Ransomware Expected To Hit 'Lifesaving' Medical Devices In 2016 (forrester.com)

An anonymous reader writes: A surge in ransomware campaigns is expected to hit the medical sector in 2016, according to a recent report published by forecasters at Forrester Research. The paper 'Predictions 2016: Cybersecuirty Swings To Prevention' suggests that the primary hacking trend of the coming year will be "ransomware for a medical device or wearable," arguing that cybercriminals would only have to make mall modifications to current malware to create a feasible attack. Pacemakers and other vital health devices would become prime targets, with attackers toying with their stability and potentially threatening the victim with their own life should the ransom demands not be met.

Comments

Re:DJ Kardio and the Beatskippers

[cdrudge]

Communication with an implant isn't uncommon. Diagnostics, monitoring, tweaking for optimal operation, etc. It's a lot easier to do checkups and make adjustments on a person when you don't need to open up the chest cavity.