Medical devices are progressively using technology without recognizing the risks that accompany it. The U.S. Government Accountability Office recently found “several information security threats that [could] exploit vulnerabilities in active implantable medical devices.” (Hayes) The Hills Congress Blog expresses the need for the development of new standards in order to protect patients from computer viruses in medical devices. The article from the Congress Blog shares that medical device manufacturers create their products solely for use by healthcare institutions yet their wireless capabilities are improving, which increases the opportunity for viruses and other threats. The Congress Blog also shared that FDA will eventually need to “provide standards and guidance on the types of updates that will be allowed for medical devices” to establish safety. (Hayes) After restating the need for standards to protect patients, Hayes assured that this could only be possible “through Congressional legislation that includes stiff fines for non-compliance.”
To read what else Hayes had to say concerning technology risks in medical devices, click here.