June 30, 2014 by Arezu Sarvestani
Too many hospitals have unsecured computer terminals that expose sensitive networks and leave every single internet enabled device vulnerable to hackers, researchers say.
MASSDEVICE ON CALL — Tasked with evaluating various hospitals’ digital defenses, security expert and professional hacker Scott Erven found that sensitive networks are rife with vulnerabilities that could leave the entire system exposed.
These hospitals networks are “leaking” information, Erven said, allowing motivated hackers to examine the system and figure out ways to access various devices. That could give intruders the power to steal information or even control technologies that sustain life, often because the computers are too old and their software hasn’t been updated to protect against known viruses and vulnerabilities.
