On this episode of Inside MedTech Innovation, I’m thrilled to chat with JC Herz, a true force in software risk management and open source security. From her start as a teenage rock critic sneaking into concerts, to influencing policy at the Department of Defense, JC has carved a unique path to becoming MedTech’s very own cybersecurity superhero. Together, we dive into her journey co-founding Ion Channel and tackling some of the biggest challenges in MedTech today—open-source software risks, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the need for proactive cybersecurity. JC’s insights reveal not only the complexities of this landscape but also what it takes to protect medical technology in an ever-evolving digital world.
00:23 Introduction to MedTech Innovation
00:32 Pen Testing a Medical Device App
01:45 Third-Party Risks in Medical Devices
02:12 Meet JC Herz: Innovator in Risk Protection
02:56 The Birth of Ion Channel
03:46 Challenges and Realizations in Open Source
05:13 Understanding Supply Chain Risks
09:41 From Media to Tech: JC's Journey
13:59 Navigating Startup Challenges
23:39 The Importance of Maintenance in Software
31:09 Introduction to Zlib and Its Importance
31:33 The Single Point of Failure in Infrastructure
31:50 Adversarial Actions and Their Impact
32:57 The Business Problem of Risk Management
35:31 Technical Debt and Operational Risks
36:14 Hospital Systems and Vulnerability Management
37:25 Contractual Terms and Open Source Maintenance
40:47 Automation in Contract Compliance
41:58 Transparency and Trust in Supply Chains
43:45 Advice for Medtech Manufacturers
50:55 Family Principles and Personal Heroes
55:10 The Crisis of Epistemology
57:30 Conclusion and Where to Find More Information
Follow Shannon and JC:
Connect with Shannon:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonlantzy/
Connect with JC:
