Chapter 1: The Rise of Medical Implants

The integration of technology within the realm of medicine has paved the way for a reality once envisioned by early science fiction authors: a world where electronic medical implants enhance human capabilities, effectively turning individuals into bionic beings.

At Future Human, we have extensively covered these groundbreaking devices and their potential to transform healthcare. In an insightful article from October, our staff writer and biotechnology specialist, Emily Mullin, discussed a remarkable device that can be threaded through the jugular vein into the brain, enabling paralyzed individuals to communicate through typing. Earlier this year, she highlighted a researcher who underwent deep brain stimulation to combat alcoholism, alongside a tiny implant designed to rouse individuals from comas. Notably, a man who received a bionic eye was able to witness his birthday candles for the first time last year.

Many of the electronic devices merging with human anatomy are equipped for connectivity. For instance, the device that interprets brain signals from paralyzed patients transmits information wirelessly to a smartphone application, facilitating real-time communication. While such connections allow for immediate medical intervention and monitoring, they also expose these devices to cybersecurity threats.

In a poignant piece for OneZero, writer Jameson Rich shared his journey with an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), a device that helps regulate his arrhythmias—irregular heartbeats. These ICDs are linked to the Internet of Things, enabling healthcare providers to monitor their patients from afar. However, as Rich discovered shortly before his ICD implantation, some devices are susceptible to hacking. Despite the risks, he chose to proceed with the procedure and now navigates the implications of that decision.

Rich expresses his concerns poignantly, stating, “But it’s hardly just the threat of hacking that worries me. It’s a feeling of living as a guinea pig for an opaque set of private interests, and a sense that I can’t trust an industry that would ever place unsecured devices inside patients in the first place.”

Read the full story here:

I Live With a Digital Security Threat Inside My Body

A device connected to my heart could save my life. It could also be hacked.

Section 1.1: Understanding the Vulnerabilities

The rapid advancement of electronic medical implants raises critical questions about safety and trust. As these devices become more prevalent, understanding the cybersecurity risks associated with them is essential.

Subsection 1.1.1: Real-Life Implications of Device Security

As medical technology evolves, the implications of potential hacking incidents become more tangible. Individuals like Rich serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and safety.

Chapter 2: Cybersecurity in Medical Devices

Description: Explore how medical devices are receiving cybersecurity upgrades to protect patients and healthcare systems against potential threats.

Description: This video delves into the consequences of cyberattacks on medical devices, illustrating the real dangers faced by patients today.