Much like the legacy systems that CISA mentioned in their recent advisory, IoT (and medical) devices also lack host-based EDR solutions. Here's a quick follow-up to my previous post.
In my “CISA Says, EDR Alone Isn't Enough” post, I emphasized that relying solely on host-based security tools—such as endpoint detection and response (EDR)—isn’t enough. To truly defend your network, you need deep network visibility and experienced security professionals ready to act.
The CISA Red Team exercise underscored this reality, revealing that threats can persist undetected on network-connected devices that can’t run EDR agents and that malicious payloads can move across your environment without being flagged by host-based tools. CISA also made one thing clear: trained personnel are essential to stopping threats before they cause damage.
Recently, another real-world example surfaced—one with potentially life-threatening implications.
CISA issued a critical alert that reinforced the limits of host-based security tools. The agency revealed that certain medical monitoring devices manufactured by Contec Medical Systems contain remote code execution capabilities and built-in mechanisms for device modification. If exploited, these vulnerabilities could endanger patients relying on these devices.
Contec, a China-based global medical device manufacturer, produces equipment widely used in hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare environments across the U.S. and the EU. The issue first came to light when CISA’s research team investigated anomalous network traffic flagged by a security researcher. Their investigation uncovered a reverse backdoor embedded in the firmware of Contec’s CMS8000 devices.
Read CISA's fact sheet:
Contec CMS8000 Contains a Backdoor
“The reverse backdoor provides automated connectivity to a hard-coded IP address from the Contec CMS8000 devices, allowing the device to download and execute unverified remote files.”
In other words, these devices were secretly reaching out to an external IP address, potentially downloading unauthorized code without user knowledge. This discovery wasn’t made by host-based tools—it took experienced researchers analyzing network traffic to uncover the threat.
This isn’t the first time backdoors and hidden capabilities have been found in Chinese-manufactured devices, including those rebranded and sold by U.S. companies. How many such devices are connected to your network right now?
Consider taking an inventory of:
And let’s not forget modern smart appliances—your refrigerator and dishwasher might be more connected than you realize. None of these devices run EDR, so who’s watching your network traffic for signs of compromise?
At PacketWatch, we specialize in network security solutions that close the gaps host-based tools leave behind. Our platform integrates seamlessly with your existing defenses, combining real-time network monitoring with expert analysis to detect threats others miss.
With both host and network visibility, you’ll have the complete coverage and expertise needed to stay ahead of today’s sophisticated attackers.
Don’t wait for a breach to find out where your blind spots are. Contact PacketWatch today to strengthen your security posture before it’s too late.
Chuck Matthews is the CEO of PacketWatch, a cybersecurity firm specializing in Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Incident Response, leveraging their proprietary network monitoring platform. With over 35 years of executive experience, Matthews excels in aligning technology with strategic business goals and is a recognized leader in cybersecurity. Chuck has contributed to numerous publications and media outlets, focusing on topics like cybersecurity legislation and best practices.