Becton Dickinson (NYSE:BDX) announced that its BD Synapsys microbiology informatics solution received certification from the Underwriters Laboratory Cybersecurity Assurance Program (UL CAP).
UL CAP is an independent program that uses standardized, testable criteria to assess software vulnerabilities and weaknesses. BD touts its BD Synapsys software as one of the first life-science diagnostics informatics platforms to meet all UL CAP cybersecurity standards.
“Cybersecurity is top of mind for our customers,” BD president of life sciences – integrated diagnostic solutions Dave Hickey said in a news release. “Securing connected solutions is essential to patient safety and privacy. By being among the first in the diagnostics space to receive UL CAP certification for an informatics platform, BD is demonstrating its ongoing commitment to taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity.”
BD Synapsys is a browser-based informatics solution designed to offer laboratories connectivity for BD diagnostics instruments, rules-based workflow management tools, tools for streamlining communication and on-demand insights to improve performance.
According to the news release, a cybersecurity breach of a platform like BD Synapsys could create a risk to privacy and patient safety as it comprises a key part of the diagnostic process.
Dr. Chuck Cooper, BD’s VP of medical & scientific affairs in integrated diagnostic solutions, said a cyber breach could compromise patients due to interruptions in the reporting of results, while concerns about accuracy and authenticity could create confusion.
“There is little to no room for this kind of disruption in the care of patients with life-threatening conditions,” Cooper said in the release.
BD said earning UL CAP certification for its BD Synapsys platform is part of an ongoing strategy for the company to partner with government and industry leaders as it looks to enhance its cybersecurity efforts.
“We are very pleased to see BD leading the way to help ensure the safety and security of critical laboratory data,” UL’s chief innovation architect for medical systems interoperability & security Anura Fernando said in the release. “The importance to clinicians and patients alike of protecting the privacy and security of sensitive health-oriented information cannot be overstated.”
