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New technology to prevent hackers from compromising pacemaker networks

When it comes to online threats and online security, it looks like nothing is beyond cyber crooks' targets, even pace makers.

In recent times, doctors have been using wireless technology capable of remotely controlling pacemakers to monitor the regulation of patients' heartbeats.

However, the possibility of hackers tampering with the systems has been highlighted following the development of a cloaking device designed to prevent hackers from tampering with the system, reports the Mail.

The device has been developed by University of Washington computer scientist Dr Tamara Denning and protects pacemakers' radio signals by only accepting instructions from the doctor.

The device has not been tested yet but could save lives, says the doctor. She said: "We wanted to draw attention not to a prevalent threat, but to a possible future one."

According to the doctor, a 2007 attack on an epilepsy website that left it loaded with flashing images, which can trigger an epileptic fit, highlights the importance of protecting pacemaker networks.

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