|
|
Pacemakers given security 'cloak' | | 2008/09/01 | | A worrying development in hacking possibilities has led to a swift possible counter-measure in the medical world.
Millions of people all over the world rely on pacemakers to keep their hearts beating and a technological development whereby doctors can access the devices without the need for intrusive surgery has saved an incalculable amount of time, resources and stressful inconvenience for patients.
However, where a doctor can remotely access a device in order to make any necessary adjustments, a hacker could potentially steal personal or sensitive information.
In a worst-case scenario, there is also the possibility that unauthorised access could place a patient under life-threatening circumstances, Oh Gizmo reports.
Because of this very real threat, a new 'cloaking device' is being developed by Dr Tamara Denning at the University of Washington which would be worn externally as a medic-alert bracelet or wristwatch.
It is hoped that the 'cloaker' will block any unwanted attention from would-be hackers as the device would carry limited 'keys' which would allow doctors to remove it in order to carry out any necessary procedures. |
ALL RELATED ARTICLESAll General news
| | | RECENT RELATED ARTICLES | | New initiative to get more women into IT - 2008/09/22 A new programme aimed at increasing the number of women working in IT has been launched. ... | | | | .info websites pose greatest 'hack' risk - 2008/09/16 Websites with a .info top level domain name (TDL) are the most likely to have been hacked, according to new research. ... | | | | Website monitoring is essential in the internet age - 2008/09/10 The internet can give companies a global reach, attracting customers to websites where they can find out information, interact and buy products online. Their place in the modern business ... | | | | Cloudmark warns email providers of insufficient website monitoring - 2008/09/09 As viruses, and the methods used to deploy them, continue to push back the boundaries of sophistication and abundance, carrier-grade messaging security firm Cloudmark has warned that ... | | | | LSE trading halted as system goes down - 2008/09/08 A day of heavy trading at the London Stock Exchange (LSE) following the nationalisation of Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac - America's two biggest mortgage lenders - had to be suspended earlier ... | | |
|
|
|
