National Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Securing Medical Equipment in Rural Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgery Centers, and Nursing Homes
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is an essential time to reflect on the growing need for securing medical equipment, especially in rural hospitals. Medical equipment, from infusion pumps to ventilators, has become increasingly connected to networks and the internet. While this connectivity enhances patient care, it also introduces new risks, particularly for smaller healthcare providers such as rural hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and nursing homes, which often face tight budgets and lack of dedicated cybersecurity staff.
The Cybersecurity Landscape for Small Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare organizations of all sizes are frequent targets of cyberattacks, as evidenced by HHS’ famous Wall of Shame, but smaller facilities are particularly vulnerable. Many rural hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and nursing homes do not have the resources to implement the robust cybersecurity measures seen in larger healthcare systems but may paint the same-sized target on the Internet. The reliance on aging systems, lack of IT support, and limited financial resources make these smaller facilities appealing targets for cybercriminals.
Connected medical devices, like infusion pumps, heart monitors, and imaging equipment, are critical for patient care but also represent entry points for attackers if not properly secured. A single breach could lead to devastating consequences, including compromised patient data, operational disruptions, or even direct harm to patients if devices are tampered with.
The 80/20 Rule: Common Sense Security Measures
While advanced cybersecurity measures may seem out of reach for smaller healthcare facilities, the Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, offers a practical solution. This principle suggests that 80% of potential security risks can be addressed by focusing on the most critical 20% of actions. By implementing basic, common-sense cybersecurity practices, facilities can significantly enhance their security without requiring large budgets or resources.
Here are some straightforward steps rural hospitals, ASCs, and nursing homes can take to protect their medical devices:
1. Basic Network Segmentation
Network segmentation is a simple but effective measure that separates critical systems, such as medical equipment and patient data, from less sensitive systems like email and public Wi-Fi. By creating “zones” in a network, you can limit access to sensitive areas and reduce the risk of attacks spreading across the entire system.
Even in facilities with limited budgets, this can be done with minimal investment in networking tools. Regular audits to identify which devices are connected to the network and ensuring that only necessary devices have access to critical systems can provide an extra layer of protection.
2. Regular Software Updates and Patches
Medical devices, like any other software-driven technology, require regular updates to ensure security. Many cyberattacks exploit vulnerabilities in outdated systems, making it critical to keep software and firmware up to date. Scheduling regular updates and working with vendors to ensure equipment is patched can help protect against known vulnerabilities.
Smaller healthcare facilities often overlook this step due to limited IT resources, but automating updates and establishing a patch management policy can go a long way in reducing vulnerabilities.
To know what can be done, acquire an MDS2 for each connected model in your inventory. The MDS2, usually provided by the manufacturer at no cost, will help you know what can be done, and what cannot be done to help secure the device.
3. Limit Device Access
Limiting who can physically and digitally access medical devices is a simple, effective way to reduce risk. Staff should only have access to the devices they need to use for their role. Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive systems.
Even if specialized cybersecurity staff are unavailable, basic protocols such as strong passwords, locking unused devices, and educating staff about potential threats can mitigate many risks.
Note that NIST just updated their recommended password rules to make them easier to remember and harder to crack.
4. Employee Training and Awareness
One of the most critical lines of defense in securing medical equipment in a rural hospital setting is the staff. Human error is a leading cause of security breaches. Regular training sessions on cybersecurity awareness, phishing detection, and proper handling of sensitive data can empower staff to become the first line of defense.
Training programs don’t have to be expensive. There are many free or low-cost resources available from organizations such as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), especially during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
5. Implementing Basic Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems
Firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS) provide an essential layer of protection against cyber threats. While advanced systems may be expensive, there are affordable solutions suitable for smaller organizations. Even basic firewall configurations can prevent many types of cyberattacks by blocking malicious traffic and detecting unauthorized access attempts.
Additionally, ensuring that firewalls are configured correctly and monitoring them regularly can help maintain a secure environment.
Leveraging Available Resources
Although rural hospitals, ASCs, and nursing homes may not have the same level of funding or dedicated cybersecurity personnel as larger institutions, they can still leverage federal resources. Programs such as the Health Industry Cybersecurity Practices (HICP) offer guidance specifically for small healthcare organizations on reducing cybersecurity risks. Additionally, some state programs provide grants or technical assistance to help smaller providers improve their cybersecurity posture.
Collaborating with CE-Tech can also be a cost-effective way to enhance security measures.
Looking Ahead
As healthcare facilities become more digitally connected, the risk of cyberattacks continues to grow, which means that securing medical equipment in rural hospitals is more important than ever. Balancing patient care with cybersecurity may seem daunting, but with common-sense measures like network segmentation, software updates, and staff training, they can significantly reduce their risk.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that even small steps can make a big difference. By focusing on basic, cost-effective measures, smaller healthcare providers can ensure their medical devices—and, more importantly, their patients—remain safe from cyber threats.
In a world where cyberattacks are a daily reality, protecting patient health is not just about physical care but ensuring the security of the systems that support it.