Kaspersky Lab: Καθώς το “Internet of Things"Evolves and goes on stage"Internet of Us", Kaspersky Lab, a leading provider of security solutions, works with BioNyfiken, a Swedish Biography-hacking community, in order to reveal what really is in relation to the possible interconnection of the human body to the Internet.
While the concept of the "interconnected" body was once limited to the Hollywood blockbuster and science fiction novels, today the number of people "upgraded" with the help of technology is increasing. Thanks to the invention and the widespread adoption of implantable devices such as pacemakers, insulin pumps, hearing aids and deep brain stimulation systems, people are filled with people who could be considered as machines in part.
However, recent media reports describe a new breed of "upgraded people," who implant technology into their bodies not for medical reasons, but simply for greater convenience in their daily lives. These are people wearing "smart implants" that help them control door locks, make purchases and access computer systems with a simple wave of their hand. In this case, the following questions arise: When do we allow our bodies to contain increasing amounts of personal data, which can be intercepted by hacker; Is there really cause for concern?
Η BioNyfiken, a bio-hacking community based in Sweden, is leading the charge to normalize this phenomenon, known as “chipping,” with the goal of making it more accessible to the masses. Their view is that a smart, subcutaneous implant is not that different from wearing a earring or have a tattoo. They also believe that more and more people will choose to use NFC (wireless near field communication) type implants, which will contain a range of information.
Ο Patrick Mylund Nielsen, Senior Security Researcher της Kaspersky Lab, σχολίασε: «Η βασική τάση στον τομέα του “Internet of Things” ήταν να δημιουργούνται προϊόντα που διατίθενται γρήγορα στην αγορά. Η ασφάλεια αποτελεί συχνά δεύτερη σκέψη, ενώ μερικές φορές δεν αποτελεί ζήτημα για κάποιους. Μάλιστα, παρότι η βιοπροσθετική τεχνολογία έχει υπάρξει βασικό θέμα για την επιστημονική φαντασία, λίγες είναι οι ιστορίες που ασχολούνταν με τις επιπτώσεις της στην καθημερινότητα. Τι συμβαίνει όταν τα ιδιωτικά κλειδιά μας βρίσκονται κάτω από το δέρμα μας; Μπορεί κάποιος να γίνει ένα δικό μου «εικονικό αντίγραφο»μέσω μιας απλής χειραψίας; Μπορεί κάποιος να με ακολουθεί όπου κι αν πηγαίνω; Η λέξη “nyfiken” σημαίνει “περίεργος” στα Σουηδικά και όταν πρόκειται για τις απαντήσεις στα ερωτήματα αυτά, είμαστε πράγματι περίεργοι να μάθουμε τι συμβαίνει!».
For his part, Hannes Sjoblad, one of the founders of BioNyfiken, said: "Technology is already a reality! We are seeing a fast-growing community of people experimenting with chip implants that allow users to perform various day-to-day tasks quickly and easily, such as access to buildings, unlocking personal devices without PIN, and access to various types of stored data. I consider the take-off of this technology as yet another important moment in the history of human-computer interaction, similar to the release of the first Windows computer or the first touchscreen. Touch recognition is compatible with human nature. PINs and passwords on the contrary are not a natural process. And every extra device we need to have with us to be able to confirm our identity, such as key rings or electronic cards, is just another element that creates complexity in our lives. "
In completing, Mr. Sjoblad commented, "For this reason, we felt it was vital to work with a leading security specialist who really understands technology and can help us analyze the dangers. OR Kaspersky Lab is the ideal partner for BioNyfiken's research. Kaspersky Lab is not only made up of highly regarded security experts and leaders, but has been at the forefront of new technologies and cutting-edge research since its inception. We look forward to working with Kaspersky Lab experts on an open research project program, to explore the vulnerabilities of these chips in everyday and human situations. If vulnerabilities are identified, we should of course find ways to address them."
In addition to her research with BioNyfiken, Kaspersky Lab will co-organize events with the wider bio-hacking community in Sweden and across Europe, with the aim of putting security and privacy aspects on the agenda of the relevant discussion. There are already a number of hi-tech buildings in Sweden, such as Epicenter, which hosts progressive businesses, where NFC implants are regularly used for various activities, replacing some extra devices.
Eugene Kaspersky, Kaspersky Lab's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: "Personally, I would prefer not to adopt chipping. However, I understand that technological progress can not be hindered and that there will be some pioneers who are ready to accept the risk of experiencing the boundaries of technology and experimenting in their own bodies. I would prefer to do so with their eyes open and putting high on the subject of security rather than confronting security as an after-thinking, as is often the case. "
Mr. Kaspersky concluded by noting: “For this reason, I am pleased that BioNyfiken has chosen us as a research partner into the potential security issues that may arise from connecting our bodies to the Internet. It is possible that our researchers will find no cause for concern, but if NFC-type chips are going to be implanted in people, I would like to be sure that our experts have fully explored all the implications."
