Implantable neural devices and brain control interfaces have ushered in a new realm of cybersecurity and privacy challenges that far exceed those posed by traditional medical devices. This complexity primarily arises from the sensitive nature of the neural data these devices collect and manage. Professor Kevin Fu, founder and director of the Archimedes Center for Healthcare and Medical Device Cybersecurity at Northeastern University, highlights this pressing issue.
The Archimedes Center is actively engaged in cybersecurity research centered on neural and other implantable medical technologies, bolstered by substantial funding. Professor Fu emphasizes the significance of these devices, particularly due to their intimate connection to brain function and thought processes. Central to the ongoing dialogue in this field is the imperative to integrate robust privacy measures into the engineering of such innovative technologies.
Addressing privacy concerns proves particularly challenging, especially when considering the constraints of limited battery power inherent to these devices. Many of them, once implanted, also function as drug delivery systems. For instance, certain devices are equipped with small reservoirs designed to dispense medication for treating neurological conditions such as sciatica, while also providing electrical therapies for disorders like Parkinson’s disease and tremors. Given the sensitive information these devices handle, there’s a clear need to advance security protocols as these technologies evolve and begin using sensors for automatic therapeutic adjustments.
In a recent audio interview with Information Security Media Group, Professor Fu elaborated on critical cybersecurity risks associated with implantable neural devices and related technologies. This includes brain control interfaces that function in tandem with prosthetic devices. He also addressed regulatory considerations impacting medical device cybersecurity, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence-enabled systems, thereby underscoring the complexities of governing this rapidly evolving field.
Moreover, Fu offered valuable cybersecurity insights for medical device manufacturers, especially those seeking premarket approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Changes at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services this year have seemingly influenced the FDA’s approach to cybersecurity within the medical technology landscape.
In a move to cultivate expertise in this critical domain, the Archimedes Center is launching a new fellowship program aimed at PhDs and physicians. This initiative will focus on two pivotal research areas: enhancing cybersecurity measures in hospital environments and developing vulnerability management platforms designed to safeguard vital networks.
Professor Fu, a noted figure in this field, holds a position as a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Northeastern University. His previous experience includes serving as acting director of medical device cybersecurity at the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also led cybersecurity initiatives at the Digital Health Center of Excellence and was an associate professor at the University of Michigan, where he founded a similar center focused on healthcare and device security. As co-founder and chief scientist of healthcare cybersecurity firm Virta Labs, Fu’s expertise shapes the ongoing discourse surrounding these emerging technologies.
As organizations navigate the complexities of cybersecurity within healthcare, understanding the potential tactics and techniques outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK Framework—such as initial access, persistence, and privilege escalation—will be pivotal in formulating comprehensive security strategies. It is essential for business owners to remain proactive in addressing these evolving threats to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of critical health data.
