Overview
The healthcare industry in the United States is increasingly adopting connected health software, Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), cloud-based platforms, and telemedicine solutions. While these digital solutions enhance patient care and operational efficiency, they also introduce complex cybersecurity risks that can affect patient safety, data confidentiality, and regulatory compliance.
IEC 81001-5-1 offers comprehensive guidance for cybersecurity risk management across the lifecycle of medical device and health software. It covers secure design, development, verification, deployment, operation, and post-market maintenance to ensure the resilience of health software systems.
Cyberintelsys, a CREST-accredited cybersecurity company, provides specialised Vulnerability Assessment (VA) and Penetration Testing (PT) services to support IEC 81001-5-1 compliance for health software in the United States.
Why IEC 81001-5-1 Compliance Matters in the US?
Health software systems are critical targets due to their access to sensitive patient data and integration with hospital networks. Cyberattacks can compromise patient safety, disrupt healthcare operations, and lead to regulatory penalties.
Common risk areas include:
Weak authentication and access controls
Insecure APIs and cloud integrations
Insufficient encryption and session management
Mobile application vulnerabilities
Third-party software and supply chain risks
IEC 81001-5-1 enables organisations to:
Establish a structured cybersecurity risk management program
Embed security across the software lifecycle
Protect patient safety and sensitive data
Enhance trust among healthcare providers and partners
Importance of VA/PT for Health Software
VA/PT is crucial to ensure health software is secure, compliant, and resilient against real-world cyber threats.
Key Objectives
Identify vulnerabilities before deployment
Assess cloud, API, and mobile application security
Ensure compliance with IEC 81001-5-1, HIPAA, and FDA requirements
Mitigate operational and reputational risks
Cyberintelsys Approach to VA/PT for IEC 81001-5-1
Cyberintelsys follows a structured, CREST-aligned methodology for health software security assessments.
1. Scoping & Asset Mapping
Identify software components: desktop, cloud, APIs, and mobile
Map data flows and authentication paths
Define safe testing boundaries
Deliverables: Scope document, asset inventory, and risk assessment plan
2. Threat Modelling & Risk Analysis
Identify potential attack vectors using STRIDE and MITRE ATT&CK
Evaluate potential impact on patient safety and data integrity
Deliverables: Threat model diagrams and cybersecurity risk register
3. Vulnerability Assessment (VA)
Automated scanning and manual code review
Assessment of third-party libraries and cloud configurations
Validation of encryption and secure data handling
Output: VA report with CVSS scores and remediation guidance
4. Penetration Testing (PT)
Application-layer testing (OWASP Top 10)
API and cloud infrastructure testing
Mobile application security testing for Android and iOS
Deliverables: Controlled proof-of-concept exploitation report
5. Risk Prioritisation & Remediation
Prioritize findings based on severity, likelihood, and regulatory relevance
Provide actionable mitigation recommendations
6. Compliance Reporting & Documentation
CREST-aligned reports suitable for audits
Evidence supporting alignment with IEC 81001-5-1, IEC 60601, and IEC 62443
Guidance mapped to recognised frameworks such as ISO and NIST
7. Retesting & Continuous Improvement
Confirm remediation effectiveness through retesting
Continuous security monitoring and lifecycle improvements
Benefits of Cyberintelsys VA/PT Services in the US
Regulatory & Compliance Readiness
Aligns testing with IEC 81001-5-1 and FDA guidance
Audit-ready documentation for regulators and partners
Patient Safety & Trust
Protects sensitive health data
Enhances confidence among healthcare providers, patients, and stakeholders
CREST-Accredited Expertise
Certified professionals performing ethical, standardised, and recognised testing
Operational Resilience
Secure deployment without disrupting healthcare operations
Minimises risk of service outages and data breaches
Continuous Security Improvement
Integrates findings into secure SDLC practices
Periodic assessments to maintain compliance and security posture
Industries & Software Supported
Cyberintelsys provides VA/PT for:
Hospitals and clinics: EMR/EHR systems, patient management software
Telemedicine and remote monitoring platforms
Software as a Medical Device (SaMD)
Cloud-based health solutions and patient portals
Mobile health applications for patient care and monitoring
Why Choose Cyberintelsys in the United States?
CREST-accredited cybersecurity provider
Expertise in IEC 81001-5-1, FDA 510(k), and healthcare cybersecurity
Evidence-based, audit-ready reporting
Trusted partner for healthcare providers, medical software developers, and device manufacturers
Conclusion
Effective cybersecurity testing and VA/PT for IEC 81001-5-1 compliance is essential to protect patient safety and maintain regulatory compliance in the US healthcare industry.
Cyberintelsys delivers comprehensive health software security assessments, providing:
Ethical, structured identification of vulnerabilities
Regulatory-aligned documentation and remediation guidance
Enhanced patient safety, data security, and operational continuity
Partner with Cyberintelsys to secure your health software, achieve IEC 81001-5-1 compliance, and maintain trust and resilience in the US healthcare ecosystem.