Scientists from Imperial College London and Nanyang Technology University have launched a $20 million research project called In-Cypher to boost the cybersecurity of life-saving medical devices. This four-year program, the first research initiative under Imperial College London’s newly launched innovation center in Singapore, aims to enhance the protection of implantable active devices like pacemakers, as well as secure the data collected by connected wearables and healthcare systems.
With the increasing connectivity of medical devices, the risk of hackers targeting them is also on the rise. Researchers will focus on developing strategies to safeguard a range of devices, including continuous glucose monitors, smart electronic skin patches, and activity monitors. The project will be led by Professor Anil Anthony Bharath from Imperial College London and Professor Liu Yang from Nanyang Technology University.
While there are currently no official statistics on the number of cyberattacks on medical systems, studies have shown an increase in mortality rates due to such attacks. For example, cyberattacks on medical devices and systems in the United States have led to a 0.4% increase in the rate of patient deaths within 30 days of hospital admission or surgery.
One of the main objectives of the In-Cypher project is to protect existing medical devices that are used for a long time. As these devices are expensive and have strict safety restrictions, the researchers will design a special watchdog mechanism to monitor their operating status and safety in real time. Additionally, the project will provide a software and hardware framework to enhance the security of new devices before they enter the market.
The establishment of the research and innovation center in Singapore is part of Imperial College London’s global expansion plans. The center, named Imperial Global: Singapore, will collaborate with various academic institutions and research centers in Singapore, including Nanyang Technology University, National University of Singapore, Singapore Management University, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research.
Apart from medical device cybersecurity, Imperial Global: Singapore will also focus on research projects related to pandemic preparedness, climate, the transition to net zero, and artificial intelligence. The center plans to engage in collaborations with both academic and industry partners to drive innovation and knowledge sharing.
Imperial College London aims to establish similar research centers in other regions, including the United States, Africa, and India. The center in Singapore is expected to involve several hundred Imperial researchers specializing in medicine, engineering, and business.
By investing in research and innovation, Imperial College London and Nanyang Technology University are taking important steps to ensure the cybersecurity of life-saving medical devices and protect the personal data collected by connected healthcare systems. Through collaborations with global partners, these institutions are driving advancements in healthcare technology and addressing critical issues in the field.
