A scientist at the University of Reading has become the first person in the world to be infected by a computer virus.
Dr Mark Gasson, from the School of Systems Engineering, contaminated a computer chip which had been inserted into his hand as part of research into human enhancement and the potential risks of implantable devices.
These results could have huge implications for implantable computing technologies used medically to improve health, such as heart pacemakers and cochlear implants, and as new applications are found to enhance healthy humans.
Dr Gasson says that as the technology behind these implants develops, they become more vulnerable to computer viruses.
"Our research shows that implantable technology has developed to the point where implants are capable of communicating, storing and manipulating data," he said. "They are essentially mini computers. This means that, like mainstream computers, they can be infected by viruses and the technology will need to keep pace with this so that implants, including medical devices, can be safely used in the future."
Dr Gasson will present his results next month at the IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society in Australia, which he is also chairing.
Read more at Science Daily: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100526095830.htm
Tags: Computing, Research, science, technology
