Embedded Tech for Secure, Connected Medical Devices

After attending Embedded World 2025 in Germany earlier this year, it became clearer than ever that we're entering a critical phase in the evolution of connected medical technology, where cybersecurity is no longer optional but essential. 

We’ve always prioritised secure, robust embedded solutions, particularly for safety-critical applications like medical devices. The show only reinforced the urgency of that focus. As the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) continues to grow, so too does the attack surface for cyber threats.

Cybersecurity for Embedded Medical Systems

Threats are no longer limited to data breaches. They’re targeting life-critical systems, hospital infrastructure, and even implantable or wearable devices. Gartner forecasts that 75% of ransomware attacks in 2025 will target operational technology and IoT environments - an alarming increase from just 30% in 2020. 

That risk becomes very real when applied to clinical settings.

Several key trends are emerging:

• AI-powered botnets are scanning connected medical devices for zero-day vulnerabilities.
• Supply chain attacks are infiltrating via compromised firmware updates.
• Remote monitoring and telehealth systems are being deployed in environments with minimal physical security.

As one expert panelist rightly said, “Security has to be embedded from silicon to cloud.” That mindset is core to how we operate at Anders, especially in the medical sector.

What New Regulations Mean for Medical Device Manufacturers

Regulations like the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) are now in force, introducing legal responsibilities around connected device security - directly affecting medical device development. This includes mandatory user authentication, encryption, secure updates, and the elimination of default passwords.

In addition, ISO/IEC 27400 is becoming a key reference for applying zero-trust principles in secure embedded systems. For medical OEMs and design teams, this represents a significant shift. We’re supporting that journey with:

• Compliance-ready embedded platforms
• Secure boot and encryption-by-default
• Design consultancy through audit preparation and documentation

The CRA applies just as rigorously to infusion pumps, surgical robots, diagnostic imaging equipment and remote patient monitoring tools as it does to consumer electronics. At Anders, we’re ensuring our solutions support medical customers from the ground up, with cybersecurity at the core.

Seeing Medical-Grade Security in Action

One of the highlights from Embedded World was witnessing just how advanced hardware security has become, and how applicable it is to modern medical devices. Some standout developments included:

• NXP’s i.MX 9 series featuring quantum-resistant High Assurance Boot, technology we’re already evaluating for new customer designs
• Self-healing firmware using embedded AI to detect and patch vulnerabilities in real time - ideal for in-field, unattended medical systems
• Bluetooth 5.4 stacks with dynamic key rotation - protecting communications from persistent threats.

These are technologies we’re actively evaluating for our embedded medical platforms, whether it’s our secure gateways or bespoke embedded displays, we build security into every layer of the stack.

Our Commitment to Medical-Grade Embedded Security

We’re already working with medical device manufacturers to deliver secure-by-design solutions for systems where failure, or tampering, could be life-threatening. Our offering includes:

• Embedded modules and touchscreen HMI platforms with built-in security features

• IoT edge gateways equipped with TPM 2.0, secure boot, and TrustZone support

• Medical embedded UIs platforms engineered for safe, intuitive interaction with critical systems

Why This Matters to Medical Device Developers

For anyone building the next generation of connected healthcare solutions, the message is clear:

• Legacy platforms may no longer meet compliance requirements

• Security is now a core pillar of patient safety and regulatory approval

• Clinicians and patients expect connected devices to be secure by default

We are here to help you respond to that shift, whether through secure hardware design, compliance support, or embedded development services that align with regulatory best practice.

Final Thoughts: Securing the Future of Connected Healthcare

Embedded World 2025 underlined a new reality: AI, zero-trust frameworks and resilient hardware are rapidly becoming standard in embedded design, and nowhere is this more crucial than in medical technology.

For medical device manufacturers, that means choosing partners who understand both the security landscape and the regulatory context. We’re ready to support your next innovation - making it not only smart and connected, but also secure, compliant, and trusted.

Get in touch to start your next Medtech project.