Common Medical Devices Face The Risk of Malware Attacks
Context:
Experts warn that such connected health devices with software components can leak data and urge the government to put in cybersecurity measures to protect hospital databases
Points to ponder:
- Common medical devices, such as oximeters, hearing aids, glucometers, and pacemakers, have a significant risk of being transformed into spyware and malware.
- SiMD and SaMD are frequently found in personal medical technology devices that are linked to the internet, mobile phones, servers, and the cloud, leaving them vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
- Without sufficient cyber security, these gadgets can be converted into spyware and malware, compromising critical patient data.
- The government should consult with industry specialists to identify potential threats to national security.
- Recent ransomware attacks on India’s top tertiary care hospitals emphasize healthcare establishments’ vulnerability and the necessity of medical data security.
- The healthcare business in India currently lacks a centralized data collection mechanism to estimate the true cost of data manipulation.
- Through institutional vision, governance concepts, and accountability, the World Health Organization (Europe) emphasizes the importance of data protection and governance.
- Data protection necessitates legal and technological expertise, sufficient resource allocation, and training for all professionals involved in the processing of personal data.
- Data security should be founded on institutional vision, governance concepts, and a commitment to be held accountable.
