A new study raises concern about medical devices that rely on software as fraudsters are capable of hacking into them to blackmail victims, the Daily Mail reported.
Tools like pacemakers and insulin pumps could come with such risks. A report by the American College of Cardiology's Electrophysiology Council claims not enough is being done to tackle this issue.
Even though there have been no reports of such hacking incidences, there is evidence that it could occur.
With new technology a growing number of devices use software that monitor and regulate bodily functions and other health information.
Dhanunjaya R. Lakkireddy MD is a professor of medicine at the University of Kansas Hospital, a member of the Electrophysiology Council and lead author of the study.
He believes the way to prevent such dangers begins with manufacturing. "True cybersecurity begins at the point of designing protected software from the outset, and requires the integration of multiple stakeholders, including software experts, security experts and medical advisors," Dr Lakkireddy is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.
