Scientist infected with computer virus
Experiment to test potential problems with implants
By Oliver Garnham | PC Advisor | Published: 10:19, 26 May 2010
A British scientist claims to have become the first human to be infected by a computer virus, in an experiment he says has important implications for the future of implantable technology.
Dr Mark Gasson from the University of Reading infected a computer chip which was then implanted in his hand with the virus and then transmitted it to a PC to prove that malware can move between human and computer.
Chips that can be implanted into the body have been around for a while, and Gasson uses one in place of a security pass to gain secure access to the building, and to activate his mobile phone. But he says the implications for computer viruses in implants are far-reaching, and could potentially affect those with pacemakers and other medical devices.
Speaking to the BBC, Gasson said someone with an infected chip implant could potentially infect someone else, while a person with two devices under the skin could run the risk of viruses passing between the two chips.
"With the benefits of this type of technology come risks," Gasson told the BBC. "We may improve ourselves in some way but much like the improvements with other technologies, mobile phones for example, they become vulnerable to risks."
Comments
Dr StrangeLove said: The guy should be fired for a waste of time and money at the least and have his Dr stripped
RJ said: What pathetic research
Graham Cluley, Sophos said: I just got a USB key wotsit stuck my nose Am I virus infectedCmon - this is nonsenseWorse than that - its scaremongering by the University of ReadingSee my thoughts on the subject here httpwwwsophoscomblogsgc
Tom Kelchner, Research Centre said: This is an interesting story and there are many implications of malcode spreading from chips implanted in humans For example-- If read-write implanted chips in humans become widespread there could be the possibility of malicious operators infecting the chips of passers-by in public places Certainly implanted chips would need to be securely read only-- Hacking or denial of service attacks could be launched with malicious code in the chips against security systems that use RFID readers
Jeff said: This announcement is about an RFID chip holding malware code Still bogus though httpwwwslashgearcomrfid-virus-researchers-scaremongering-claims-security-expert-2687127
vernes said: I succesfully duplicated the experiment with a flashdrive and a rectum Wheres my 5 minutes of fame
Peter said: I wonder if the microchip become an attention seeking moron or was the infection a one-way process
hensem said: aww my body can be implant with chip an infected chip i need to upgrade my bodywait what about my asshole people can stick thumbdrive full of virus there
Leo said: This is like putting a cancerous piece of skin on a Cars Chassis and saying that a car can get cancer
qqq said: Really amazing