacturing. Your patients’ safety and the security of your organization depend on it.