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How Do You Hack an Insulin Pump?
Insulin pumps are used to help diabetic people control their blood sugar. These pumps are worn on the body, usually underneath clothes, and deliver insulin through a catheter. Used predominantly by people with Type 1 diabetes, these pumps can receive dosage instructions through a wireless remote. A hacker would have to use a radio frequency monitor to zero in on the particular pump they were targeting. They could then theoretically repeat the command to deliver a dose multiple times, causing the pump to administer dangerous and even fatal levels of insulin. According to the manufacturer of the OneTouch pump, someone would need to be within 25 feet of the pump and would need to possess sophisticated technical equipment to accomplish this.

Should We Worry?
Experts in the healthcare and medical device industries say that while the possibility exists, it is highly unlikely that someone would break into another person’s insulin pump for the purpose of harming them. So far, there are no known incidents of any insulin pumps — or other medical devices — being hacked maliciously. IT security isn’t typically something a doctor or medical device manufacturer would need to understand. In today’s world, however, this knowledge gap between the healthcare industry and the tech it uses creates an unignorable risk.

How Can Medical Device Security be Improved?
Department of Defense hospitals have already addressed the medical device security threat by requiring that all implanted devices must comply with DIACAP (Department of Defense Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process), a risk management protocol for information systems. This means that all of their networked devices are subject to mandatory security evaluations. Perhaps civilian hospitals will follow suit in the near future. Going forward, Johnson & Johnson has said that they will incorporate security features into any future devices manufactured under their name. Additionally, the company has been working alongside the FDA to develop guidelines for medical device cybersecurity.

First Aid by Red Cross
It’s hard to keep a cool head in a heated situation. With this app, you will be able to learn what moves to make in the midst of a disastrous crisis. Allergies, asthma attacks, bleeding, broken bones, and burns are just a few of the travesties that this app can walk you through. There are tutorial and instructional videos, FAQs, diagrams, and other tidbits for you to study. They also include a big red 911 button that you can use to automatically call your local precinct.

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ICE Standard
ICE (In Case of Emergency) Standard provides a shortcut on your unlock screen that links to your emergency contacts. This allows first responders to have access to your vital information in the rare event that you are incapacitated upon their arrival. The information includes your contacts, medical conditions, age, and blood type. The shortcut on your unlock screen enables the first responders to access your information without using your password to unlock your phone.

Patronus
This app utilizes your GPS to alert dispatchers of your whereabouts during a crisis. There is an “on my way” feature that shows how close the dispatchers are to your location. Patronus automatically forwards your address and coordinates to the first responders when you dial 911.

FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is a governmental bureaucracy that coordinates responses to large disasters that occur throughout the United States. If you live in a location that is prone to mother nature mishaps, then this app will be extremely helpful for you. It provides valuable information in case you are ever caught in the midst of a tornado, flood, earthquake, or other natural disaster. It can also locate any local safety shelters that provide safety for natural disasters.

Droid Light
You’ll never know when you’ll need to shine some light on the situation. Sometimes the light of your home screen just doesn’t suffice, and you need something brighter. Luckily, the Droid Light uses your camera’s flash as an LED flashlight that will save you in times of darkness.

Code Blue

If you’re struggling with depression or bullying, this app provides on-call support. To use the app, you first select contacts to be part of your support group. If you ever need immediate help, you alert the app, which, in turn, notifies members of your support group to text or call you. Code Blue even gives your support network your GPS coordinates so they can support you in person.

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Depression CBT

To manage your mental health, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one effective approach. This app provides therapy to you on-demand by offering assessment tests to monitor your moods, as well as resources that help you modify your negative thought patterns. The app’s relaxation and depression-improving audio programs make Depression CBT a one-stop shop for improving your mental health.

Talkspace

Talkspace is a subscription-only app that links you with a licensed mental health therapist through its messaging feature. To use the app, you’re first matched with a therapist who will be available to talk with you at any time. While the app isn’t supposed to replace in-person therapy, it can provide an as-needed way to improve your mood. A weekly rate for the app is $49, while a yearly rate is $624.

Stop, Breathe & Think

This free app gives you mindfulness and meditation techniques designed to help you destress and release anxiety. The app has many mediation features, including self-meditation timers and guided meditations that help you with many of your daily problems. Additionally, you can use the app’s mood tracker to see which meditation programs work best for you.