Scientist infects himself with computer virus

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

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.

Dr Mark Gasson from the University of Reading infected a computer chip which was then implanted in his hand with the virus and then transmitted it to a PC to prove that malware can move between human and computer.

Chips that can be implanted into the body have been around for a while, and Gasson uses one in place of a security pass to gain secure access to the building, and to activate his mobile phone. But he says the implications for computer viruses in implants are far-reaching, and could potentially affect those with pacemakers and other medical devices.

Speaking to the BBC, Gasson said someone with an infected chip implant could potentially infect someone else, while a person with two devices under the skin could run the risk of viruses passing between the two chips.

"With the benefits of this type of technology come risks," Gasson told the BBC. "We may improve ourselves in some way but much like the improvements with other technologies, mobile phones for example, they become vulnerable to risks."

http://news.techworld.com/personal-tech/3224739/scientist-infected-with-computer-virus/?cmpid=TD1N1&no1x1&cmpid=sbslashdotrplant

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

[GabiandVi 34]

[Peikko 1,575]

How did he 'transmit it' to the pc? That's what I am interested in understanding. I doubt he just sneezed on it.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

How did he 'transmit it' to the pc? That's what I am interested in understanding. I doubt he just sneezed on it.

Wirelessly. He was using a chip similar to what pets get. My cat has one. When he scanned it, the device that scanned it picked up the virus apparently.

[Peikko 1,575]

So, my assumption that he didn't in fact infect himself with the virus is correct? What happened was that an infected chip was scanned and the infection was transferred via the scanning device and the pc that ran it 'caught' the virus? it's interesting and has implications, but less than if his actual biological matter got some kind of computer disease

Edited May 27, 2010 by Madame Cleo

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

I suspect he is working with Kevin Warwick who is also at the University of Reading, and frankly is mildly loony.

So, my assumption that he didn't in fact infect himself with the virus is correct? What happened was that an infected chip was scanned and the infection transferred 'caught' the virus? it's interesting and has implications, but less than if his actual biological matter got some kind of computer disease

lol yeah, until we all become cyborgs there is nothing to worry about.

[Peikko 1,575]

It's just the way it's worded . I know peple that work there, but I don't know the mildly loony person you allude to, I must find out if the people I know know him.