The same way mobile phones and laptops are a target for hackers, the United States Food and Drug Administration is afraid medical machines could be vulnerable to cyber attacks. The FDA is calling for more security on the devices, according to MyFoxNY.com.
In 2012, the Department of Homeland Security said medical devices connected to a hospital IT network could be in danger. A security analyst showed how it was possible for a hacker to affect an insulin pump without alerting caretakers or the person attached to the pump.
“Some of these devices have older proprietary operating systems that are not vulnerable to common malware and so are not supported by newer antivirus software. However, many are vulnerable to cyber attacks by a malicious actor who can take advantage of routine software update capabilities to gain access,” read the warning.
The FDA issued a draft report today for Congress outlining the need for stronger cyber security. The report says now more than ever, in an age where almost everything is wireless and linked to the Internet, the security of medical devices must be ensured.
It goes as far as to predict that injury, illness, and death can be the results of lackluster cyber security.
The FDA suggests the devices should:
-Be given security measures while being designed
-There should be a good median between security and how easy the device is to use
-Device users should have to enter a password (that is not the same for every device), scan a type of card, or use some sort of biometrics to access devices. Also, access to passwords should be kept close to the vest.
Click here for more information on the report.
