Medical devices have become an integral part of modern healthcare. They are used to monitor and treat a wide variety of medical conditions, from heart disease to diabetes. However, as these devices become more connected and integrated with other systems, concerns about their security also increase. Hackers could potentially access these devices and harm patients. In this article, we will examine the risks associated with medical device hacking and the steps that can be taken to reduce these risks.
Medical device hacking refers to unauthorized access to medical devices by hackers. This may include implantable devices such as pacemakers and insulin pumps, as well as external devices such as blood glucose monitors and infusion pumps. Hackers can access these devices through a variety of means, including wireless connections, USB ports, and other vulnerabilities in the device's software.
Although no cases of medical device hacking that has harmed patients have been reported, there have been many high-profile examples of medical device hacking. In 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the potential for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities in certain pacemakers and implantable heart devices. The FDA recommended that patients with these devices receive a firmware update to address the vulnerabilities.
Citations:
[1] https://acikerisim.uludag.edu.tr/bitstream/11452/31198/1/Filiz_Bulut.pdf