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Hackers' Next Target — Your Brain?
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?
Okay, this only holds true IF we are truly biological machines with advanced programming. If we actually do have a soul, then this whole idea goes out the window (and a whole lot of other, much bigger problems come in).
I don't see how the soul comes into play here.
Correct me if I'm wrong (I have ZERO medical background), but throughout the years there have been examples of conditioned responses and hypnotism. Then there is shock therapy and some drugs to help wipe some thoughts and memories, and let's not forget about sleepwalking and sleepdriving.
If a person gets amnesia, does that mean the soul has left the body?
If a person sleepwalks due to a personal problem or a medication reaction, does that mean during that time there is no soul?
etc
Given enough time and advancement, who's to say that in 100 years that either a combination of the above couldn't take control of a person and wipe their memory afterwards. Especially once we start wiring hackable devices into our nervous system.
Which is why if/when direct brain IO is developed, you won't find me anywhere near it, unless I am in a situation where it is the only option to restore normal faculties (ie: injury or illness). Currently, when a power surge or an attack occurs against my device/computer the damage maxes out at the value of the device (assuming I'm backing up data). If a power surge or an attack occurs via a direct link hooked up to my brain, the damage is total.
That said, the article is still relevant because neuro-tech has great potential to increase the quality and length of life in ways currently not possible. As always, it's important to stop and think about the short/long term consequences of actions (novel thought).
Faith is a willingness to accept something w/o complete proof and to act on it. Reason allows you to correct that faith.
Realistically, how hard would it be to include an OFF switch on the external interface used for doctor diagnostics?
I mean, for pete sake people, what possible gain would there be in trying to break into a mechanical leg?
Can you take any part of that to the bank? There is no money to follow. There is no information to gain.
Do you see anyone hacking your IP Oven, or you IP Coffee maker? http://workingmomwa.blogspot.com/2008/06/coffee-maker-needs-security-update.html
How does an interface to a prosthetic limb somehow suggest a "mine whipe". Does my pedicure predict a lobotomy?
Come on, people. There is some fool snickering somewhere that the drunken brainstorm he posted somewhere has actually morphed into a story on Slashdot.
Sig Battery depleted. Reverting to safe mode.
Why would you believe in souls? Where does the program go when you turn it off? That great hard drive in the sky?
Please do not read this sig. Thank you.
If you're going to be discussing "legal rights", you may want to mention the country and state where these "rights" are supposed to exist. Otherwise it's hard to prove yourself right (and the other poster wrong).
I hate it when I make a joke and I get modded "+5 insightful". Mod the stupid comments "funny", not "insightful", pleas
Actually, they do not.
Only in a few states do the stores have some limited rights to detain you, and that is ONLY if they suspect you have shoplifted something, and they had better make damned they know you have or you can sue them pretty badly.
I don't put up with that receipt thing anywhere, with the exception of Sam's Club. I do believe I signed on the membership agreement (private club) that I would allow this. But any other public place, even if they post a sign on the store saying this policy, does not give them the right to stop you if you are not under suspicion of theft.
I walked out of Guitar Center awhile back, and the kid was almost coming after me "I have to check your receipt"...etc. I just kept walking and over my shoulder said, "No you do not, unless you suspect me of stealing something"...and with that said, he quickly shut up and went back inside. I wasn't a smartass about it, just calmly stated the facts and went about my way.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........
If the soul was all that mattered, then if we smacked our head really hard and our brain was damaged, it would have no effect on our behavior. But we know that people with brain damage are severely impaired both physically and mentally. So if you can disrupt the impulses in the brain you could shut down a human. If you can control the impulses, you can control the human.
I am not saying people can't have souls, I am just saying the soul doesn't control our body.
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it's called advertising.
And of course, the concept of dignity is likely the result of some programming.
Nerd rage is the funniest rage.
Ummm, no, it really doesn't. Even if we do have a "soul," it has no known effect on how our bodies function. There are, however, records of people's personalities and memories having changed due to brain trauma and chemical alteration. Additionally, the "soul" has nothing to do with your body's motor control. We KNOW that electrical impulses control our limbs, we can trigger them, it's how a defibrillator works.
So exactly what part of this would the "soul" prevent from taking place?
Gas costs about $2.50 right now, which has nothing to do with the 1981 peak. The graph is a year out of date.
Nerd rage is the funniest rage.