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Cyber Security EMA fake websites FDA Healthcare Healthcare Cyberattacks Healthcare cybersecurity Illicit Activity Pharmaceutical US FDA. Website

Combatting Counterfeit Drugs Online: BrandShield's Success in Dismantling Illicit Websites

 

In the rapidly evolving landscape of online pharmaceuticals, the proliferation of counterfeit drugs poses a significant threat to consumer safety. Cybersecurity firm BrandShield has emerged as a stalwart defender in this battle, successfully dismantling over 250 websites selling counterfeit weight-loss and diabetes medications. Led by CEO Yoav Keren, BrandShield's efforts represent a concerted endeavor to combat the scourge of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and protect consumers from the dangers of fraudulent medications. 

The counterfeit drugs targeted by BrandShield predominantly belong to the GLP-1 class, including popular medications like Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound. Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, these medications have garnered attention for their additional benefits in weight loss, with patients experiencing significant reductions in body weight. Unfortunately, the efficacy and popularity of these drugs have also made them lucrative targets for counterfeiters seeking to exploit the growing demand. 

According to Reuters, the majority of the illicit websites shut down by BrandShield were purveyors of counterfeit GLP-1 drugs, indicating the scale of the problem. Alarmingly, studies suggest that an estimated 95% of all online pharmacies operate unlawfully, highlighting the pervasive nature of the issue. 

Moreover, reported cases of harm linked to fake GLP-1 drugs have emerged in at least nine countries, underscoring the urgent need for action. BrandShield's recent crackdown on counterfeit drug websites represents a significant victory in the ongoing battle against online pharmaceutical fraud. The company's efforts have resulted in the closure of 90% of the identified pharmacy websites selling counterfeit GLP-1 medications. This operation accounts for just over 15% of the total counterfeit drug websites reported by BrandShield last year, emphasizing the scale of the challenge. 

Collaborating closely with the Pharmaceutical Security Institute (PSI), BrandShield employs rigorous evidence collection and intelligence gathering to identify and target illicit websites. By providing actionable intelligence to service providers hosting these websites, BrandShield facilitates their removal from the internet, effectively disrupting the operations of counterfeiters. Furthermore, the company coordinates with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute criminal networks involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs. 

In addition to targeting counterfeit drug websites, BrandShield's efforts extend to social media platforms, where it has removed nearly 4,000 fake drug listings. Notably, a significant portion of these listings—almost 60%—was found on Facebook, highlighting the need for vigilance across all online platforms. BrandShield's global reach ensures that illegal drug listings are eradicated from marketplaces in countries around the world, including India, Indonesia, China, and Brazil. 

Contrary to concerns raised earlier, the EMA found no evidence linking these medications to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or self-injury. This reaffirmation of safety aligns with previous findings by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), providing reassurance to patients and healthcare providers alike. 

Overall, BrandShield's relentless efforts to combat counterfeit drugs online serve as a beacon of hope in the fight against pharmaceutical fraud. By dismantling illicit websites, removing fake drug listings, and collaborating with industry partners and law enforcement agencies, BrandShield is making significant strides towards safeguarding consumers and upholding the integrity of the pharmaceutical industry.
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US FDA.
Cyber Attacks Data Theft Digital healthcare system health care industry US FDA.

Healthcare Institutions at Risk Due to Reliance on Technology

As the healthcare system has become more technology-driven, there has been a significant increase in the use of cloud-based and internet applications for delivering facilities. Unfortunately, this has also resulted in an increase in cybersecurity-related risks including breaches, scams, and ransomware attacks which have made the healthcare system incredibly vulnerable. 
The healthcare industry faces a variety of cybersecurity challenges, ranging from malware that can compromise patient privacy to distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks that can disrupt patient care. The unique nature of the healthcare industry makes it particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks because they can have consequences beyond financial loss and privacy breaches. 

For example, ransomware is a type of malware that can be especially damaging to hospitals because it can result in the loss of patient data, which can put lives at risk. Therefore, it is very essential for healthcare industries to be vigilant and take necessary steps to protect their systems from cyber threats to ensure that patients' confidential data and lives are not put at risk. 

Following the matter, last month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a detailed report in which it illustrated certain guidelines against growing concerns about cybersecurity, specifically for medical devices. 

The guidelines require manufacturers to submit a plan for addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities and to design processes to ensure cyber security.

 1. The manufacturers have to submit a plan for monitoring and addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in a reasonable time frame after market release. The plan should include procedures for coordinated vulnerability disclosure. 

 2. Manufacturers must design and maintain processes to ensure that the device and related systems are cyber-secure. 

These guidelines are particularly important for devices that use wireless communications, as they are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. FDA said that by following these guidelines, manufacturers can help ensure the safety and security of patients who use their medical devices. 

A recent joint report by Censinet, KLAS, and the American Hospital Association (AHA) disclosed that most healthcare organizations are reactive rather than proactive in identifying cybersecurity threats. 

The report found that organizations have low coverage in the supply chain, asset, and risk management, with over 40% not compliant with response and recovery planning with suppliers and third-party providers. These reports send a high alert to healthcare industries since cyber threats are advancing every single day becoming more sophisticated and difficult to tackle 
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Vulnerabilities and Exploits.
Healthcare Insulin Pump US FDA. USB User Privacy Vulnerabilities and Exploits.

FDA Issues Cybersecurity Alert on Medtronic Insulin Pumps

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning on Tuesday regarding the vulnerability of some insulin pump devices made by Medtronic. The flaw makes the devices vulnerable to cyberattacks while presenting a possibility for hackers to interfere with insulin delivery by gaining access to the device.

The FDA, a U.S. government organization, has issued an advisory regarding the MiniMed 600 Series Insulin Pump System from Medtronic, which includes the MiniMed 630G and MiniMed 670G devices.

The Department of Health and Human Services safeguards the public's health by ensuring the efficacy, security, and safety of pharmaceuticals for use in humans and animals, medical devices, and vaccinations. The agency is in charge of regulating tobacco products as well as the safety and security of our country's food supply, cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and devices that emit electronic radiation.

The FDA pointed out that many parts, including the insulin pump, constant glucose monitoring (CGM) transmitter, blood glucose meter, and CareLink USB device, connect wirelessly. A technical malfunction could make it possible for someone to break in and trigger the pump to administer the patient with either too much or too little insulin.

The insulin pumps are offered by Medtronic's diabetes division, which generated $2.41 billion in sales in 2021, or 8% of the business's overall revenue.

In the aftermath of the security incident, Medtronic cautioned users about the dangers and offered suggestions, such as advising them to permanently disable the 'Remote Bolus' function on the pump, refrain from disclosing the serial number of the device to unauthorized individuals, and avoid connecting or linking devices in public.

The business warned that patients should never accept remote connection requests and other remote activities unless patients or support persons initiated them and should always detach the USB device from their laptop while it is not being used to download pump data.

Although medical equipment is frequently connected to the internet, hospital networks, and other devices, the FDA warned that these same characteristics may pose cybersecurity threats.

According to the FDA advisory, "Medical devices, like other computer systems, might be subject to security breaches, possibly affecting the device's safety and effectiveness."

The MiniMed 508 and Paradigm insulin pumps have security flaws that Medtronic is unable to fully fix with software updates or patches. The FDA said that it was working with Medtronic to identify, discuss, and anticipate the negative consequences of this risk.


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US FDA.
CDSCO Cyber Crime Cyber Security Health Insulin Pump Medtronic US FDA.

CDSCO Warns Users and Providers against Potentially Hack-able Insulin Pumps!





The wireless communication between Medtronic’s Minimed insulin pumps and other remote controlled related devices like blood glucose meters. These have a high risk of being hacked.

Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), the apex drug regulator issued an alert about a few of Medtronic PLC’s insulin pumps being hack-able in response to US FDA flagging the theme.

No complaints of the sort have been received so far from the market, but nonetheless it happens to be an essential issue that needs looking into and hence CDSCO alerted the medical professionals.

Due to the aforementioned alleged cyber-security issues, (nevertheless potential in nature) few of the insulin pumps from the Medtronic Minimed have been recalled.

The US drug regulator recommends people to swap their insulin pumps for different models due to the potential risks related with the communication between these pumps and other devices like glucose meters and CareLink USB device used with them.





An insulin pump is a medical device specifically designed to help  diabetics control their glucose levels. The device pumps insulin in the user’s body in continuous doses.

Every insulin pump from Medtronic’s Minimed has a serial number which according to CDSCO should never be shared.

Per the CDSCO’s alert, the insulin pumps which are susceptible to potential hacking, namely are, MiniMed Paradigm 715, 712, 722 and 754 with software versions 2.6A or lower.

According to sources, Medtronic is pre-emptive about informing the users, regulators and medical professionals about the potential cyber-hazards of the insulin pumps.

They are also readily working with researchers to aid the patients, users, doctors and stakeholders, find answers to any questions they may have.

Medtronic alluded to it that with the evolution of technology will “continue to collaborate with industry researchers and regulators and develop high quality therapies that will positively impact lives”.

The company also remarked that over the years many models of these insulin pumps have been launched where their quality has been focused upon with utmost seriousness and concern.

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