Navigating the Future: Essential Cybersecurity Insights from a CISO

Published in Member Communities on March 05, 2025

Essential Cybersecurity Insights from a CISO By Ryan Wood, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), VGM Group, Inc.

As we approach 2025, the home medical equipment (HME) and durable medical equipment (DME) industry stands at a pivotal juncture. The landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifting market dynamics. As a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), I want to share some insights and strategies that VGM & Associates members can use to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The HME/DME industry is expected to experience significant growth in 2025.

Industry Forecast for 2025

The HME/DME industry is expected to experience significant growth in 2025, driven by several key factors:

Aging Population: The U.S. population aged 65 and older is projected to grow by nearly 30% over the next decade. This demographic shift will increase the demand for medical equipment that supports aging in place, such as mobility aids, respiratory devices, and home monitoring systems.

The U.S. population aged 65 and older is projected to grow by nearly 30% over the next decade.

Technological Advancements: Innovations in medical technology, including telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and smart medical devices, are transforming the HME/DME landscape. These advancements not only improve patient outcomes but also create new opportunities for businesses to offer value-added services.

Regulatory Changes: The regulatory environment for HME/DME is becoming more stringent, with increased focus on data security and patient privacy. Compliance with regulations such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will be critical for maintaining trust and avoiding penalties.

Market Consolidation: The industry is seeing a wave of mergers and acquisitions, driven by both strategic buyers and private equity investors. This consolidation can create opportunities for VGM & Associates members to partner with larger entities or to carve out niche markets.

As we move into 2025, the cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly.

Cybersecurity Trends for 2025

As we move into 2025, the cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the HME/DME industry. Here are some key trends to watch:

AI-Driven Cyber Threats: Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the scale and sophistication of their attacks. This includes AI-generated phishing emails, deepfake-enabled social engineering, and adaptive malware that can learn and evade detection systems.

Ransomware Evolution: Ransomware attacks are becoming more sophisticated and targeted. In 2025, we expect to see ransomware that can spread rapidly across networks, making early detection and response critical. The healthcare sector, including HME/DME providers, is particularly vulnerable due to the sensitive nature of patient data.

Securing Telehealth Platforms: With the rise of telehealth and remote patient monitoring, securing these platforms is paramount. Cybersecurity measures must be implemented to protect patient data and ensure the integrity of telehealth services.

Regulatory Compliance: Staying ahead of regulatory changes is crucial. Upcoming regulations may impose stricter data security requirements, and compliance will be essential to avoid penalties and maintain trust.

Zero-Trust Security Models: Adopting a zero-trust security model can help mitigate AI-driven threats. This approach involves continuously verifying the identity and trustworthiness of users and devices, regardless of their location within or outside the network.

Adopting a zero-trust security model can help mitigate AI-driven threats.

Action Items for VGM & Associates Members

To capitalize on these trends and ensure your business is well-positioned for 2025, consider the following action items:

Enhance Cybersecurity Measures:

Conduct Regular Risk Assessments: Regular risk assessments help identify and fix vulnerabilities in your digital infrastructure before they become serious problems.

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA requires two forms of verification (like a password and a code sent to your phone) to access your systems, making it much harder for hackers to break in.

Train Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices: Training employees helps them recognize suspicious emails and links, reducing the risk of falling for phishing attacks.

Invest in Technology:

Adopt Telehealth Solutions: By integrating telehealth platforms, you can offer remote consultations and monitoring, which not only improves patient care but also expands your service offerings without the need for physical visits.

Leverage Data Analytics: Data analytics can provide insights into patient behavior and operational efficiencies, helping you make informed decisions and tailor your services accordingly.

Explore Smart Medical Devices: Smart medical devices can provide real-time data on a patient’s health, improving outcomes, and helping you stay competitive in a technology-driven market.

Having a robust data breach response plan is like having an emergency plan in case of a break-in.

Ensure Regulatory Compliance:

Stay Informed on Regulatory Changes: Regularly reviewing updates from regulatory bodies ensures your policies and procedures are compliant, helping you avoid penalties and maintain trust.

Implement Data Protection Measures: Encrypting patient data and storing it securely ensures that even if someone tries to steal it, they can’t access the information. Having a robust data breach response plan is like having an emergency plan in case of a break-in.

Conduct Regular Audits: Regular audits help ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA and GDPR, identifying and addressing any gaps promptly.

Focus on Customer Experience:

Enhance Patient Engagement: Use digital tools to improve communication with patients, much like using a smartphone app to stay in touch with friends and family. This can include patient portals, mobile apps, and automated reminders.

Offer Personalized Services: Tailor your services to meet the specific needs of your patients, similar to how a personal shopper would select items based on your preferences. This can help build loyalty and differentiate your business from competitors.

Gather Feedback: Regularly solicit feedback from patients to identify areas for improvement. Think of this as asking for reviews after a meal at a restaurant. Use this feedback to refine your services and enhance patient satisfaction.

Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations:

Partner with Larger Entities: Consider forming strategic partnerships with larger healthcare providers or suppliers, including VGM & Associates. This is like teaming up with a big brand to expand your reach and resources.

Join Industry Associations: Participate in industry associations and networks to stay informed about market trends and best practices. This can also provide opportunities for collaboration and advocacy, much like joining a professional club or organization to stay connected and informed.

The HME/DME industry is poised for significant growth and transformation in 2025. By proactively addressing cybersecurity, investing in technology, ensuring regulatory compliance, focusing on customer experience, and forming strategic partnerships, VGM & Associates members can position themselves for success in this dynamic environment. As a CISO, I believe that by implementing these strategies, you can help your business not only survive but thrive in the evolving HME/DME landscape. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay ahead of the curve.

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This article was originally featured in the VGM Playbook: Forecasting 2025. To read the full article and more like this, download your copy of the playbook today!