Cybersecurity researchers from Ben-Gurion University (BGU) of the Negev (BGU) in Beersheba, Israel, warn that medical imaging devices are becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyber-threats and are in need of ongoing security updates, according to a recent  article by The Times of Israel. In response, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solution to counterattack cybersecurity hacks is underway to ensure medical instructions match patient profiles.  

Researchers from BGU explained in this latest study, "Know Your Enemy: Characteristics of Cyber-Attacks on Medical Imaging Devices," that in the years it takes to get MRI and computed tomography (CT) machines from development stages to the actual market, the devices are exposed to continually enhancing cyber-threats. CT devices face the greatest risks of being attacked because of their key role in acute care imaging, according to the article. 

"As MIDs become more connected to hospital networks, they also become more vulnerable to sophisticated cyber-attacks," the researchers wrote. "Attackers can easily penetrate the computers that control CT devices, causing the CT to emit high rates of radiation, which can harm the patient. Hackers can also block access to MIDs or disable them altogether as part of a ransom attack, something that has already happened worldwide."

The researchers also predict that attacks on medical imaging devices will increase as cyber-attackers develop stronger software to be installed on outdated computers systems.

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