IU Health opens medical device security lab

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — Indiana University Health has opened a new laboratory to test the security of medical devices. The health system says the lab, located at the 16 Tech Innovation District in Indianapolis, will research technology solutions to combat the increase in cybersecurity threats on internet-linked devices such as infusion pumps, blood pressure monitors and EKG machines.

IU Health says it will collaborate with private companies, universities and other partners in its research and funding.

“Few health systems have committed to an initiative like this to protect the medical devices they rely on,” said Nick Sturgeon, director of information services for IU Health. “Findings from the lab’s research are expected to improve cybersecurity within the healthcare industry and prevent harm from cyber attacks that are increasing in number and severity.”

IU Health says with telehealth and other virtual care growing during the pandemic, medical providers and patients are relying more heavily on internet-connected medical devices that require protection from targeted cyber attacks.