Abbott releases software patch for pacemakers with cybersecurity vulnerability

Nicholas Leider | | Cardiovascular Business | Heart Rhythm

Abbot Laboratories released a software update Aug. 23 for pacemaker and CRT-P devices. The Food & Drug Administration released a recommendation for patients to visit their healthcare providers to discuss vulnerability and updates.

The new software patch can only be performed in a physician’s office, preferably one with temporary pacemaker systems to provide care in case of lost functionality during the update.

Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security expressed concerns about the security of such devices, though no deaths or injuries were related to the cybersecurity issues. St. Jude Medical then released a repair for users. That development, in January, came just a week after Abbott finalized its acquisition of St. Jude.

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Nicholas Leider, Managing Editor

Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.

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