Hackers go for the body blow

Thursday, 13 Mar 2008. Categories: USA

Malicious attacks have long been noted for their ingenuity but there is one area of vulnerability which would previously have been thought safe from computer hackers – the human body.

As implantable medical devices become increasingly common - such as cardiac defibrillators or pacemakers equipped with wireless technology for remote checks - experts are warning that a new front could be opened up in the battle for data security.

A team from UMass Amherst, University of Washington, says that the benefits of such implantable devices - enabling doctors to check on patients and the apparatus remotely - should also be weighed against the potential risks.

These might include having private medical information extracted, or even having devices reprogrammed without the patient's knowledge. In a laboratory test researchers were able to determine name, diagnosis, date of birth and medical ID number simply by intercepting signals.

They were also able to turn off the therapy settings, meaning it could not respond to a cardiac threat, as well as creating a shock which could potentially induce lethal reactions.

While no case has ever been reported and a high degree of expertise would be required to achieve the change, computer scientist Tadayoshi Kohno said the ideas discussed could soon become reality.

"In the 1970s, the Bionic Woman was a dream, but modern technology is making it a reality," he said.

"People will have sophisticated computers with wireless capabilities in their bodies. Our goal is to make sure those devices are secure, private, safe and effective."

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Hackers go for the body blow

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