Background:
The FDA released a guidance document titled “Cybersecurity in Medical Devices: Quality System Considerations and Content of Premarket Submissions” on September 27, 2023. This document emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity in medical devices, highlighting software security best practices and the necessity of Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) for risk management.
Key Points:
- The FDA broadens the definition of software to include all components developed by device manufacturers, emphasizing the need for SBOM documentation in premarket submissions.
- Compliance with the guidance poses significant challenges for software development teams.
- Traditional approaches to SBOM generation using Source Code Analysis (SCA) tools fall short, particularly for binaries inaccessible in source form.
Challenges with Current Approaches:
- Source scanning tools are inadequate for third-party binaries, purchased/licensed software, and components included in the build process.
- Vendor reluctance and reliability issues further complicate the SBOM acquisition.
- Incomplete reporting of non-shipped software elements adds complexity.
A Fresh Approach: Binary Composition Analysis (BCA):
- BCA applications offer a solution by analyzing binary code, facilitating compliance with FDA guidelines.
- Benefits of BCA include detailed detection of operating system versions and vulnerabilities, accurate reporting of deployed software components, and identification of redundant or exploitable components.
- Unlike Source SCA, BCA streamlines the process, ensuring comprehensive coverage and confirming compiler settings for enhanced security.
- BCA enables the presentation of a complete SBOM to the FDA, crucial for device certification.
In essence, embracing BCA represents a practical and effective strategy for meeting FDA requirements, and ensuring the safety and integrity of medical devices.
