Emergency situations in the IVF laboratory: cyberattacks

The growing adoption of advanced technologies in IVF laboratories has improved efficiency and data management but has concurrently heightened vulnerability to cybersecurity threats. This article explores the risks associated with cyberattacks, such as breaches in data access and ransomware incidents, which can disrupt IVF operations and compromise patient confidentiality. A hypothetical case study of a ransomware attack on a fully automated clinic illustrates the significant operational challenges that may arise, underscoring the critical need for effective cybersecurity measures and for manual contingencies. Basic recommendations are provided to increase the resilience of IVF laboratories against ongoing and future cyber-threats.