Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Hackers' Next Target — Your Brain?

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the true-tongue-in-cheek dept.

Hugh Pickens writes "Wired reports that as neural devices become more complicated — and go wireless — some scientists say the risks of 'brain hacking' should be taken seriously. '"Neural devices are innovating at an extremely rapid rate and hold tremendous promise for the future," said computer security expert Tadayoshi Kohno of the University of Washington. "But if we don't start paying attention to security, we're worried that we might find ourselves in five or 10 years saying we've made a big mistake."' For example, the next generation of implantable devices to control prosthetic limbs will likely include wireless controls that allow physicians to remotely adjust settings on the machine. If neural engineers don't build in security features such as encryption and access control, an attacker could hijack the device and take over the robotic limb." Relatedly, several users have written to tell us that science may be closer to the science fiction "mind wipe" than previously thought. Put this all together and I welcome the next step in social networking; letting the cloud drive my limbs around town via a live webcam and then wiping the memory from my brain. Who has MyLimb.com parked and is willing to deal?

6 of 295 comments (clear)

  1. Encryption by T+Murphy · · Score: 5, Funny

    Go insane. It's the new encryption.

    --
    My webcomic
    1. Re:Encryption by SirLurksAlot · · Score: 4, Funny

      Forget that, I'm going to copy my brain and run it in a VM.

      --
      God, schmod. I want my monkey man!
  2. Suddenly a Tinfoil hat seems like common sense. by tjstork · · Score: 3, Funny

    Goddamned, the unintended consequence of techonological evolution is that it makes every conspiracy theory ultimately more likely to do in the future.

    --
    This is my sig.
  3. a risk I'm willing to take by jollyreaper · · Score: 3, Funny

    If it means that in the future our government will employ cyber-babes in ridiculous fuck-me outfits to fight crime.

    (Still finding it ridiculous that the Major was essentially wearing a one-piece bathing suit and leather jacket as her uniform in the GITS tv series.)

    --
    Kwisatz Haderach
    Sell the spice to CHOAM
    This Mahdi took Shaddam's Throne
  4. Re:Here's a question... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    on the other hand, you would be reprogrammed periodically to think that bigfoot was hot.

    Of course bigfoot is hot - have you ever been inside out of those costumes?

  5. Re:Raise your hand by Megahard · · Score: 3, Funny

    While mylimb.com is parked, mydick.com is available. Many guys already claim that their dick has a mind of its own.

    --
    I eat only the real part of complex carbohydrates.