Data theft within the healthcare sector continues to skyrocket, led by third-party data breaches and phishing attacks. Halfway through 2019, the number of patient records breached already exceeds the 2018 number by more than 10 million. Perhaps most concerning, many of the breaches lasted weeks or months before they were discovered.
Many health executives lack direct technology experience relevant to the healthcare industry, according to a Black Book Research survey of 308 executives. In
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Bionic Pacemaker Slows Progression of Heart Failure, Research Finds
Using brain circuits made in silicon, scientists have alleviated symptoms of heart failure by reinstating the body’s natural heart rhythm. This study published today in The Journal of Physiology holds great potential for designing more effective pacemakers in the future.The research, funded by British Heart Foundation Horizons and European Union 2020 Horizon grants, is driving the commercial development of bioelectronic therapies for heart failure, which is undertaken by Ceryx Medical.Impact of
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Mercy Launches a Nationwide Real-World Evidence (RWE) Network to Pool De-Identified Patient Data
Mercy Technology Services (MTS), the information technology arm of St. Louis-based Mercy health system, has launched a nationwide real-world evidence network to pool clinical data for advanced analysis. The new initiative aims to create a new model of curated data sharing among providers, drug and device makers, regulators and more to power better patient care.MTS Real-World Evidence (RWE) Network BackgroundDeveloped in partnership with global tech giant SAP, MTS’ new network aims to tap into
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3 Major Problems With the Medical Device and Wearables Market in 2019
Technology can improve human life in significant ways and aid in the fight against troublesome illnesses. Unfortunately, no technology is perfect — and newer technologies are especially prone to growing pains.There are three major problems in today's medical devices and wearables market: potential sabotage of the devices themselves, devices as a backdoor into networks and patient data, and device manufacturers taking advantage of regulatory loopholes to get their products on the market.1. Many
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Security Vulnerabilities Detected in ICDs: Addressing Ransomware Risk in Medical Devices
Medical device usage is on the rise, and that reality potentially puts people at risk if those gadgets have security flaws. It's crucial for device manufacturers, industry regulators and health practitioners to work together to ensure safety are paramount as adoption rises.Internal health devices are particularly at risk, especially since patients and providers may not immediately notice issues. The people who use or prescribe them assume they'll work as expected and typically don't have ways to
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Protecting Medical Device Security in the Age of Ransomware
From medication pumps to pacemakers, people depend on lifesaving devices to live their healthiest possible lives and manage chronic ailments. Many of those patients likely hear about cybercriminals orchestrating massive data breaches, and might get concerned about one of those incidents compromising their information.However, they probably haven’t considered the hackers might target the devices in their bodies or the ones they otherwise use for better well-being.Hospitals Must Pay Attention to
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FDA Approves Medtronic’s Remote Monitoring Pacemaker App
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared approval and U.S. commercial availability of Medtronic's MyCareLink Smart(TM) Monitor, an app-based remote monitoring system for patients with implantable pacemakers. The app-based system makes it easy for heart device patients to stay connected to their doctor. How It Works
Prescribed by a physician, The MyCareLink Smart Monitor is comprised of a handheld portable device reader and the MyCareLink Smart mobile app, available for free on
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