Healthtech innovators operate in a rigorously controlled environment where stringent regulations are the norm.
Products must navigate a labyrinth of approvals from global regulators. Just as patient safety is a top priority, so must cybersecurity be not just an afterthought but more a central component of product development.
Healthcare is increasingly reliant on digital technologies, which makes it a prime target for cyber threats. The nature of cloud storage, where much of today’s data is securely held, requires nuanced understanding and robust protections. The way data is stored, accessed, and managed in the cloud must align with stringent security standards to protect sensitive patient information from breaches and unauthorised access.
The movement of people and the exchange of information across systems further complicate the cybersecurity landscape in healthcare. As healthcare professionals and patients interact across multiple platforms and devices, the potential for security vulnerabilities increases.
It is here that cybersecurity protocols are crucial. They ensure that data integrity and privacy are maintained, thereby supporting the trust that is essential for effective healthcare delivery.
The innovation surrounding new health technologies must be supported by equally innovative cybersecurity strategies. When cybersecurity is integrated at the outset of the product development process, it allows innovators to design solutions that inherently protect users and data. This proactive approach means that security measures are built into the foundation of the product, rather than being tacked on as an afterthought.
For health tech firms, knowing where your data resides, how it is protected, and the risks associated with its exposure is paramount. This knowledge isn't just about compliance with regulations. It's about building a sustainable, trust-based relationship with end users.
A lapse in security can have devastating consequences, not only in terms of financial loss but also through damage to reputation and trust, which are significantly harder to restore.
In our role at the Cyber Innovation Hub, we emphasise the importance of this integrated approach.
We advise health tech companies to consider these aspects from the very beginning of their product development journey. Adopting this mindset ensures that innovation and security grow hand in hand without compromise.
This approach doesn't just safeguard the technology and the data it handles; it also protects the very people who depend on it.
If you’d like to know more about getting your team skilled in cyber, take a look at Cyber Innovation Hub’s short, hands on upskilling courses, and if you would like to know more about immersive testing of your networks and devices, check out the Cyber Innovation Hub testbed facilities
