a16z Podcast Taking the Pulse on Medical Device Security
Jul 22, 2020
Beau Woods, a Cyber Safety Innovation Fellow with deep expertise in cybersecurity, and Andy Coravos, co-founder of Elektra Labs and former FDA EIR, delve into the often-overlooked world of medical device security. They discuss the ethical dilemmas and safety concerns of devices like pacemakers and insulin pumps, emphasizing the need for robust regulatory frameworks. The conversation covers the challenges of integrating security into medical software and the vital collaboration needed among stakeholders to protect patient safety in an increasingly digital healthcare landscape.
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Insulin Pump Vulnerability
- Jay Radcliffe, a security researcher and diabetic, found vulnerabilities in his insulin pump.
- He publicly disclosed his findings after the manufacturer failed to act.
Pacemaker Battery Drain
- Pacemakers often lack encryption due to computational costs.
- This vulnerability allows their batteries to be drained quickly via reverse-engineered protocols.
Dr. Moe's Pacemaker Research
- Dr. Marie Moe, a security researcher with a pacemaker, investigated her device's security.
- She found a lack of information and awareness among doctors and manufacturers.