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Heartburn: Yet Another Device-Maker Is Facing Cardiac Device Cybersecurity Worries – This Time, It's Medtronic

Medtronic cardiac devices are vulnerable to malicious hackers who could potentially not only intercept data between the patient and their provider, but also may be able to manipulate the implantable cardiac devices, possibly leading to serious adverse events and death. US FDA says patients should continue to use the devices as usual but should look out for telltale signs of an attack. Meanwhile, Medtronic claims it was aware of the issue and contends that patients shouldn't be concerned: “To date, no cyberattack, privacy breach, or patient harm has been observed," a spokesman says.

Brampton, Ontario, Canada- August 25, 2018: Sign of Medtronic at Canada Headquarters in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. Medtronic is among the world's largest medical equipment development companies. - Image

Some Medtronic CardioVascular implantable cardiac devices (ICD) are at risk from attacks by malicious hackers, US FDA says. Regulators are working with the Minnesota-based company to develop a patch to prevent an exploit, but for now are recommending users continue to use the products but be cautious of medical abnormalities that may be signs of an attack.

On March 21, FDA issued a safety communication for Medtronic implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators...

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