Wednesday, March 12, 2008

One More Worry: Hackers and Pacemakers

"Researchers: Life-Saving Heart Devices Can Be Hacked"
FOXNews (March 12, 2008)

A hundred thousand people in America alone have new pacemakers.
  • Good news:
    The new pacemakers transmit data to bedside monitors, cutting down on the number of checkups needed
  • Bad news:
    The data is unencrypted, and contains personal information, like birth date, medical ID number and, sometimes, Social Security number
  • Worse news:
    The system can be hacked. Then,
    • The right signal might be blocked
    • A wrong signal sent to the pacemaker
      • Either way, it's bad for the patient
Pacemakers with transceivers: A good idea. Add some security, and they'll be even better.

No comments:

Unique, innovative candles

Visit us online:
Spiral Light CandleFind a Retailer
Spiral Light Candle online store

Pinterest: From the Man Behind the Lemming

Top 10 Most-Viewed Posts

Today's News! Some of it, anyway

Actually, some of yesterday's news may be here. Or maybe last week's.
The software and science stuff might still be interesting, though. Or not.
The Lemming thinks it's interesting: Your experience may vary.
("Following" list moved here, after Blogger changed formats)

Who Follows the Lemming?

WebSTAT

Family Blogs - Blog Catalog Blog Directory