Florida Attorney General Takes Action Against Chinese Medical Device Company
Florida’s Republican Attorney General, James Uthmeier, has filed a lawsuit against Contec Medical Systems, a Chinese company, claiming it sold medical devices with serious security vulnerabilities. Uthmeier alleges these devices could be exploited by malicious actors due to a "backdoor" built into their software.
The company, which has operations in Florida, is accused of not only breaching consumer protection laws but also hiding significant security risks associated with its patient health monitoring devices. These allegations come after Contec was found to be manufacturing devices in the U.S. for over ten years while failing to disclose these risks.
One specific device, known as the CMS800, has been flagged by federal agencies, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These agencies highlighted that the CMS800 includes a backdoor that allows unauthorized access to sensitive patient data, raising alarms especially as the FBI has previously warned about cyber threats to American healthcare systems.
Uthmeier’s press release emphasized the gravity of the issue, stating, "These problems are troubling as they compromise patient safety and privacy." He noted that these devices may automatically transmit data to a university in China, further heightening security concerns.
In addition, Uthmeier mentioned that Contec and its distributors falsely claimed the devices met FDA approval and international safety standards, despite lacking such certifications. The lawsuit also implicates Epsimed, a Miami-based distributor accused of rebranding Contec’s products under its own label without informing consumers.
While Uthmeier issued subpoenas to both Contec and Epsimed, the CEO of Epsimed, Jose Mena, stated that they only sell these monitors outside the U.S., primarily in Latin America, and claimed they have not been connected to the internet since they were removed from their inventory upon discovering the vulnerabilities.
This legal move is part of a broader concern regarding China’s increasing influence in American markets and infrastructure. Many officials, across party lines, warn that Chinese investment in key sectors could pose risks, especially in the event of tensions escalating between the U.S. and China.
Michael Lucci, CEO of State Armor Action, a conservative advocacy group, amplified these concerns. He urged the need for vigilance against China’s expanding reach in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of protecting American citizens, particularly in healthcare. "Patients deserve assurance that their medical devices are secure, not at risk of sending information back to Communist China," he stated.
This legal action by Uthmeier could pave the way for further consequences for Contec, including potential damages and civil penalties as the case unfolds.
