Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

Forget the patient, what happens when the medical hardware gets a virus?

Molly Wood Jun 17, 2013
HTML EMBED:
COPY

Forget the patient, what happens when the medical hardware gets a virus?

Molly Wood Jun 17, 2013
HTML EMBED:
COPY

As hospitals become more automated, the dangers of computer viruses become more serious. The Food and Drug Administration has now issued an official warning to this effect. The FDA says device manufactures and care facilities need to take more steps to protect against computer viruses and cyberattacks. A senior official told the Wall Street Journal they were aware of hundreds of devices already infected by malware. 

So, what is the FDA’s prescription for a clean bill of medical devices? It’s the tech version of wash your hands and eat your vegetables: change passwords, regular network check-ups, and update software.

Click on the audio player above to hear more about cybersecurity and medical devices.

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.