HOW SAFE IS AN OPERATING ROOM AGAINST ATTACKS?
Scalpels, pads— and dozens of electronic devices. Without computers, modern surgeries could hardly be performed. But while firewalls and virus scanners are total no-brainers on desktop PCS, the OR still lags behind in this area: A 2013 study by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security revealed around 300 medical devices from 40 manufacturers were potentially vulnerable to hack attacks. If hackers have access to a hospital’s network, they can identify devices and manipulate them unnoticed.
But was the matter concluded too soon? Could there be more to it?
CAN A CAR BE HACKED THROUGH THE INTERNET?
Investigators do not find significant traces of an intoxicating substance, nor does the autopsy uncover any bullet holes or explosives residue— therefore they are left baffled as to why investigative journalist Michael Hastings suddenly lost control of his car. Speculation abounds: From fainting to falling asleep at the wheel right on up to a depression-triggered suicide attempt—all possible causes are plausible. “This is a very unusual case—and it is precisely the type of accident that a hacker could cause,” says Richard Clarke, who served for years as the U.S. National Coordinator for Security, Infrastructure Protection