"Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) security require varying approaches, but both are crucial to maintaining a safe and secure healthcare environment. As a result, organizations should not forget to prioritize OT security alongside IT security efforts."
Modern healthcare facilities are blending IT and OT to streamline workflows: linking EHR systems, imaging devices, infusion pumps and building controls. While this convergence improves efficiency, it expands the attack surface. IT teams defend data confidentiality under the CIA triad; OT teams must guarantee device availability and data integrity. Without a unified cyber program, regulatory compliance, patient safety and operational continuity are all at risk.
Faced with stricter regulations, complex interconnected systems and evolving threats, healthcare organizations need a centralized cyber-risk framework that covers both domains end-to-end.
Hospitals and clinics hold vast quantities of PII and medical IP: OT endpoints (e.g. infusion pumps, imaging systems) create additional ingress paths.
As adversaries evolve, healthcare must combine robust technical controls with rigorous processes: identifying exposures early, preventing harm, and aligning to industry regulations.
Nation-state actors and cybercriminals increasingly target healthcare for geopolitical leverage and high-value data exfiltration. IoT/OT convergence, geographic dispersion and organizational complexity are rapidly inflating the attack surface.
Hospitals and clinics hold vast quantities of PII and medical IP (OT endpoints (e.g. infusion pumps, imaging systems) create additional ingress paths. As adversaries evolve, healthcare must combine robust technical controls with rigorous processes) identifying exposures early,…
We propose a holistic, two-phase program to strengthen OT cyber defenses.
For organizations with limited OT risk management, we recommend a two-phase program: Map critical OT functions (e.g. life-safety systems, lab controls), assess potential impact of cyber events, and leverage staff expertise (system architects, engineers, operators) to uncover realistic attack paths. Use real-world scenarios to prioritize high-consequence risks and determine if exposure falls within risk appetite.
Establish a formal OT-CSF with policies, procedures and playbooks aligned to: Typical elements: Self-assessments and external audits, Third-party assurance clauses, Network & asset monitoring solutions, Privileged Access Management (PAM).
These services are best suited to address the OT risks in this industry.