Healthcare Technology Management: The Unsung Heroes of Medical Device Security

When we think of healthcare cybersecurity, we often picture firewalls and IT teams battling sophisticated cyberattacks. But behind the scenes, there’s a group of professionals who serve as the backbone of medical device security in hospitals and healthcare settings. Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) professionals, including clinical engineers and biomedical technology specialists, are some of the most critical yet underappreciated defenders of patient safety and device security.

With the rise of highly interconnected medical devices and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, the role of HTM professionals has expanded dramatically. This HTM Week (May 18–24), it’s time we shine a spotlight on their invaluable contributions.

The Changing Role of HTM Professionals in Healthcare Security

The digitalization of medical devices and care delivery has transformed the healthcare landscape. Modern facilities depend on smaller, more mobile devices that are always connected and distributed across wide areas. This brings new opportunities for care, but also introduces new challenges in security and management.

HTM professionals have had to evolve their roles to keep up. Today, their responsibilities go far beyond traditional device maintenance. They are tasked with ensuring the security, efficiency, and usability of complex Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices while navigating blurred lines between clinical, IT, and vendor teams. One Biomedical Engineering Director told us, “A lack of visibility across the entire security infrastructure causes disjointed, manual processes and difficulty obtaining the necessary information in the first place.” With the expanding scope of HTM roles, these blurred lines require greater collaboration and efficiency than ever before.

Key Responsibilities of HTM Professionals in Medical Device Security:

• Device Procurement: Ensuring that new devices meet security and functionality standards before purchase.
• Inventory Management: Maintaining a real-time, complete record of all medical devices in use, along with their configurations.
• Vendor Liaison: Working with manufacturers to obtain security documentation (like MDS2 files) and coordinate updates.
• Device Updates and Patches: Implementing software and firmware updates swiftly to address vulnerabilities.
• Staff Training: Teaching clinical teams how to use devices safely and effectively.
• Risk Assessment: Collaborating with cybersecurity teams to identify and prioritize risks.
• Patient Safety: Ensuring that every device is safe, functioning properly, and ready for use when patients need it.

It’s a demanding role, and with every new technological advancement, HTM professionals rise to meet the challenge.

Increased Risks Targeting Biomedical Devices

Ransomware and other cyberattacks targeting healthcare organizations have skyrocketed in recent years. Medical devices, which often operate on outdated, vulnerable software, are prime targets, as shown by the critical vulnerabilities on Contec patient monitors earlier this year. Cybercriminals know that an attack on these devices could disrupt critical patient care.

This is where HTM professionals step in. Their deep knowledge of how devices operate makes them key players in preventing and mitigating medical device security risks. But more importantly, medical device security is not just about technology; it’s about protecting patient safety. And without HTM teams, these crucial systems would be left vulnerable.

Why HTM Professionals Are the Unsung Heroes of Cybersecurity

While IT and cybersecurity teams are essential in safeguarding healthcare organizations, they cannot secure medical devices alone. HTM professionals bring unique expertise to the table:

1. Greater Device Visibility – HTM teams know the ins and outs of every medical device in the facility, from where they are located to how they function. Their inventory management skills ensure no device goes unnoticed in the security strategy.
2. Specialized Knowledge – HTM professionals understand the specific role and functionality of each device in patient care. This expertise allows them to identify vulnerabilities and suggest tailored security measures.
3. Vendor Coordination – HTM professionals maintain direct communication with device manufacturers, ensuring they have access to the latest security updates, documentation, and insights.
4. Seamless Collaboration – By bridging the gap between clinical, IT, and vendor teams, HTM staff ensure that all parties are working together to protect devices and patients effectively.
5. Proactive Problem Solving – From procurement to decommissioning, HTM professionals are involved in every stage of a device’s lifecycle. Their proactive approach catches security issues before they become major risks.

A Call for Collaboration

The most robust medical device security strategies rely on collaboration between HTM teams, cybersecurity experts, vendors, and clinical staff. Each group brings vital knowledge and skills to the table. HTM professionals play a particularly strategic role, as the individuals who understand the devices and their real-world uses better than anyone else.

This HTM Week, we celebrate the dedication, expertise, and hard work of HTM professionals who keep healthcare devices running safely and securely. To all HTM professionals: thank you for all that you do. Your work keeps patients safe, organizations resilient, and devices secure.