The threat to medical devices may seem like the stuff of science fiction, but in the US healthcare is now the largest target of cyber security attacks, reportedly at greater risk than manufacturing and banking. According to experts, the value of stolen personal health information is 10-20 times greater than the value of a stolen credit card number.
Life science companies hold vast amounts of critically important data and information. Obvious categories include data arising from the development and testing of pharmaceutical products, including clinical trial data, while the rise of biologic drugs has also brought with it valuable manufacturing know-how for these complex molecules.
The sophisticated nature of medical devices and their connectivity raises additional risks. Add in commercially sensitive information about products and their pricing and promotion, and it’s no surprise that the sector finds itself the target of cyber attacks.
Read more at European Pharmaceutical Review