Security flaws in pacemakers and defibrillators

[OldManEmu]

I have attached a link below to an interesting article on security flaws in pacemakers and defibrillators that render them vulnerable to remote malicious hacking.
This apparently is a known problem and has been acknowledged in a recent US government report.

http://www.theage.com.au/digital-li...-at-heart-of-lax-security-20121102-28ore.html

 

[TheGymGuy]

Thanks for posting this. I suppose people with pacemakers need to wear a radio-singal-proof clothing, or wrap up in foil if they fear getting their equipment hacked. I wonder if there are any other solutions other than getting them replaced?

 

[epstns]

I'm not sure that all pacemakers are remotely addressable. Mine, for example, needs to have an induction coil placed over it for the EP tech to be able to read it. The coil needs to be resting on my skin above the device. Doesn't sound like access from 30 feet away to me.

 

[Greg a]

It seems there is plenty of buzz about hacking an ICD http://www.icdsupportgroup.org/board/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=10707 mine is the wireless version that is monitored by medtronics carelink .......hospital has called me BEFORE I even knew I had a pacing and therapy issue

 

[Greg a]

Gees I got the hat now to find a suit

 

[Guest]

I'm not sure that all pacemakers are remotely addressable. Mine, for example, needs to have an induction coil placed over it for the EP tech to be able to read it. The coil needs to be resting on my skin above the device. Doesn't sound like access from 30 feet away to me.

I'm hoping you are right on this one, Steve. Geez ... it's scary to think that someone could remotely access my pacemaker ... and wreak all sorts of havoc for me. Like yours, though, in order for the EP tech to even read mine, the device has to be put over it ... on my chest.



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