As medical devices are more connected, devices may be exposed to cybersecurity risks, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) press release. The FDA encourages patients to protect their personal information, monitor for unusual symptoms or behaviors from their device, and get a device check-up from their healthcare provider or the device manufacturer.
The FDA has released a new video, Cyber Vitals: Information for Patients' Medical Device Health, which offers practical steps patients can take to protect their device and personal information.
All legally marketed medical devices have benefits and risks. The FDA authorizes devices to be marketed when there is a reasonable assurance that the devices are safe and effective for their intended use.
Medical devices are increasingly connected to the Internet, hospital networks, and other medical devices to provide features that improve healthcare and increase the ability of healthcare providers to treat patients, according to an FDA press release. These same features also increase potential cybersecurity risks. Medical devices, like other computer systems, can be vulnerable to security breaches, potentially impacting the safety and effectiveness of the device.
Threats and vulnerabilities cannot be eliminated and reducing cybersecurity risks is especially challenging. The healthcare environment is complex, and manufacturers, hospitals, and facilities must work together to manage cybersecurity risks.
