Investigating the Security Threats on Networked Medical Devices

Abstract

This paper explores the cyber security threat of Implanted Medical Devices. The widely use of Internet of Thing capable devices in healthcare like pacemakers, infusion pumps, and insulin pumps support patients, at the same time they are considered a point of security threats. All of these devices are susceptible to hacking and exploitation, which has been demonstrated at various cyber security conventions for nearly the past decade. Although some progress in security measures seems to have been made, recent discoveries and interviews with researchers show a battle is still being fought with some manufacturers. Through pressure applied by some of these researchers, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken notice and issued safety warnings for some of these devices. We will begin by defining what these devices are and explore why people need them. Next, we will briefly give a history of the Internet of Things, explore prior security issues, and then introduce the security researchers and groups involved with finding the exploits of healthcare devices.