FDA Safety Alert: Symbiq Infusion System by Hospira Vulnerable to Unauthorized Access

​Due to recent cybersecurity concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is strongly encouraging healthcare organizations that use the Symbiq Infusion System by Hospira to begin transitioning to alternative infusion systems as soon as possible, states a July 31, 2015, FDA safety alert. According to FDA, Hospira and an independent researcher confirmed that the Symbiq Infusion System could be accessed remotely through a hospital's network, potentially allowing an unauthorized user to control the device and change the dosage the pump delivers, which could lead to over- or underinfusion of therapies and possible patient harm.