The contemporary world is interconnected with each other in terms of computing devices and it has served us in various aspects of our lives and made it quite easier. However, the modern wireless world also has made us vulnerable to the cyber-security attacks to the fullest. Nowadays, nothing is impossible to hack, form cell phones, laptop and desktop computer machines, cars, and even the tube lights. But the very dangerous threat is appearing about implanted medical devices. Moreover, experts have demonstrated which security on pacemakers even the insulin pumps are possible to breach which are more likely to result in brutal and dramatic consequences.

Laurie Pycroft, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Oxford

The researchers of Oxford Functional Neurosurgery have written in the paper about the security threats in the form of brain implants. “Unauthorized control of brain implants or “brainjacking” has been scientifically fictionalized over the last couple of decades and with the continuous advancement in the technology is making it possible.

Cyber-Security Threat as Deep Brain Stimulation

The deep brain stimulation (DBS) system is one of the most common brain implants or brainjacking. It is based on the implanted electrodes fixed deeply inside and the brain attached to the human wires placed under the skin that take signals from the stimulator fixed in the brain.

On the other hand, the stimulator contains the battery, tiny processor and last but not the least wireless communication antenna that empowers the doctors to program it. It is characterized as more likely to the cardiac pacemaker, with its exception of being directly connected with the brain.

Deep brain stimulation DBS system is capable to do the treatment of multiple disorders. It is one of the effective ways to cure the Parkinson’s disease, and often ended up with dramatic results and further, it is also considered best to treat dystonia, necessary tremor and against severe chronic pain. However, it is also suitable for the conditions of the patient being with depression and with Tourette’s syndrome.

How Brain Stimulators Cyber-security Threat?

The ability to target multiple regions of the brain alongside different kinds of brain stimulations parameters enables neurosurgeons to get control over the human brain to eradicate the distressing symptoms. So, the control on the brain with such a precision wireless by controlled stimulators rises opportunities for malicious cyber-attackers to go beyond the limits to control insulin pumps or cardiac implants into the territory of profoundly concerning attacks.