Can Medical Devices be Hacked?
Securing Healthcare: Defending Against Medical Device Vulnerabilities
Empowering Healthcare with Strong Cybersecurity Measures
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, sometimes concise articles can be powerful public service messages.
The Challenge: Medical Device Vulnerabilities
Within the dynamic field of healthcare, increasing attention is being drawn to the vulnerability of medical devices. This emerging challenge has the potential to redefine the landscape of healthcare technology management and security.
It may come as a surprise, but even implanted medical devices are not immune to hacking. This type of hacking can quickly escalate into something far more malicious, presenting us with an urgent and multifaceted concern. Medical devices that have the capability to connect to networks are susceptible to hacking.
The Susceptibility of Medical Devices
Consider this alarming fact: at any given time in a patient room, there could be more than ten interconnected medical devices associated with a patient. Shockingly, a majority of these devices, including critical ones like pacemakers, are susceptible to hacking.
It’s crucial to comprehend that any object within close proximity to a patient, situated in their room, or even within their body, that boasts any form of connectivity—be it through networks, radio signals, or wireless means—poses a potential security risk.
In a recall alert, Abbott took action by recalling nearly 500,000 pacemakers due to their high susceptibility to hacking, prompting swift manufacturer intervention. Health impacts us all, even world leaders. Read below about Dick Cheney’s scare of an attack on his medical device.
The Risk to World Leaders and Beyond
Imagine the far-reaching implications if a foreign entity were to hack a world leader’s medical device. This risk extends to corporate leaders, civic figures, and local government officials. Without adequate protection, the threat becomes palpable. In fact, Dick Cheney had his defibrillator replaced with a request to the manufacturer to provide a new one with the wireless feature turned off in fear of an assassination attack when he was Vice President. Watch Interview about this from 60 Minutes.
**Most medical devices can be updated via firmware, making it essential to ensure both your medical devices and in-office networks stay current with the latest security measures.
The Growing Target of Other Medical Devices
Medical devices vulnerabilities extend beyond pacemakers. Medical Devices like infusion pumps and MRI systems have become prime targets for hackers, with attacks ranging from disrupting device functions to tampering with medication deliveries.
A noteworthy attack originating from North Korea targeted an estimated quarter-million MRI machines in the United Kingdom, impacting administrative access and medical device functionality. The full extent of this attack remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Fostering Informed Discussions
Our aim is not to instill fear but to inform and foster meaningful discussions. Addressing these issues through sound management at both user and network security levels equips us to better prepare for the next wave of technology-related threats. Join us in these discussions by giving us a call: 904-351-8101.
Venture Pointe stands prepared to engage in crucial discussions with any healthcare practice or agency. Explore why we’ve once again earned recognition as one of the fifty fastest-growing companies in Northeast Florida.