Glimpse of the Future: We’ll all be one big walking computer virus

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Here’s something to ruin your day:
Techworld reports that 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.
It’s possible, says Dr Mark Gasson from the University of Reading, for a cellphone, or even a pacemaker, or other medical device to be infected with a virus by another chip or device.
He infected a computer chip with a virus and implanted it in his hand, to prove that malware can move between human and computer. These devices, like increasingly common RFID chips, can contain computer programs and data, and those can be infected with viruses.
So boys and girls, forget chemical warfare, some day – oh joy – we could all be made into zombies by infected chips.
via PSFK

Comments

1. John E. Bredehoft says:

   May 27, 2010 at 5:28 pm

   A computer chip on my body could be infected with a virus.
   A computer chip outside of my body – in my radio, in my car, or in my computer – could be infected with a virus.
   If I’m highly dependent upon something, it doesn’t matter whether it’s physically located in my body or outside of my body. The effect could still be devastating.

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2. Surprised? says:

   May 28, 2010 at 5:09 pm

   Ummm, he thinks he is the first human to be infected with a virus from technology? Get real. The moment technology (e.g. as old as the wheel) was inserted into the lives of humans, we have been infected by technical viruses. Whether the wheel didn’t work because it was not completely round or you buy a Microsoft products (except they refer to the same problem as a “bug” or “security venerability”) there is no question that we are all impacted — both good and bad from technology viruses.

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