Implantable Medical Device Firmware Authentication Timer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connected implantable medical devices (IMDs) face security risks due to their ability to communicate via broader networks like the Internet, making them vulnerable to exploitation if firmware is not regularly updated, especially if they become unreachable for updates.
Innovation Solution
The IMDs are equipped with communication circuitry and control circuitry that execute program code to determine if they can communicate via a network, request and compare firmware identifiers, and prevent communication until a secure authentication process is performed or the firmware is updated, ensuring only trusted devices can access the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IMDs communicate via broader networks like the Internet, then connectivity and remote monitoring capabilities are improved, but security vulnerabilities and risk of exploitation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a communication timer before network communication occurs. The timer is set to expire after a predetermined period, and the system proactively disables communication before potential security incidents can occur. Firmware updates and authentication checks are performed in advance to ensure device security before enabling network access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism between the IMD and the network. A secure authentication process involving firmware version verification and encrypted communication protocols acts as a mediator, allowing the device to safely interact with the network only after proving its identity and security status.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If firmware updates are delayed or the device becomes unreachable, then device functionality is maintained, but security risks increase due to outdated firmware
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by disabling communication capabilities before security vulnerabilities can be exploited. When firmware updates are delayed or the device becomes unreachable, the communication timer expires and automatically disables network access, preventing potential attacks on outdated firmware while the device remains operational through alternative means.
3Reliability
If communication is continuously enabled for firmware updates, then security updates can be received timely, but the device remains vulnerable during periods of network unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action through the communication timer mechanism. Instead of continuous communication, the timer enables communication only during specific time windows, periodically resetting when updates are received. This creates a rhythm of enabled/disabled communication states, ensuring the device seeks updates regularly but remains protected during intervals when network access is unavailable or firmware is outdated.
Data Source
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AI summary
An implantable medical device (IMD) includes communication circuitry that enables the IMD to communicate via a network such as the Internet. A security routine is executed on the IMD to determine whether the IMD is capable over communicating via the network. If so, the IMD requests an identifier of current firmware stored on a server that is connected to the communication network. The identifier of the current firmware is compared to an identifier of firmware that is installed on the IMD. If the installed firmware is the same as the current firmware on the server, a timer is reset, but if the installed firmware cannot be verified as matching the current firmware on the server (e.g., because the IMD is not capable of communicating via the network), the timer continues to run. When the timer expires, the IMD is prevented from communicating via the network until further action is taken.