Pacemakers, Wearable health devices, MRI Devices and Medical records are some of the significant medical devices that are most vulnerable to cyberattacks.
FREMONT, CA: The number of cyber threats is on the rise. Criminal activities online are becoming more frequent, targeted, and complex. Every industry is now at risk of cyberattacks, including data breaches and ransomware. After the pandemic, the healthcare industry is no exception. Medical devices are also affected by these attacks. Cyber-attacks have become more prevalent with the advancement of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT).
A direct attack on a medical device has not been documented so far. Even so, the fact that it is possible is concerning, and everyone should educate themselves and take extra precautions to secure their devices.
The top devices most vulnerable to cyber-attacks are listed below.
The pacemaker: Typically, hackers gain access to and control medical devices through external devices used in conjunction with them. A mobile app or computer could be used to control the device.
It is possible for people with malicious intent to hack into the external device and interfere with the medical device in that case. Hackers have not yet interfered with pacemakers and other implantable medical devices. As a result, manufacturers and healthcare practitioners are now working to improve the security of these devices.
