Dive Brief:
- The FBI issued a public service announcement about potential security risks for the Internet of Things (IoT).
- IoT refers to “any object or device which connects to the Internet to automatically send and/or receive data,” including medical devices.
- Medical IoT devices can include wearables, wireless heart monitors and insulin dispensers.
Dive Insight:
The PSA alerts vulnerabilities can result in theft of personal information or intentional tinkering of a device. The agency went on to make device defense recommendations, including:
- Isolate IoT devices on their own protected networks;
- Update IoT devices with security patches when available; and
- Make default passwords strong passwords.
For medical uses, FBI recommended, “Patients should be informed about the capabilities of any medical devices prescribed for at-home use. If the device is capable of remote operation or transmission of data, it could be a target for a malicious actor.”