Attributed to Sundar Balasubramanian, Managing Director for India and South Asia at Check Point Software Technologies In modern healthcare, the adoption of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices has transformed patient care. However, this innovation also brings critical cyber security challenges that must be addressed.
An example of such a threat has been highlighted by the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which warns that Contec CMS8000 devices, widely used for patient monitoring, contain a backdoor that sends patient data to a remote IP address and could download and execute files on the device.
India, in particular, has become a prime target, experiencing an average of 3,284 attacks per week, nearly double the global average (1,843) according to Check Point’s Threat Intelligence Report. In fact, the Indian healthcare sector was the most impacted by cyberattacks, with 8,614 weekly attacks per organization. This alarming trend highlights the increased attack surface due to the rapid adoption of technologies such as electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. A stark example is the ransomware attack on Delhi AIIMS in November 2022, which disrupted operations and exposed critical vulnerabilities in the sector.
More recently, in October 2024, Star Health Insurance, one of India’s leading health insurers, suffered a major data breach, potentially compromising the personal information of 31 million customers. Reports indicate the stolen data has been listed for sale online, underscoring the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity in healthcare. Technical details aside, human safety is always paramount. Addressing this type of vulnerability ensures that clinicians make care decisions on accurate data, thereby ensuring patients get proper care. As noted by CISA, “…a malfunctioning monitor could lead to improper responses to vital signs displayed by the device”.
This article explores how Check Point’s IoT Protect solution can help hospitals defend against such threats, leveraging insights from the 2025 Check Point State of Cyber Security Report and addressing the broader issue of IoMT security.