Hackers' Next Target — Your Brain? 295
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?
Re:Spam (Score:5, Informative)
I think this was put in as colour in one of Neal Stephenson's novels (I think it was the Diamond Age) ; aha
Bud knew a guy like that who'd somehow gotten infected with a meme that ran advertisements for roach motels, in Hindi, superimposed on the bottom right-hand corner of his visual field, twenty-four hours a day, until the guy whacked himself.
Jokes in Summaries (Score:2, Informative)
Who has MyLimb.com parked and is willing to deal?
Ah ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Am I the only person who notices that every single summary submitter tries to show off his nonexistent ability to be funny? This doesn't help the summary and every time I read a stupid joke in the summary like that, I have a mental facepalm. They make me feel embarrassed for the thread submitter, and it hurts; kind of like watching a really bad performance at a talent show.
Seriously, if you submit a thread, don't put a joke in it, because chances are your joke sucks and isn't funny. There are PLENTY of funny people on Slashdot, but you are not one of them.
Not quite true (Score:2, Informative)
If a person is being uncooperative, you may have to "let them go" but you can make a note of who they are then ban them from the store and possibly the entire chain "just because" you don't want their business. "This store reserved the right to not do business with any person" is legal in the USA, unless it's used to discriminate against a group.
If you have cameras blanketing the store and are bored, you can check the security cameras to see if he was just being an ass or if he really did have something (stolen) to hide. If he did steal something, your outdoor video cameras should have his license plate.
Re:Don't need electronics to hack someones brain (Score:2, Informative)
$4 was a lot, but current prices are arguably 'normal':
http://inflationdata.com/inflation/images/charts/Oil/Gasoline_inflation_chart.htm [inflationdata.com]