Introduction to Security Risk Assessment in Medical and Healthcare Industry

This is an introductory chapter of the book which, critically reviews the exponentially growing cybersecurity landscapes in the field of healthcare, specifically focusing on implantable medical devices. This chapter highlights the irony of how the medical devices that have been developed to improve human health have become mass targets for malicious cyber-attacks. It serves as a starting point to illustrate the complex as well as important role that cyber security plays in the field of healthcare, thus highlighting the need for implementing a strong defense network to reduce the escalating cyber threats. Through a detailed review of the real-world instances, this chapter unravels the importance of detecting and removing the vulnerabilities in implantable medical devices (IMDs) and Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices. The motivation of this chapter, that rigorous security assessments and multifaceted mitigation strategies are the foundational pillars of any secured healthcare infrastructure, is the culmination of an extensive literature survey. By fostering a proactive stance grounded on technological innovation and collective vigilance, healthcare stakeholders can bolster resilience against the pervasive threat of cybercrime. In essence, this chapter serves as a beacon of knowledge, guiding stakeholders towards a future where healthcare systems remain steadfast in safeguarding patient well-being and sensitive medical data from the ever-present and ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.