The Dangers of Medical Malware

Medical devices are susceptible to computer attacks and malware partly due to stringent U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations, according to a recent article by Technology Review.

Once approved, software used to run medical devices in hospitals must remain static, so manufacturers will not install updates or anti-virus software.

When medical devices become infected with malware, a hospital's only option is to take those machines offline to be cleaned. This time-consuming and labor-intensive process could also lead to safety concerns.

"In one example, malware caused a slowdown in  a fetal monitor used to treat high-risk pregnant women," writes Ben Weitzenkorn.

"Fortunately, we have a fallback model because they are high-risk [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"][patients]," says Mark Olson, the chief information security officer at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston where the instance occurred. "They are in an IC unit - there's someone physically there to watch. But if [a doctor or nurse] are stepping away to another patient, there is a window of time for things to go in the wrong direction." Read the full details here:

Medical malware 'rampant' in US hospitals

Steve Crandall, a top-rated medical malpractice attorney throughout Ohio and Kentucky, believes the government restrictions on medical software will continue to be of potential harm to patients if nothing is changed.

"This would be an example of regulations and cost holding back advancements leading to better patient care," says Crandall.

If you have any questions regarding medical malpractice throughout Ohio and Kentucky, contact Steve Crandall. Steve is available to help answer your questions and guide you in determining your next steps.
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