April 01, 2025
“Medical devices are no longer standalone tools—they’re interconnected, intelligent, and indispensable,” says Rashid Mohiuddin. “From patient monitors to ventilators, these devices form a vast digital ecosystem designed to improve clinical decision-making and streamline patient care. But as healthcare embraces connected healthcare, cybersecurity is an urgent and often overlooked risk.”
Rashid highlights the challenge facing healthcare IT teams: “Many struggle to track and secure the sheer volume of medical devices now embedded in their networks. Legacy systems, budget constraints, and an overburdened workforce mean outdated, vulnerable devices remain in circulation. A single compromised device can not only disrupt hospital operations but also pose a direct threat to patient safety.”
The growing cyber threat in healthcare
“Cyberattacks targeting healthcare providers have skyrocketed in recent years, and medical devices are increasingly in the crosshairs,” Rashid warns. “Unlike traditional IT infrastructure, these devices often run on proprietary, outdated software, making them difficult to patch and secure. When a breach occurs, response times are critical—yet too often, slow incident resolution exacerbates the problem, leading to service disruptions and potential harm to patients.”
Regulatory bodies like the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia and Medsafe in New Zealand provide guidance on securing medical devices, but Rashid argues that compliance alone isn’t enough. “The healthcare industry must shift from reactive security measures to proactive, automated medical device management to stay ahead of emerging threats.”
How automation transforms medical device security
“Forward-thinking healthcare organisations are already proving that a proactive approach works,” says Rashid. “By leveraging automation, artificial intelligence, and integration with existing healthcare systems, they’re building more secure, resilient infrastructures. Automated device management ensures seamless provisioning, software updates, and patch management, reducing the risk of outdated, vulnerable devices. AI-driven threat detection continuously monitors network activity, identifying anomalies such as unauthorised access attempts or malware infections, allowing IT teams to intervene before patient care is affected. When a device failure occurs, automated emergency response platforms provide full visibility, facilitating rapid coordination between IT teams and clinical staff. Seamless integration with electronic medical records (EMRs) enhances security while ensuring clinicians have real-time access to critical patient data. At the same time, proactive alerts and secure messaging enable IT teams to respond swiftly to potential threats, minimising disruptions. Automated compliance tools help healthcare providers adhere to strict security and regulatory standards, keeping medical devices audit-ready and secure. And finally, workflow automation streamlines everything from security updates to device decommissioning, ensuring that healthcare systems remain protected without adding to the administrative burden”
The path to a more secure healthcare future
“Cybersecurity in healthcare isn’t just about protecting data—it’s about safeguarding lives,” Rashid emphasises. “As the sector continues to embrace digital transformation, a reactive approach to medical device security is no longer an option. Instead, healthcare providers must invest in intelligent, automated solutions that not only strengthen their security posture but also enhance patient care.”
“It’s time to take a stand,” he urges. “Cybercriminals are getting smarter, and so must we. A proactive, technology-driven approach to medical device management isn’t just best practice—it’s a necessity for a resilient and secure healthcare system.”
Rashid Mohiuddin, senior cybersecurity consultant, Connected Health, Wavelink
Rashid Mohiuddin is a Senior Security Consultant for Connected Health at Wavelink, bringing over 14 years of expertise in IT and cybersecurity. In his role, Rashid specialises in solution scoping, leading workshops and webinars, and delivering professional services for complex projects. He has held key roles in major blue-chip organisations, including Dell, Citibank, the NRMA Group, and Exclusive Networks, where he contributed significantly to IT and cybersecurity initiatives. Rashid holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering, as well as a Master’s in Information Systems, focusing on Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.
