Designing Secure Medical Device Software with Randy Horton

In medical device software development, why should cybersecurity be viewed as an element of product quality, not an add-on?

In this episode, Christian and Trevor speak with Randy Horton of Orthogonal about the future of medical device software development. Together, they unpack how DevSecOps, quality systems, and modern engineering practices can elevate safety and speed innovation in MedTech. From the philosophy behind “move faster and break nothing” to lessons learned from real-world cybersecurity cases, this conversation reframes how medical device teams should approach software design.

Randy Horton is the Chief Solutions Officer at Orthogonal, where he helps MedTech companies build better, safer, and smarter connected devices. A lifelong software innovator, Randy brings profound insight into what it takes to merge cutting-edge tech with the regulated world of healthcare.

Key points:

(03:00) Randy shares how discovering the first web browser set him on a lifelong path of innovation.

(05:11) Why high-quality software inherently includes cybersecurity.

(08:52) Why traditional engineering mindsets struggle with the flexibility of software development.

(12:42) How the “move fast” culture in Silicon Valley clashes with MedTech’s demand for control and safety.

(16:09) Why some manufacturers avoid updating MedTech devices, and how that hurts long-term device security.

(19:49) Randy predicts that born-digital MedTech companies will lead the next wave of innovation, pushing the industry to adapt faster.