Berlin, November 2025 – After three years of dedicated research and innovation, the CYLCOMED project is nearing completion, having made significant progress in improving cybersecurity for connected medical devices (CMDs) across European healthcare systems.
Launched in December 2022 as a Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action (RIA), CYLCOMED developed a modular, AI-powered cybersecurity toolbox tailored for CMDs used in clinical settings. The consortium, coordinated by Charité University Hospital of Berlin, united leading hospitals, research institutions, and industry partners across Europe to tackle the critical challenge of securing medical technologies without compromising clinical care.
The CYLCOMED Toolbox: Secure, Scalable, and Clinically Adaptable
The core achievement of the project is the CYLCOMED Toolbox, a modular set of cybersecurity tools featuring AI-driven detection, secure identity management, data protection, and access control. Designed for automatic deployment, the toolbox has been successfully validated in both simulated and real hospital environments, proving its flexibility and effectiveness in enhancing medical device cybersecurity.
Pilot 1: Simulated ICU Cybersecurity with Legacy Devices
Pilot 1, implemented by spanish partner RGB Medical Devices, a manufacturer specialising in patient monitoring systems, focused on securing legacy medical equipment in a simulated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) using digital twins (synthetic data only). CYLCOMED’s security features were integrated into an external Linux-based board connected to legacy devices, such as a multiparameter monitor and infusion pumps, preserving critical clinical functions while protecting against cyber threats.Evaluation showed that adding CYLCOMED’s cybersecurity components did not affect clinical performance and improved protection against unauthorised access and data breaches.
Pilot 2: Real-World Telemedicine and Emergency Care Validation
Pilot 2 tested the CYLCOMED toolbox in real hospital environments at Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù in Rome and Fundación Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús in Madrid. At Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, a clinical trial with paediatric cardiac patients used wearable devices for remote monitoring. Data was securely transmitted and monitored via an AI-enabled platform, demonstrating strong patient compliance and system usability.
Multidisciplinary international collaboration is essential for achieving excellence in ensuring safety and trustworthy healthcare as we transition into a digital world”.
Dr. Diana Ferro, Healthcare Research Officer and Executive Board Member of SIIAM (Italian Society of AI in Medicine) and representative of Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesú in Rome.
Meanwhile, Hospital Infantil Niño Jesús in Madrid deployed the CYLCOMED dashboard in emergency ambulances to monitor the cybersecurity of 5G connections during transport of critically ill children, ensuring safe real-time data transmission.
Pilots were essential to bring cybersecurity solutions in real life and investigate the implications of integrating these technologies into patient journeys.
Dr. Alberto Tozzi, Head of Predictive and Preventive Medicine Research Unit at Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesú in Rome.
Final Workshop Highlights Cluster Collaboration and Policy Engagement
CYLCOMED culminated with a joint workshop alongside related cluster projects, attracting representatives from the Ministries of Health of Austria, Germany, Poland, and the Medical Chamber of Slovenia. The event fostered rich discussions on cybersecurity challenges and synergies, underscoring the growing importance of EU-wide collaboration to safeguard healthcare infrastructures.
Looking Forward: Building Trustworthy Digital Health
The CYLCOMED project demonstrates that cybersecurity can be integrated into medical technology without hindering clinical care, paving the way for safer, more resilient healthcare systems across Europe.
About CYLCOMED
The CYLCOMED project is powered by a strong consortium made up of 10 partners: Eviden (Spain), MediaClinics Italia (Italy), Martel GmbH (Switzerland), XLAB (Slovenia), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Germany), Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús (Spain), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesú (Italy), RGB Medical Devices (Spain), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium) and Inov Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores (Portugal), from seven European countries. The consortium combines business know-how, social sciences and deep technical insights in cybersecurity and data protection solutions.The CYLCOMED project has received funding from the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement N°101095542.
