Tom Stafford brings decades of healthcare IT experience to his role as CTO for CDW Healthcare, having previously served as an Enterprise Hospital CIO. In this interview, Stafford shares insights into the critical intersection of connected device security and healthcare operations, addressing the growing challenges healthcare organizations face as they expand their Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) deployments.
The healthcare industry faces a unique cybersecurity landscape where connected medical devices are essential to patient care but also represent significant security vulnerabilities. IoMT devices, ranging from infusion pumps to diagnostic imaging systems, were often designed with connectivity as an afterthought rather than a core security consideration. Stafford emphasizes that understanding the scope and inventory of these devices is the foundational step toward effective security management.
CDW Healthcare's approach to connected device security prioritizes visibility and continuous monitoring across hospital networks. Organizations cannot protect what they cannot see, making asset discovery and management critical components of any healthcare security strategy. This visibility enables security teams to identify legacy devices, understand data flows, and detect anomalous behavior that might indicate a compromise.
Security in healthcare requires balancing robust protection with operational continuity, as downtime can directly impact patient safety. Stafford discusses how CDW Healthcare helps customers implement security controls that don't disrupt clinical workflows or compromise care quality. This includes segmentation strategies, access controls, and monitoring solutions designed specifically for healthcare environments.
The convergence of IT and OT (operational technology) in hospitals creates additional complexity for security teams. Medical devices increasingly connect to hospital information systems, electronic health records, and external networks for remote monitoring and support. Managing these connections securely while maintaining the reliability that healthcare demands requires specialized knowledge and solutions tailored to the industry's unique constraints.