Rapid technological development in recent decades has opened doors to an era where biology and technology merge, giving rise to a practice called “biohacking.” While this convergence offers innovative possibilities for improving human health and capabilities, it also raises a crucial question: can the human body be hacked?
What is biohacking?
Biohacking, often associated with DIY experimentation or personal enhancement, encompasses a wide range of practices from health optimization to genetic modification. However, among the growing concerns, one of the most worrying is the security of implantable medical devices and their potential vulnerability to cyberattacks.
According to a study conducted by the Ponemon Institute, in 2012, nearly 67% of healthcare professionals surveyed reported concerns about the security of connected medical devices. Additionally, a report from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified more than 200 potential vulnerabilities in medical devices between 2011 and 2020, highlighting the severity of the problem.
But what are the dangers of biohacking?
Technological advances in medicine have led to the creation of medical devices connected to the internet such as Pacemakers, insulin pumps and even neural implants. While these devices have revolutionized healthcare, they have also opened the door to hacking risks. A nightmare scenario suggests, for example, the possibility of these devices being hacked, endangering the lives and health of individuals who depend on them, but also the security of their personal data.
The consequence of such a security compromise could be devastating. Attacks aimed at manipulating these devices could potentially alter vital functions, cause malfunctions or even cause irreversible harm to patients. Additionally, unauthorized access to this sensitive medical information raises major confidentiality and privacy concerns.
Let’s discover a concrete case: brain-machine interfaces
Several technologies are emerging in the field of biohacking. Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMIs) are the best example, although some are still in development. This technology focuses on the direct connection between a human brain and a computer. MCIs offer enormous potential for people with disabilities, because an individual can perform tasks and movements without relying on the action of peripheral nerves and muscles.
Like all connected devices, ICMs present considerable cybersecurity risks. Being connected to computer systems, they are vulnerable to cyberattacks. First danger: hacking of sensitive data transmitted by ICMs. Indeed, they are vulnerable to corruption, theft, usurpation or modification. The second threat is the malicious manipulation of brain functions. Indeed, these computing devices can interact directly with neural signals. Thus, they open the way to cyberattacks that could alter or influence the thoughts and behaviors of the wearer.
What measures to fight against biohacking?
The field of biohacking suffers from a lack of regulation, largely due to its newness and the diversity of its practices. Specific legislation, such as that passed in California against the sale of CRISPR gene therapy kits, is emerging, but it only covers a small portion of biohacking activities.
Steps are being taken to mitigate these risks. Today, cybersecurity researchers and medical device manufacturers are actively working to strengthen the security of these devices, deploying robust protocols. In order to prevent malicious attacks, efforts are also being made to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and patients of the risks and security measures to take.
In this era of convergence between biology and technology, it is imperative to recognize and seriously address the security risks associated with biohacking. The need to reconcile innovation with the protection of individuals is becoming more than essential, to ensure a future where technological advances benefit both human health and safety.
Although biohacking offers promising opportunities for innovation, the security of implantable medical devices remains a major concern. Indeed, any technology can be hacked. Continued efforts are therefore needed to ensure that these technological advances remain beneficial and secure, without compromising patient data and health.