This is more about stock price manipulation than it is about implantable medical device security.<p>Having worked in the medical device industry for over a decade, I know first-hand how bad the security situation is on the vast majority of devices. It's by no means unique to St. Jude. The fact that these issues exist is also old news, as noted in the Bloomberg article linked by jevinskie.<p>In addition to new devices continuing to take a lax approach to security, there are the ongoing vulnerabilities in the older devices. The older models continue to be sold, and many of the older devices are still implanted in patients.<p>Is it an issue? Yes. Should something be done about it, perhaps by withholding FDA PMA or 510(k) clearance on new insecure devices? Probably. Is it unique to St. Jude? Not in the least.
This is truly scathing. News article about the short: <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-08-25/carson-block-takes-on-st-jude-medical-with-claim-of-hack-risk" rel="nofollow">https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-08-25/carson-bl...</a>
My company (W17 hopeful) is working to help med device vendors ensure basic crypto and security practices. I agree with @teuobk below; these problems are not unique to St. Jude.<p>BTW we're hiring. If you're reading this comment thread, you're probably a great potential team member. Email in profile.
The URL should have 'www' in it, as follows: <a href="http://www.muddywatersresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/MW_STJ_08252016_2.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://www.muddywatersresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/0...</a>