Medical devices at risk for cyber attacks: 6 thoughts

Medical devices on hospital networks could be vulnerable to either intentional hacking or because of weak computer security measures, the StarTribune reports

Here's what you need to know.

1. The Department of Homeland Security issued a report disclosing some vulnerabilities in a drug-dispensing machine frequently used by hospitals. It was followed up by a report by the FDA warning hospitals to avoid a type of drug-infusion pump that was vulnerable to hacking.

2. Several hospitals have acknowledged they were the victims of "ransomware" attacks, where hackers infect a hospital network and encrypt fires until a ransom is paid.

3. The FBI has warned that compromised medical devices would allow "malicious traffic" to be transmitted through firewalls and into hospital networks.

4. The extent of vulnerabilities and attacks in hospitals is unknown, Homeland Security researchers said.

5. The Medical Device Innovation, Safety and Security Consortium is currently studying the vulnerabilities these medical devices have. At a conference last week, Kevin Fu, cybersecurity expert, released data concerning one hospital's network of infusion pumps. He found that more than 80 of the 116 pumps were vulnerable to compromise because they allowed root access to the network.

6. While the devices are at risk, several companies are working on solutions to help secure the devices in the future.

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