--- title: "Legacy Device Cybersecurity, Definition | MedTech Terms" description: "Cybersecurity considerations for medical devices that cannot be reasonably protected against current threats. Plain-English Cybersecurity definition for MedTech" lang: en json-ld: | { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://medtechterms.com/terms/legacy-device-cyber#term", "name": "Legacy Device Cybersecurity", "description": "A legacy medical device is one that cannot be reasonably protected against current cybersecurity threats - typically because the underlying OS or platform is unsupported (e.g., Windows XP/7, embedded RTOS without update path), the device cannot accept patches, or the manufacturer has ended support. 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The manufacturer should declare and communicate the date." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can we keep selling a legacy device?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "FDA expects manufacturers to act in the interest of patient safety. Continuing to ship new units of an unpatchable device invites enforcement and reputational risk; most manufacturers transition to a successor product instead." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's the HDO's responsibility?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Per IMDRF N73 and HSCC guidance, HDOs apply compensating controls (segmentation, monitoring, restricted access) and prioritize replacement. Manufacturers must enable that work with clear communication and configuration guidance." } } ] } ] } --- [ MedTech Terms The authoritative reference ](/) Browse Learn [Latest](/latest) About 1. [Home](/) 2. / 3. [Terms](/terms) 4. / 5. [Cybersecurity](/terms?cat=Cybersecurity) 6. / 7. Legacy Device Cybersecurity [All terms](/terms) Cybersecurity [Connected & Cyber-Physical Devices](/ecosystems/connected-devices) # Legacy Device Cybersecurity Cybersecurity considerations for medical devices that cannot be reasonably protected against current threats. Reviewed by [Christian Espinosa, Founder, Blue Goat Cyber](/authors/christian-espinosa) Last reviewed May 5, 2026 ## Definition A legacy medical device is one that cannot be reasonably protected against current cybersecurity threats - typically because the underlying OS or platform is unsupported (e.g., Windows XP/7, embedded RTOS without update path), the device cannot accept patches, or the manufacturer has ended support. [IMDRF](/terms/imdrf)/CYBER WG/N73 (2023) defines the term and frames a shared-responsibility model among manufacturers, healthcare delivery organizations (HDOs), and other stakeholders. What the regulation says FDA's 2023 guidance and [IMDRF](/terms/imdrf) N73 both expect manufacturers to publish end-of-support timelines and to communicate clearly to operators when a device transitions to legacy status. HDOs are expected to apply compensating controls (network segmentation, monitoring) for legacy devices that remain in clinical use. ## What this means in practice Legacy devices are ubiquitous in hospitals - imaging systems, infusion pumps, lab analyzers - and are repeatedly implicated in ransomware incidents. The right response is a documented end-of-life plan, transparent communication to operators, and a path to a supported replacement, not silent obsolescence. Common pitfalls - • Letting devices age into legacy status without notifying operators or providing compensating-control guidance. - • Assuming HDO network segmentation alone substitutes for manufacturer responsibility. - • Continuing to sell new units of a device that can no longer be patched. ## Frequently asked questions When does a device become 'legacy'? Per [IMDRF](/terms/imdrf) N73, when it can no longer be reasonably protected against current threats - typically tied to the end of OS/platform support. The manufacturer should declare and communicate the date. Can we keep selling a legacy device? What's the HDO's responsibility? ## Cross-references ### See also Closely related context worth reading. - [ Patchability ](/terms/patchability) ## Related terms Grouped by theme ### Editor's picks · Hand-selected related concepts [ Cybersecurity HSCC Joint Security Plan(HSCC JSP) An industry-developed reference framework from the Healthcare Sector Coordinating Council for end-to-end MedTech cybersecurity. ](/terms/hscc-jsp)[ Cybersecurity IMDRF Principles and Practices for Medical Device Cybersecurity International harmonized guidance on medical-device cybersecurity from the IMDRF Cybersecurity Working Group. ](/terms/imdrf-cyber-principles)[ Cybersecurity Patchability The designed-in ability to deploy security updates to a fielded medical device in a timely, controlled, and verifiable manner. ](/terms/patchability) ### More in Cybersecurity · Same category [ Cybersecurity AAMI SW96 AAMI/ANSI standard establishing requirements for medical-device cybersecurity activities throughout the lifecycle. ](/terms/aami-sw96)[ Cybersecurity AAMI TIR57 AAMI Technical Information Report providing MedTech-specific guidance on cybersecurity risk management. ](/terms/aami-tir57)[ Cybersecurity AAMI TIR97(TIR97) AAMI Technical Information Report on post-market security risk management for medical device manufacturers, the operational companion to TIR57. ](/terms/aami-tir97)[ Cybersecurity Brainjacking Unauthorized remote control of an implanted neurostimulator (e.g., DBS) to alter stimulation parameters and harm a patient. ](/terms/brainjacking) Cited by Where this term appears across MedTech Terms. Ecosystems (1) - [Connected & Cyber-Physical Devices](/ecosystems/connected-devices) ## Primary references 3 sources Link health: 3 verified · last checked 2026-06-20 IMDRF· 1 FDA· 1 HSCC· 1 1. [1 IMDRF/CYBER WG/N73 (2023) Verified IMDRF · imdrf.org ](https://www.imdrf.org/documents/principles-and-practices-cybersecurity-legacy-medical-devices) 2. [2 FDA Cybersecurity Guidance (Sept 2023) Verified FDA · fda.gov ](https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/cybersecurity-medical-devices-quality-system-considerations-and-content-premarket-submissions) 3. [3 HSCC - Health Sector Coordinating Council Verified HSCC · healthsectorcouncil.org ](https://healthsectorcouncil.org/) Inline markers like \[1\] jump to the matching reference above. Sponsor note ### Working on medical device cybersecurity? Blue Goat Cyber specializes in MedTech cybersecurity - threat modeling, SBOMs, penetration testing, and FDA premarket submissions. [Book a 30-minute discovery session](https://go.bluegoatcyber.com/meetings/blue-goat-cyber/discovery-session) - No obligation - Expert-led from minute one - NDA available on request MedTech Terms is a community resource sponsored by [Blue Goat Cyber](https://bluegoatcyber.com). Definitions are independent of any vendor. On this term Category Cybersecurity Sources 3 Updated 5/5/2026 [Compare with another term](/compare?a=legacy-device-cyber) Learn in 60 seconds Card Lesson Quiz Cybersecurity considerations for medical devices that cannot be reasonably protected against current threats. - · Legacy devices are ubiquitous in hospitals - imaging systems, infusion pumps, lab analyzers - and are repeatedly implicated in ransomware incidents. - · The right response is a documented end-of-life plan, transparent communication to operators, and a path to a supported replacement, not silent obsolescence. - · IMDRF/CYBER WG/N73 (2023) defines the term and frames a shared-responsibility model among manufacturers, healthcare delivery organizations (HDOs), and other stakeholders. Remember this Watch out: Letting devices age into legacy status without notifying operators or providing compensating-control guidance. Related terms - [IMDRF Principles and Practices for Medical Device Cybersecurity ](/terms/imdrf-cyber-principles) - [Patchability ](/terms/patchability) - [HSCC Joint Security Plan(HSCC JSP) ](/terms/hscc-jsp) You may also need Auto-suggested from Cybersecurity and shared keywords. - [IEC 80001-1 ](/terms/iec-80001) - [Hardware Root of Trust(HRoT) ](/terms/hardware-root-of-trust) - [Health Industry Cybersecurity Practices(HICP) ](/terms/hicp) - [Healthcare and Public Health Cybersecurity Performance Goals(HPH-CPG) ](/terms/hph-cpg) - [Manufacturer Disclosure Statement for Medical Device Security(MDS2) ](/terms/mds2) - [NIST Cybersecurity Framework(NIST CSF) ](/terms/nist-csf) [All Cybersecurity terms](/terms?cat=Cybersecurity) From the Blue Goat network Related resources and services on this topic. - [ MedTech Cybersecurity Standards Authoritative reference for the standards and guidances behind medical device cybersecurity. ](https://medtechcyberstandards.com) - [ MedTech Cyber Tips Practical, organized tips for medical device cybersecurity teams. ](https://medtechcybertips.com) - [ MedTech Cybersecurity Crosswalk International crosswalk of medical device cybersecurity requirements across regulators. ](https://mdccrosswalk.com) - [ Code Blue Real medical device cybersecurity incidents and their lessons. ](https://codebluechart.com) MedTech Terms An authoritative, plain-language reference for the regulatory, quality, cybersecurity, and software terms that shape modern medical devices. 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