FDA warns of Bluetooth Low Energy vulnerability affecting connected medical devices

The FDA has warned of cybersecurity vulnerabilities in Bluetooth Low Energy technology used in certain medical devices. Unauthorized users could potentially crash a device, prevent it from working, or access restricted functions. The vulnerabilities, known as “SweynTooth,” could affect devices such as glucose monitors, insulin pumps, pacemakers, and ultrasound devices. The FDA has listed seven microchip manufacturers that are affected but noted that patch releases are already available. The agency is urging medical device manufacturers to communicate the risk to patients and healthcare providers and to address vulnerabilities proactively.