Security challenges in pervasive wireless medical systems and devices

Abstract

Medical systems are designed for a range of end users from different professional skill groups and also people who carry the devices in and on their bodies. Open, accurate and efficient communication is the priority for medical systems and as a consequence strong protection costs are traded against the utility benefits for open systems. In this paper we assess the vulnerabilities created by the professional and end user expectations, and theorized ways to mitigate wireless risks. The benefits of wireless medical services are great in terms of efficiencies, mobility and information management. These benefits may be realized by treating the vulnerabilities and red uci ng the cost of adverse events.

Analysis of Attacks and Security Requirements for Wireless Body Area Networks - A Systematic Literature Review

“…The attacker can eavesdrop and manipulate the message in real-time without the sender or receiver noticing [6]. Referenced in: [32], [13], [16], [19], [21], [46], [26].…”

“…This altered health-related data may result in a patient's death [7]. Referenced in: [6], [11], [30], [32], [16], [18], [19], [35], [47], [40].…”

“…With full access to the application, the attacker can modify or delete PHR data from the medical database [34]. Referenced in : [3], [27], [32], [21], [43], [45].…”

“…Availability (26): In WBAN applications, data availability ensures that data is available to authorised entities whenever it is required [32]. In a medical emergency, the unavailability of PHR data may lead to loss of life of a patient [50].…”