Hijack attacks on medical devices are on the rise, according to a study released Monday by security firm TrapX.
The study, based on medical hijack attacks occurring between late 2015 and early 2016, builds off an initial study the company released last year.
Researchers discovered an increase in cyber attacks that target medical devices installed in hospital PC systems and networks. These attacks often contain backdoors, botnet connections and remote access tunnels that allow hackers to manipulate devices.
Since many of the targeted devices had no security protection, hackers used old malware variants instead of more sophisticated, expensive software to compromise the devices.
Once the networks and devices were infiltrated, hackers often installed backdoors, which allowed for spying, data theft and use of ransomware.
The report indicated that X-ray machines, radiation systems, fluoroscopy radiology systems and linac gating devices were the most popular targets for attackers.
By hacking into medical devices, attackers could not only tamper with life-saving devices by altering dosage rates or turning systems on and off, they could also steal valuable medical and patient data to sell on the black market.
More articles on supply chain:
Leukocyte reduction devices recalled for faulty filters
5 latest FDA approvals
How Britain's exit from the EU will affect the drug market