Vulnerability computer: caution for pacemakers

QMI agency

Thursday, 31 August, 2017 14:58

UPDATE
Thursday, 31 August, 2017 14:58

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The us authorities have issued a warning regarding pacemakers by St. Jude Medical, the operation of which may be compromised by vulnerabilities in cyber-space.

Sold in Canada, these pacemakers, which include models of the Accent and Anthem, Assurity, and Allure, are in need of an update of a firmware. But the parent company of St. Jude Medical, Abbott, has clarified that the risks of computer intrusion by a person other than a physician are minimal and that no problem has up to now been detected.

“To better protect our patients, Abbott has developed a new firmware with additional security measures that can be installed in the pacemaker,” said Robert Ford, vice-president of the division of medical devices at Abbott, in a news release issued Tuesday.

“All the companies must constantly be vigilant regarding unauthorized access”, he added.

The holders of these pacemakers are advised to meet with their physician to see if an update to the software in question is necessary.

Abbott is in contact with Health Canada regarding this issue, but the federal agency has not yet issued warning or directive on this subject as have the us authorities.