Cyber security is an important issue not just for computers but also any device that has an internet connection. That list of devices is growing every day. While our intentions are noble and caring, there is risk to be managed as well.

One more thing to add to our check list for security consideration. And, the government is getting into the game with regulations.

Medical devices are just the latest in a growing list of Internet of Things that are at risk for potential hacks. On the surface, it may seem almost foolish to worry that some stranger will want to control a person’s insulin dosage or shut off a pacemaker or manipulate health data, but we also wondered why anyone would want to hack into cloud storage to steal compromising photos of actresses or someone would stage a major attack on an entertainment company in retaliation for a movie. If something can be hacked, it will be hacked. If for no other reason, this puts medical devices and the patients who rely on them at great risk.

Like virtually every device connected to a network, medical equipment was never designed with cyber security in mind. However, thanks to the Food and Drug Administration’s new guidelines, that will change. Manufacturers are now instructed to build cyber security functionality into new medical devices. How these cyber security functions will be addressed will depend on the device itself – its intended use, overall vulnerability concerns, and risks to the patient, for instance. The guidelines go on to list the types of cyber security functions that should be included, such as layered authentication levels and timed usage sessions that ensure the device isn’t connected to the network any longer than necessary.

via Cyber Security Is Growing In Importance For Medical Devices Too.