The Challenge
Unprotected communication
A radiotherapy device manufacturer needed a secure, efficient way to protect communication between treatment planning software and the device itself. Key challenges included:
- Manual & outdated provisioning – Security key management relied on labor-intensive, error-prone processes.
- Performance constraints – Limited memory and processing power made integrating security features difficult.
- Vulnerabilities to cyber threats – Outdated protocols left patient data and system communications exposed.
- Complex infrastructure – Secure communication was required across two networks and 25 nodes without costly re-engineering.
- Regulatory compliance – Meeting evolving FDA cybersecurity requirements without disrupting clinical operations was critical.
The Solution
Scalable security solution in Guardian
Guardian provided a seamless, scalable security solution that ensured compliance without impacting device performance.
- Automated cryptographic key provisioning – Secure provisioning and reprovisioning of devices in the field.
- Root of Trust (RoT) & component identities – Unique cryptographic keys assigned to each component, ensuring secure authentication.
- Encrypted real-time communication – Protected messaging and treatment planning orders against tampering.
- Seamless integration – Secured communication across a complex multi-node system without costly redesigns.
The Impact
Full FDA cybersecurity compliance
With Guardian, the manufacturer achieved:
- Full FDA cybersecurity compliance while maintaining system performance.
- Secure, encrypted communication across 25 nodes and two networks.
- Streamlined in-field security updates without disruptions.
- Confidence in device security through cryptographic authentication and RoT.
