The Emerging Field of Cyber-Biosecurity in Health and Medical Industries

In an era where the convergence of biology and technology is reshaping industries, the concept of cyber-biosecurity is rapidly gaining importance. As the health and medical sectors increasingly rely on digital systems to store, process, and analyse biological data, the need to protect this data from cyber threats has become critical.

Cyber-biosecurity is an interdisciplinary field that combines elements of cybersecurity, biosecurity, and cyber-physical systems. It focuses on protecting biological data and systems from cyber threats, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of critical information. This field has become particularly relevant as advancements in biotechnology, such as gene editing, and synthetic biology, and automated routine diagnostics and remote monitoring are integrated into mainstream laboratories.

‍Key Components of Cyber-Biosecurity:

1. ‍Data Protection: Safeguarding sensitive biological information, including patient data, genetic sequences, and research findings, from unauthorised access and cyberattacks.
2. ‍System Security: Ensuring that the digital systems used in the medical and health industries are resilient against cyber threats, including malware, ransomware, and other malicious activities.
3. ‍Supply Chain Security: Protecting the integrity of the biotechnological supply chain, including the sourcing, production, and distribution of biological materials and technologies.
4. ‍Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to national and international regulations and standards related to both cybersecurity and biosecurity.

‍The Importance of Protecting High-Value Biological Data

Biological data, especially high-value data such as genomic information, personalised medicine records, and proprietary research, is becoming a prime target for cybercriminals. This data is not only valuable in terms of intellectual property but also has significant implications for public health and safety.

(i) Genomic and Personalised Medicine Data:

The digitisation of genomic data and the rise of personalised medicine have opened new avenues for healthcare innovation, but they also present new risks. Cyber-biosecurity ensures that this data, which is highly sensitive and personal, remains protected. Unauthorised access to such data can lead to privacy violations, identity theft, and misuse of genetic information, potentially resulting in discrimination or other negative consequences for individuals.

(ii) Proprietary Research and Intellectual Property:

In the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, proprietary research is the cornerstone of innovation. The theft of this data through cyber espionage can lead to significant financial losses, competitive disadvantages, and delays in the development of new treatments and technologies. Cyber-biosecurity measures are essential to protect the intellectual property that drives progress in these fields.

‍The Critical Need to Secure Dual-Use Pathogen Data

One of the most significant concerns in cyber-biosecurity is the protection of dual-use pathogen data; information that can be used for both legitimate scientific purposes and potentially harmful applications. Dual-use research often involves pathogens that could be weaponised, such as those causing highly infectious diseases and spore producing bacteria.

(i) The Risks of Dual-Use Pathogen Data:

If dual-use pathogen data falls into the wrong hands, the consequences could be catastrophic. This data could be used to develop biological weapons or to engineer pathogens with increased virulence or resistance to treatment. Cyber-biosecurity measures are crucial in ensuring that such sensitive information is secured and accessed only by authorised individuals for legitimate research purposes.

(ii) Balancing Security and Scientific Progress:

While securing dual-use pathogen data is vital, it is equally important to strike a balance between security and the need for scientific collaboration. Research on dangerous pathogens is essential for developing vaccines, treatments, and preventive measures. Cyber-biosecurity frameworks must be designed to facilitate safe and secure collaboration while minimising the risk of misuse.

‍Importance of Cyber-Biosecurity in Health and Medical Industries

The health and medical industries are increasingly becoming targets for cyberattacks due to the high value of the data they handle. Patient records, genetic information, proprietary research data, and dual-use pathogen data are prime targets for cybercriminals. The consequences of breaches in these sectors can be severe, leading to loss of intellectual property, compromised patient safety, and significant financial losses.

Sention has developed and delivered cyber-biosecurity workshops and exercises to 18 countries across South Esat Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and Europe. This emerging field requires critical collaboration between laboratory teams, and IT and cyber security teams, and a commitment to protecting this high-value biological data from threat actors.