Biomed needs a seat at the table
Biomed must be included in security discussions. They are the team responsible for purchasing and maintaining the connected medical devices that prompted this need. Therefore, biomed has a crucial role to play regardless of their place in the IoT security governance structure.
It can be easy for HDOs to overlook their input, figuring that biomed can be looped in once the IT and IS teams have determined their strategy. But biomed has the responsibility of ensuring medical devices are performing as expected and have adequate protection from cybersecurity attacks.
With a background rooted in healthcare, biomed has the unique ability to advocate for why all devices connected to an HDO’s network require elevated security precautions. They can reinforce the need to center the program on processes and tools built specifically with healthcare in mind.
Security that puts healthcare first
The security conversation will continue to evolve as HDOs begin implementing IoT security initiatives. Regulatory bodies like DHS, FDA and HHS are tackling the issue of medical device security as we speak. As new challenges are brought to light, IT, IS and biomed teams need to work together in preparation so they are ready to address concerns and implement necessary process changes accordingly.
But before they can fine-tune their IoT security program, HDOs need to kickstart their efforts with a clear governance structure. Those that do this sooner rather than later will be better-positioned to protect themselves and their patients from the next wave of IoT security challenges.
About the author: Jonathan Langer is the co-founder and CEO of MedigateBack to HCB News
