System Reliability and Security Management in Medical Imaging

Medical imaging data is a prime target for cyber threats, and attacks like ransomware can have long-term impacts on hospitals. As imaging systems grow more complex and interconnected, the risks also rise—especially with limited security staff, growing regulations, and vendor vulnerabilities. Protecting against sophisticated cyber attackers starts with understanding what’s on your network. Free tools like the CIS Risk Assessment Management tool can help identify hardware and software, enabling segmentation, monitoring, and better access control. Hardening systems, using secure configurations, and monitoring performance are essential steps, along with managing remote access and ensuring only necessary services run. However, the biggest challenge remains people—training staff, controlling access, and preparing for social engineering are critical. Finally, sticking to standards—whether for imaging or cybersecurity—helps demonstrate due diligence and strengthens long-term resilience.

Objectives

• Perform a risk assessment.
• Discuss what needs to be monitored for the network and systems.
• Explain how standards can increase reliability and simplify security management.

Resources

• Shielding Patient Care: Strategies for Managing the Clinical Impacts of Cybersecurity Incidents 
• SIIM26 Call for Proposals

CE Credit 

The Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine has approved this activity for 1.0 hours of SIIM IIP Credits towards certification and re-certification by the American Board of Imaging Informatics (ABII).