Healthcare IT Execs Lack Confidence in Medical Device Security

“Unsecured and poorly secured medical devices put patients at risk of great harm if those devices are hacked,” said CHIME President and CEO Russell Branzell. “In recent years, that risk has increased exponentially as devices in hospitals and health organizations have become more and more interconnected. Our members are looking for ways to safeguard these devices, but they need resources and support to be effective.”

 

Organizations that were confident about their medical security programs said that solid security policies and procedures were the leading reason for their confidence, followed by strong technology. Those organizations that lacked confidence cited lack of manufacturer support as the top reason, followed by lack of asset and inventory visibility.

 

The report found that there were around 10,000 connected medical devices per organizations, and approximately one-third of those devices were unpatched.

 

For the survey, KLAS polled 148 chief information officers, chief security information officers, chief technology officers and other professionals at provider organizations on behalf of the College of #Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME).

 

October 08, 2018 – More than 60 percent of healthcare IT executives lack confidence that their current medical device security strategy protects patient safety and prevents disruptions in care.