Hacking into Pacemakers?

[techs]

http://www.popsci.com/technology/ar...ttoos-could-protect-implanted-devices-hackers

Tattooing Patients With UV Ink Could Protect Pacemakers From Hackers

More and more implantable devices, like pacemakers or defibrillators, are turning to wireless signals as a means to communicate with external devices, but in doing so they open themselves to security breaches. Several solutions are in the works that tackle this problem by upping device defenses, but by piling on security measures, yet another risk emerges: that at a critical time an authorized physician might not be able to access the device.

So Microsoft Research proposes putting a new technological spin on an old, time-tested security protocol: protect every device with a password, then tattoo the password right onto the patient in invisible UV ink.



Ok, first off, WTF???
We really are a sick society.
I mean, could someone hijack your pacemaker and demand payment or else they'll turn it off?

Oh, and did I mention, WTF????

 

[Schadenfroh]

I mean, could someone hijack your pacemaker and demand payment or else they'll turn it off?

I did not even know that they could do that remotely.... The idea of doing this to someone never even crossed my mind (kinda glad for this)....

Indeed, WTF

 

[irishScott]

Suddenly blue-sniper has a whole new meaning.

 

[Patranus]

The newer ones probably use some sort of wireless protocol. Think about how much of a pain in the ass it would be to make adjustments otherwise.

Now, I would guess that (if it is wireless) it would probably use some low powered RF so there are two barriers right there.

Its not as if these things would ever be internet or WIFI enabled.

 

[frostedflakes]

Just wait until we have computers that can interface with our brain, brings up all kinds of security concerns. It's a brave new world man.

 

[Patranus]

Just wait until we have computers that can interface with our brain, brings up all kinds of security concerns. It's a brave new world man.

 

[KaOTiK]

My friend always jokes about how this can happen so easy. He is a PA for a cardiologist that specializes in this stuff. Was telling me also how the old pacemakers and shit are actually nuclear powered or something and can run forever.

 

[Jeff7]

Just wait until we have computers that can interface with our brain, brings up all kinds of security concerns. It's a brave new world man.

That's why we'll need to be able to make backups at some point.

"That's, I say, that's why I always keep a spare in mah locker."

 

[Red Squirrel]

Wow you'd think they would make these way more secure.

 

[Matthiasa]

Turning it off wouldn't be as bad as changing what it regulates the heart to.

 

[Poulsonator]

My friend always jokes about how this can happen so easy. He is a PA for a cardiologist that specializes in this stuff. Was telling me also how the old pacemakers and shit are actually nuclear powered or something and can run forever.

I've had a pacemaker since 1993 (when I was 19) and my first one lasted for 12 years. The battery eventually dwindled down far enough, and by 2005 mine was horribly outdated. Never heard of the nuclear option. Gotta ask my doc about one of those.