In the series of cyberattacks that pose a grave danger to human lives, pacemakers stand out as one of the most critical areas requiring urgent attention. With advancements in medical technology, the reliance on pacemakers for regulating heartbeats has increased dramatically for millions of patients worldwide. However, as these devices become more connected through IoT (Internet of Things) technologies, they are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Losing control of a pacemaker to a hacker can result in severe disruptions to the device’s operation, potentially leading to life-threatening consequences for the patient. This alarming threat underscores the importance of cybersecurity in healthcare, where even a small breach can have catastrophic results.
CA Mayur Joshi, a renowned digital threats expert and board member of the EC Council, is at the forefront of this issue. In his series of 10 articles on cybersecurity risks, Joshi delves into the vulnerabilities of pacemakers and other life-sustaining medical devices. He emphasizes how a successful cyberattack could disrupt the functioning of pacemakers, causing them to deliver inaccurate heart rhythms or even stop functioning entirely. Such a breach could escalate from a privacy violation to a health crisis, leading to loss of life if not mitigated properly. Through his writings, Joshi calls for the healthcare industry, patients, and manufacturers to recognize the urgency of this issue and implement more robust security measures to protect these critical devices.
The Threat to Life-Saving Medical Devices
Pacemakers are small devices implanted in the chest to help control abnormal heart rhythms. Millions of people rely on these devices to stay healthy. But what many don’t realize is that these life-saving devices use software, and just like computers and phones, they can be hacked.
Imagine a pacemaker being controlled by someone who shouldn’t have access to it. If hackers were able to interfere with the device, they could potentially cause serious harm to the person wearing it. While the chance of this happening is currently very low, experts have warned that it’s not impossible. In 2017, nearly 500,000 pacemakers were recalled in the United States because of fears that they could be hacked. This shows how real the risk can be.
How Do These Cyber Attacks Happen?
Pacemakers are part of a growing category of medical devices known as “connected devices.” These devices communicate with doctors and medical teams wirelessly to provide updates and receive adjustments. While this technology helps doctors monitor patients more closely, it also opens up the possibility for hackers to intercept the data or control the device remotely.
The 2017 pacemaker recall was triggered because experts discovered that certain pacemakers could be hacked using commercially available equipment. Once a hacker gained access, they could either drain the battery or change the pacemaker’s settings, potentially putting the patient’s life at risk. This situation, while frightening, was never fully realized in real life. However, the recall was a precautionary step to avoid any such scenario.
One of the most famous examples of this risk comes from the world of fiction. In the TV show Homeland, terrorists hacked into the pacemaker of a fictional U.S. vice president and caused a fatal heart attack. Interestingly, this fictional event inspired real-world fear. Former Vice President Dick Cheney even had his pacemaker’s wireless feature disabled in 2007 to prevent any potential hacking attacks.
Cyberattack Catastrophe: How Hackers Can Endanger Human Lives ?
Pacemaker Cybersecurity: What’s Being Done?
With the rise in cyber threats, steps have been taken to protect pacemakers and other medical devices. In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidelines to ensure that pacemakers are more secure against cyberattacks. Newer devices now come with stronger protections against hacking. For example, when doctors update a pacemaker’s software, the updates often include “security patches” that protect against known vulnerabilities.
The FDA has also been working with manufacturers to make sure that devices are safer right from the start. This means that companies must prove their devices are secure before they even hit the market. Additionally, Congress has introduced the Patch Act, a law that would require medical device makers to demonstrate that their devices are safe from cyberattacks before they can be approved.
Despite these measures, older devices still pose a risk. Devices implanted years ago might not have the same security features as newer models. This means that many people with older pacemakers could be at greater risk of a cyberattack. Fortunately, most manufacturers are working to fix these vulnerabilities through software updates and recalls like the one in 2017.
The Reality of Cyber Attacks on Pacemaker Devices
To date, there have been no reports of hackers successfully attacking a pacemaker. However, the healthcare industry has faced many cyberattacks over the years. In 2017, a ransomware attack known as “WannaCry” hit hospitals in the United Kingdom, disrupting patient care. In a ransomware attack, hackers lock down a computer system and demand payment in exchange for releasing the data. While this attack didn’t target pacemakers directly, it showed how vulnerable the healthcare system can be to cyber threats.
Power Grids at Risk: Cyber Attacks
Similarly, in 2020, a ransomware attack affected 40 hospitals in the United States. Radiation therapy machines used for cancer treatments were disabled for nearly a week. These types of attacks highlight the growing risks faced by hospitals and patients alike. While pacemakers haven’t been directly targeted yet, it’s clear that hackers are becoming more sophisticated, and the possibility of future attacks on personal medical devices cannot be ruled out.
In the meantime, experts recommend that patients continue to use their pacemakers and follow their doctors’ advice. Disconnecting from remote monitoring systems out of fear of a cyberattack could do more harm than good, as these systems are vital in ensuring the device works correctly. If patients have any concerns about their devices, they should contact their healthcare providers for guidance.
How You Can Protect Yourself ?
While the risk of a pacemaker cyberattack is low, there are simple steps patients can take to protect themselves. First, it’s important to keep up with scheduled doctor visits. During these visits, doctors can update the pacemaker’s software to ensure it’s protected against the latest cyber threats.
Second, patients should follow any instructions provided by their doctors regarding remote monitoring systems. These systems allow doctors to keep track of the pacemaker’s performance and detect potential problems before they become serious.
Lastly, patients should stay informed. If a cyberattack affects a hospital or medical device manufacturer, it’s important to check if their pacemaker or other medical devices could be impacted. Being aware of the risks and following healthcare guidance can make a big difference in staying safe.
Pacemakers are an essential tool for millions of people, helping them live healthy, normal lives. While the possibility of a cyberattack on these devices is scary, it’s important to remember that many steps are being taken to keep patients safe. By working together, healthcare providers, manufacturers, and patients can ensure that these life-saving devices remain secure.
