Comments on: Retinal implants may soon restore lost vision

Researchers are working on ways to implant tiny electrodes in the eye and help restore vision to the blind.
Images: Retinal implants

[TMB333]

Ain't Technology Grand?

Yep, technology sure makes life easier! Unfortunately, as an unwanted side effect, it also tends to make life less 'secure'.

As Microsoft and other large technology companies can certainly attest to this fact, the easier you try to make life easier for the general population, there will always be those who want to take advantage of that technology to make life miserable for the general population.

This article states that eyesight can be restored to sufferers of retinal disease using technology with wireless transmissions. Well, that's all well and good, however, what security precautions will be taken for this technology? Will the user of this technology have to worry that at some point in time some miscreant will try to take advantage of their diability and somehow, 'intercept' the wireless technology and who knows what? Broadcast images that aren't really there? Cause the user to do things based on what the miscreant 'showed' them?

I know this is REALLY far fetched at this period in time, but as technology evolves at a faster and faster rate, so too, does it seem that organizations of unscrupulous hackers evolves too. It would be a damn shame if the user of this fascinating technology would also have to be concerned of having the latest software patches upgraded lest they become victim to ... oh I don't know, let's coin a new phrase ... Retinal Software Viruses? (Do you have the latest RSV patch for your eyesight?)

[davaal]

hacked

that'd be funny. someone could stand behind you at the ATM, jack your eyesight without your knowing and steal your pin number.

and what access would that give to someone's brain. could someone jack your brain and convince you that you were walking off a cliff? maybe hold you hostage until you pay up?

scary.

[TMB333]

Ain't Technology Grand?

Yep, technology sure makes life easier! Unfortunately, as an unwanted side effect, it also tends to make life less 'secure'.

As Microsoft and other large technology companies can certainly attest to this fact, the easier you try to make life easier for the general population, there will always be those who want to take advantage of that technology to make life miserable for the general population.

This article states that eyesight can be restored to sufferers of retinal disease using technology with wireless transmissions. Well, that's all well and good, however, what security precautions will be taken for this technology? Will the user of this technology have to worry that at some point in time some miscreant will try to take advantage of their diability and somehow, 'intercept' the wireless technology and who knows what? Broadcast images that aren't really there? Cause the user to do things based on what the miscreant 'showed' them?

I know this is REALLY far fetched at this period in time, but as technology evolves at a faster and faster rate, so too, does it seem that organizations of unscrupulous hackers evolves too. It would be a damn shame if the user of this fascinating technology would also have to be concerned of having the latest software patches upgraded lest they become victim to ... oh I don't know, let's coin a new phrase ... Retinal Software Viruses? (Do you have the latest RSV patch for your eyesight?)

[davaal]

hacked

that'd be funny. someone could stand behind you at the ATM, jack your eyesight without your knowing and steal your pin number.

and what access would that give to someone's brain. could someone jack your brain and convince you that you were walking off a cliff? maybe hold you hostage until you pay up?

scary.

[mcthesinger]

RETINAL IMPLANTS

I WAS WONDERING IF THEY MADE IMPLANTS FOR THE EYES? THE RETINAL IMPALANTS IN APRIL 2006.

[mcthesinger]

RETINAL IMPLANTS

I WAS WONDERING IF THEY MADE IMPLANTS FOR THE EYES? THE RETINAL IMPALANTS IN APRIL 2006.