FDA Urged to Develop Security Plan for Wireless Implantable Medical Devices

The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued recommendations that the Food and Drug Administration develop a comprehensive plan to improve the agency’s ability to review and monitor active implantable medical devices that rely on wireless and other advanced technologies. As some medical devices incorporate more complex technologies and wireless components, the GAO warns that these devices are more vulnerable to information security risks; issues such as untested software components, limited battery life and other shortcomings that could threaten device safety and effectiveness must also be addressed, according to the agency.