Remote Setting Adjustments

Thanks

by Penguin - 2023-09-19 19:15:09

Yes that's what I thought.  Perhaps my self test is the cause of symptoms. 

Thanks for your advice. 

no

by Tracey_E - 2023-09-19 21:22:24

All changes must be done in person. They can change how often it downloads remotely, that's about it. 

Remote settings

by Lurker - 2023-09-19 23:48:39

Remote settings mean a wi if connection which can be hacked. I don't need to wake up in the middle of the night with my heart doing 200bpm. 
Reminds me too much of an NCIS episode I once saw. I guess this is where one needs a big magnet by their  bedside to turn it off.
LOL

Impossible?

by Penguin - 2023-09-20 03:28:42

When you say 'NO' TraceyE are you saying that it is impossible and that the software in place is inpenetrable and ensures that a patients' settings and Wifi cannot be accessed in any circumstances by anyone other than to authorise a data download? 

https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2022/06/01/medical-devices-pacemakers-cybersecurity/7041653656330/ (Date: 2022)

Pacemaker security

by Gemita - 2023-09-20 05:18:05

Penguin, I will leave Tracey_E to answer your specific questions, but I am unclear what your post is about.  Is it about security of your data and device, or about the symptoms you are getting from your auto self tests which you want to stop? 

I was also told that it is not possible to change my Medtronic settings “remotely” and that I would need to attend clinic to have any changes made.  I never asked why at the time of my implant   Like Tracey_E states, they can change how often the device downloads remotely to view data, or I can send a remote transmission at any time but they cannot change any of my settings “remotely” and I am glad they cannot for obvious reasons.  Also I like to know which settings are changed, when they are changed and by whom so I can watch for any adverse symptoms and report these immediately.

I understand the concern about security and this is real today.  I believe manufacturers are trying to address security of their pacemakers to provide better protection. 

As the link below suggests:  “Not all CIEDs are the same, and the potential outcome of hacking depends on both the kind of device and the patient’s dependence. The fewer remote interactions with a device, the fewer chances exist for hackers to disrupt the communications.  However, given the lack of evidence that hacking is a major clinical problem, coupled with evidence of the benefits of remote monitoring, one should exercise caution in depriving a patient of the clear benefit of remote monitoring”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8418792/

Thanks

by Penguin - 2023-09-20 06:11:20

I've edited my post above. The link and question I posted to Tracey was more to challenge the suggestion that pacemakers are inpenentrable. Probably OTT. 

Thank you for the link. I'll read it. 

To answer your question, I was trying to determine which settings can be changed remotely and TraceyE has answered this.  

Lurker # 4375

by Gemita - 2023-09-20 06:17:26

Lurker some of us can wake up with 200 bpm heart rates without hackers being involved.  You would be surprised what our own hearts can get up to in the night and no magnet would ever help

Lurker

by Penguin - 2023-09-20 07:32:35

I agree with Gemita. There's no need to jump to conclusions. 

Gemita's link is very useful (2017) and my link updates it by a few years (2022). 

We all need to be aware, but sensible.  

Best Wishes

Settings

by Tracey_E - 2023-09-20 11:24:28

I was talking about the doctor's office, not the potential for hackers. That's what I understood the original question to be asking.

In theory, yes they can be hacked. Practically? Not so much. Someone would have to be close enough to connect as well as know what type of device we had.