Pacemaker Cloaking Device in Development

Terry Olaes

Terry Olaes

I Used to be the [H] News Guy
Joined
Nov 27, 2006
Messages
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It’s pretty sad when people have to create protection around pacemakers to prevent a hacker attack. In theory, the hacker could use a radio signal shut the pacemaker down or deliver a potentially lethal shock. The cloaking device, which has yet to be tested, is designed to resist any instructions that come from anyone other than the doctor.

Although irresponsible attacks on pacemakers may seem unlikely, Dr. Denning points out that in 2007 hackers posted flashing images to the Epilepsy Foundation's website - apparently with the aim of triggering attacks in people visiting the site. 'We wanted to draw attention not to a prevalent threat, but to a possible future one,' she said.
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I like how they make it sound like hackers would be the only ones using, Im sure there are some nice agencys that would put this to use real quick.
 
I wouldn't call that person a hacker or a cracker, I would call them an animal. Anyone who would attack someone who are already disabled or has a serious medical condition is a savage animal.
 
o_O Who would be vile enough to post flashing images on an Epilepsy website?
 
I still find it amazing that they use the internet at all... You're gauranteed to come across flashing images eventually.
 
Nokia said:
I like how they make it sound like hackers would be the only ones using, Im sure there are some nice agencys that would put this to use real quick.
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...or terrorists, or whatever. I'm sure there are some self-righteous hippies who would go after executives in big corporations. A pacemaker should be hardened against outside interference, and any command/control should be encrypted.

Of course if you already have a pacemaker, and don't want to get cut open for an upgrade, a "wristwatch-like device" which protects your pacemaker from malicious control signals is probably an excellent father's day gift for the man who already has everything.

I wonder if it makes it any safer to stand near a microwave oven? :D
 
Nemesis999 said:
I still find it amazing that they use the internet at all... You're gauranteed to come across flashing images eventually.
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You'd aslo die eventually, but why have it be intentional or sped up?
 
That article is not close to a piece of journalism. Their reference to the paper is not accurate, and Tamara Denning is a second-year grad student, not a PhD or an MD.
 
Martyr said:
for a journalism major, you need a crayon and a piece of paper, yes?
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I suppose you have a point there. I guess I'm a little disappointed that [H] linked a Daily Mail article. Just looking at the rest of that page shows the kind of content they generate.
 
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