Protecting Life-Saving Medical Devices from Cyberattack

Smart medical gadgets are crucial for keeping people alive and healthy. From wearables that keep an eye on your heart rate all day to heart pumps and big machines such as ventilators and dialysis units, these devices often work non-stop. However, the sad reality is that cyber-security is not always top of mind when these devices are being created. Many are easily connected to the Internet, often have simple passwords, or sometimes do not even require passwords. This lack of security is a huge problem because it allows hackers to not only break into the devices themselves, but also to penetrate hospital systems and wreak havoc with harmful software.