First Human Ever To Be Infected By A Computer Virus

[Aesop Rocks]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/10158517.stm?ls

A British scientist says he is the first man in the world to become infected with a computer virus.

Dr Mark Gasson from the University of Reading had a chip inserted in his hand which was then infected with a virus.

The device, which enables him to pass through security doors and activate his mobile phone, is a sophisticated version of ID chips used to tag pets.

In trials, Dr Gasson showed that the chip was able to pass on the computer virus to external control systems.

If other implanted chips had then connected to the system they too would have been corrupted, he said.

Medical alert
Dr Gasson admits that the test is a proof of principle but he thinks it has important implications for a future where medical devices such as pacemakers and cochlear implants become more sophisticated, and risk being contaminated by other human implants.

"With the benefits of this type of technology come risks. We may improve ourselves in some way but much like the improvements with other technologies, mobile phones for example, they become vulnerable to risks, such as security problems and computer viruses."

He also added: "Many people with medical implants also consider them to be integrated into their concept of their body, and so in this context it is appropriate to talk in terms of people themselves being infected by computer viruses."

However, Dr Gasson predicts that wider use will be made of implanted technology.

"This type of technology has been commercialised in the United States as a type of medical alert bracelet, so that if you're found unconscious you can be scanned and your medical history brought up."

Professor Rafael Capurro of the Steinbeis-Transfer-Institute of Information Ethics in Germany told BBC News that the research was "interesting".

"If someone can get online access to your implant, it could be serious," he said.

Cosmetic surgery
Professor Capurro contributed to a 2005 ethical study for the European Commission that looked at the development of digital implants and possible abuse of them.

"From an ethical point of view, the surveillance of implants can be both positive and negative," he said.

"Surveillance can be part of medical care, but if someone wants to do harm to you, it could be a problem."

In addition, he said, that there should be caution if implants with surveillance capabilities started to be used outside of a medical setting.

However, Dr Gasson believes that there will be a demand for these non-essential applications, much as people pay for cosmetic surgery.

"If we can find a way of enhancing someone's memory or their IQ then there's a real possibility that people will choose to have this kind of invasive procedure."

Dr Gasson works at the University of Reading's School of Systems Engineering and will present the results of his research at the International Symposium for Technology and Society in Australia next month. Professor Capurro will also talk at the event.

So like, Terminator starts, when?

 

[the_ultimate_evil]

so in the middle of conversations he randomly asks people do they need there penis enlarged??

 

[Timstuff]

Putting chips in your body is creepy, anyway.

 

[SuperFerret]

Putting chips in your body is creepy, anyway.

And if this wasn't the best reason to not do that, I don't know what is.

 

[Motown Marvel]

Putting chips in your body is creepy, anyway.

except for doritos

 

[Timstuff]

except for doritos

And chocolate ones (peanutbutter and white chocolate ones work too, I suppose).

 

[black_dust]

Meh! it would only be the chip infected, not like its HIM!

Real life ghost in the shell it is not

 

[Majic Walrus]

Until the virus becomes alert and starts to call his ex-girlfriends, turn his car on, and then manipulate his bionic legs to walk to the car and then drive him to his ex's house...

Bionic legs aren't here yet, but just wait. Pretty soon you'll be able to get a virus that forces you to buy Viagra.

 

[Danalys]

this is why we are making custom microscopic life so we only need to worry about real viruses instead.

 

[Maximum Carnage]

.. Weird.

 

[i.getmoney]

He's the first to be infected by a virus but we still have billions that are addicts..to porn

 

[Metamorpho1977]

I want one. Did you see that show Chuck?

 

[GhostPoet]

Yeah...i'm never getting a chip in my body. Not only is it a serious possible risk to privacy...I just prefer my computers OUTSIDE my body. =P

 

[Immortalfire]

His enslavement of mankind begins any day now.

 

[terry78]

The only things I want to see a chip in is a dog or a cookie.

Hi-yooo.

 

[SuperFerret]

As it stands today, microchipping a dog or cat is kinda pointless. It's expensive and the odds that your lost pet winds up in a shelter/clinic with a scanner that works and/or is actually thought of to be used is low. If the price goes down and the use of the scanners becomes more common, then I'd recommend it, but as of right now, I don't see the point in putting a microchip in a pet.

/tangent

 

[CashforStash]

I wonder what the porn pop ups do to him.

 

[Manic]

I saw this episode of Eureka. Carter was confused.

 

[Docker2.0]

Ha! Noone said it? I'm going to be the first!.............



The mark of the beast!

But yeah, I'm not getting that shhh in me.

 

[Rumpy Bulge Dubz]

Meh! it would only be the chip infected, not like its HIM!

Real life ghost in the shell it is not

This