What you need to know about growing cyber threats to medtech

Medical devices are an especially rich cybersecurity target for malicious activity by those seeking commercial gain or just trying to wreak havoc. And while data theft is a serious threat, the risks posed by hacks that involve the expanding universe of networked medical devices can be especially menacing.

Nach Davé and John Pappan, Premier Research

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In 2015, the FDA warned that a networked infusion pump was vulnerable to being accessed and controlled by unauthorized users. Concerned that attackers could harm patients by altering their medication dosing, the agency warned healthcare facilities to discontinue its use. Years earlier, before hacking of these devices was on most people’s radar, doctors for former Vice President Dick Cheney ordered that his heart defibrillator’s wireless capability be turned off to prevent the possibility of tampering by terrorists.

Get the full story on our sister site, Medical Design & Outsourcing.

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