Medical device software vulnerabilities are on the rise, leaving hospitals and healthcare networks increasingly exposed. Outdated software, insecure connections, and the growing adoption of IoMT devices make them easy targets for cyberattacks. High-profile incidents—like the 2024 attacks on Ascension and Change Healthcare by ransomware groups Black Basta and BlackCat/ALPHV—highlight the stakes, with billions of dollars in losses and widespread disruption of services.
As reported by healthcare executives across the U.S., UK, and Germany in RunSafe Security’s 2025 Medical Device Cybersecurity Index, the most critical vulnerabilities in medical devices fall into seven categories: malware infections, network intrusions, ransomware targeting device operations, remote access exploitation, supply chain compromises, vendor-identified vulnerabilities, and data exfiltration.
These are the weaknesses shaping the medical device cybersecurity landscape in 2025.
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The 7 Most Critical Medical Device Cybersecurity Risks
1. Malware Infections (51% of Organizations Affected)
Malware remains the most widespread vulnerability in medical devices, as reported by healthcare leaders. 51% listed malware infections requiring device quarantine as the most significant medical device cybersecurity incident at their organization.
Often, malware infections are targeted campaigns that force organizations to quarantine devices and disconnect systems. For example, malware can force radiology departments to take entire imaging systems offline to prevent spread, leading to delays in diagnostics. In some cases, malware has been used to wipe device firmware or corrupt system files, requiring full reinstallation before devices can be put back into service.
The consequence is not just about downtime, but also about cascading disruption—if a key device type, such as ventilators or pumps, is quarantined, entire treatment processes can be delayed.
2. Network Intrusions (44% of Organizations Affected)
Nearly half of organizations experienced intrusions into networks hosting medical devices. Network intrusions targeting medical devices are among the most severe forms of attack, as they often remain undetected for extended periods. Attackers can gain unauthorized access through poorly segmented networks, default credentials, or outdated communication protocols.
An example is when adversaries pivot from compromised IT systems into clinical device networks, gaining visibility into—and sometimes control over—networked equipment such as monitoring systems or infusion pumps. Intruders may then install backdoors, capture sensitive data in transit, or manipulate device functions.
Unlike IT breaches focused on stealing files, network intrusions into medical devices often create silent footholds that persist until they are specifically identified and removed.
3. Ransomware Targeting Device Operations (37% of Organizations Affected)
More than one-third of organizations reported ransomware specifically disrupting device operations. Unlike traditional ransomware, these campaigns target availability rather than just data.
For example, ransomware designed to target imaging systems can lock operators out of MRI or CT machines, effectively halting diagnostic capabilities until ransom demands are met. Similarly, ransomware targeting infusion pumps or surgical robots can force organizations to suspend treatment procedures.
The distinguishing factor here is intent: attackers understand that the availability of these devices is essential, making disruption itself the pressure point rather than data encryption alone.
4. Remote Access Exploitation (28% of Organizations Affected)
Remote access is vital for servicing, diagnostics, and software updates—but it has also become a primary entry point for attackers. Nearly three in ten organizations reported that remote access was exploited to compromise devices.
This typically occurs when attackers identify unsecured remote desktop sessions, weak VPN configurations, or vendor accounts with excessive privileges. Once inside, adversaries can move laterally across device networks or alter system settings.
A common scenario is the exploitation of default or reused credentials for remote maintenance tools, which grants attackers the same level of control as authorized technicians.
5. Supply Chain Compromises (26% of Organizations Affected)
Software supply chain attacks introduce vulnerabilities long before devices are deployed in hospitals. One in four organizations experienced compromises traced back to third-party software, libraries, or hardware components embedded in their devices.
A well-known example outside healthcare is the SolarWinds compromise, but similar attacks in the medical sector can introduce malicious code into firmware or software updates distributed by a trusted vendor. When those updates are applied, every customer organization inherits the vulnerability.
Due to their scale, software supply chain compromises can impact thousands of devices across multiple healthcare systems simultaneously, making them particularly challenging to contain.
6. Vendor-Identified Vulnerabilities Requiring Updates (24% of Organizations Affected)
Nearly a quarter of organizations faced critical vulnerabilities identified and disclosed by their device vendors. While transparency is essential, patching medical devices poses unique challenges compared to traditional IT.
Devices often require downtime for testing and validation before updates can be applied, and in regulated environments, some patches may trigger re-certification processes. For example, if an imaging device firmware update conflicts with existing calibration protocols, the device must be retested before it can be returned to service.
This means that even when fixes are available, the process of applying them can be slow and disruptive, leaving exploitable windows open for attackers.
7. Data Exfiltration from Devices (23% of Organizations Affected)
Data theft remains a significant issue, with nearly one in four organizations reporting exfiltration from medical devices. These devices often process highly sensitive patient information, including imaging results, diagnostic data, and treatment histories.
For example, compromised cardiology devices can leak continuous heart monitoring data, or imaging systems can be used to extract thousands of patient scans. In some attacks, stolen data is packaged and sold on underground markets, where medical records often fetch higher prices than financial information.
As devices become more interconnected and data-rich, they expand the potential attack surface for adversaries seeking to capture and monetize sensitive healthcare information.
Download our guide to securing medical device software throughout its lifecycle, from development through deployment.
What Medical Devices Are Being Targeted in 2025?
Attackers are going after the backbone of patient care. Cybercriminals are successfully targeting the very systems healthcare providers depend on most for patient diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring, including:
- Imaging Systems (41%) – CT, MRI, X-ray
- Patient Monitoring Devices (40%) – ICU and emergency care essentials
- Laboratory/Diagnostic Equipment (34%) – Core to diagnosis and treatment
- Infusion Pumps (23%) – Life-sustaining medication delivery
- Networked Surgical Equipment (19%) – Operating room systems
- Implantable Devices (19%) – Pacemakers, insulin pumps, and more
Why These Vulnerabilities Matter for Medical Device Manufacturers
The 2025 landscape makes one thing clear: medical devices are now at the center of the cybersecurity conversation. From malware and ransomware to supply chain compromises, attackers are finding multiple pathways to exploit weaknesses that directly affect device reliability and trust.
For manufacturers, the implications are significant. Healthcare providers, regulators, and procurement teams are scrutinizing device cybersecurity more closely than ever. Vulnerabilities are no longer viewed as isolated technical flaws but are seen as risks to adoption, compliance, and long-term market success.
Understanding these seven critical vulnerabilities provides a roadmap for where design choices, testing protocols, and security investments will have the greatest impact. Manufacturers that take these threats seriously will not only strengthen their products but also differentiate themselves in a market where resilience is becoming a baseline requirement.
The insights in this post are based on RunSafe Security’s 2025 Medical Device Cybersecurity Index, a comprehensive survey of healthcare decision-makers on medical device cybersecurity. For manufacturers, it’s a clear signal of where to focus security efforts and how to meet the expectations of regulators and healthcare buyers.
Explore the full report to see the data, trends, and guidance shaping the future of secure medical devices.
