Medical Devices: Reverse Engineering for Innovation and Advancement in Healthcare

Research suggests medical devices are particularly vulnerable to wireless attacks- whether using conventional or non-conventional protocols. This study provides analysis and comparison of several selected medical devices that will model a functional wireless network, communicating between patient and host. Results enable the identification and detection of attack vectors or vulnerabilities in devices and categorically allow for placement into a model akin to the Purdue/TCP/IP models-focusing on Medical Internet of Things (MIoT). The interconnectivity of multiple devices lends itself to a variety of security issues, including man-in-the-middle attacks. Interception, jamming, and altering of traffic from embedded, wearable, and bedside devices. These have serious consequences regardless of initial intent- as human life and safety are at stake. This study will not only contribute to the advancement of medical device security, but also to improve patient safety, data privacy, and reliability of interconnected healthcare technologies and delivery.