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Hacking a Pacemaker

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the probably-not-the-best-idea dept.

jonkman sean writes "University researchers conducted research into how they can gain wireless access to pacemakers, hacking them. They will be presenting their findings at the "Attacks" session of the 2008 IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy. Their previous work (PDF) noted that over 250,000 implantable cardiac defibrillators are installed in patients each year. This subject was first raised along with similar issues as a credible security risk in Gadi Evron's CCC Camp 2007 lecture "hacking the bionic man"."

7 of 228 comments (clear)

  1. pacemakers by gEvil+(beta) · · Score: 4, Funny

    Hacking a pacemaker? What could possibly go wr... *thud*

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    This guy's the limit!
  2. Re:Hmmm by Ihlosi · · Score: 4, Funny
    Doesn't Dick Cheney have a pace maker?



    Yes, but the purpose of this device is unclear. What exactly is it pacing ?

  3. Wait for it by Bombula · · Score: 4, Funny

    "It wasn't me grabbing her ass your honor, someone hacked my arm!"

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    A-Bomb
  4. Re:Easy solution by CrashPoint · · Score: 4, Funny

    Why don't they build firewalls into the pacemakers?
    Because then you'd get heartburn. Geez.
  5. Re:Bionic eye by StylusEater · · Score: 5, Funny

    I can see the headlines... "Cheney's Pacemaker Hacked by Chinese Militants" ... :-) One can only wish.

  6. Yee-ha! by clickety6 · · Score: 4, Funny



    I'm gonna overclock this sucker!
    Better than a triple espresso!

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    ----------------------------------- My Other Sig Is Hilarious -----------------------------------
  7. Hacking the VP by tobiasly · · Score: 5, Funny

    Yes, that's a very real concern that the secret service has been terrified of for years. Most people know that Cheney has a pacemaker, but the real secret is that they forgot to turn off SSID broadcast and its password is "Linksys".