MITA supports FDA’s latest efforts to protect medical devices from cyberattacks

The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) has issued a statement in support of the FDA’s recent efforts to strengthen its medical device cybersecurity program.

“We are building on a foundation of shared responsibility with our stakeholders,” the original statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, read. “In coordination with the MITRE Corporation, we’re announcing the launch of a cybersecurity ‘playbook’ for health care delivery organizations that’s focused on promoting cybersecurity readiness. We’re also announcing the signing of two significant memoranda of understanding. These agreements bring together multiple stakeholders to allow for increased information sharing and transparency around cybersecurity risks.”

The playbook Gottlieb referenced in his statement titled—the Medical Device Cybersecurity Regional Incident Preparedness and Response Playbook—is available here.

“Digital connectivity is critical in today’s healthcare systems and will be even more so as we transition to value-based contracting and reimbursements,” Joe Robinson, chairman of the MITA Board of Directors and senior vice president of health systems solutions at Philips, said in a prepared statement from MITA. “Manufacturers, health delivery organizations and third-parties must collaborate to stay ahead of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The FDA’s playbook is another important step to help coordinate all stakeholders to work together to address these challenges.”