# Hacking Human Hearts Wireless Access to Defibrillators & Pacemakers By Dee Sandin | Published 2008-03-12 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vulnerable-to-hackers-the-human-heart References: [nytimes](http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/12/business/12heart-web.html?_r=1&ex=1363060800&en=ccf7b8495ad75bfb&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin) & [secure-medicine.org](http://www.secure-medicine.org) This is all kinds of wrong. A team of computer security researchers were able to gain wireless access to a [combination heart defibrillator and pacemaker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fourth-frontier-x2). "They were able to reprogram it to shut down and to deliver jolts of electricity that would potentially be fatal — if the device had been in a person," according to Barnaby J. Feder at the NY Times. "In this case, the researcher were hacking into a device in a laboratory. The researchers said they had also been able to glean personal patient data by eavesdropping on signals from the [tiny wireless radio](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/car-key-faraday-shield) that [Medtronic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wearable-neuromodulation-system), the device's maker, had embedded in the implant as a way to let doctors monitor and adjust it without surgery." That's all we need. As bad as it all sounds, the report (which will be published at [www.secure-medicine.org](http://www.secure-medicine.org)) says those with heart devices needn't live in fear. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 1% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Wireless Access to Medical Devices:** There is a trend towards the wireless access of medical devices, posing potential security risks but also opportunities for enhanced monitoring and control. - **Cybersecurity in Healthcare:** Cybersecurity in the healthcare industry is becoming increasingly important as demonstrated by the ability to hack into a combination heart defibrillator and pacemaker. - **Remote Patient Monitoring:** The ability to remotely monitor and adjust medical devices, such as pacemakers, is a growing trend in healthcare, providing convenience and potential improvements in patient care. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Medical Device Manufacturing:** The medical device manufacturing industry needs to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect patients from potential hacking threats. - **Healthcare IT:** The healthcare IT industry has an opportunity to develop advanced encryption and secure communication protocols to safeguard wireless-enabled medical devices. - **Telemedicine:** The telemedicine industry can leverage remote patient monitoring technologies to provide more efficient and personalized care while ensuring the security of patient data. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wifi-Manipulating Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deauther-watch-v4.md) - [Wall-Breaching Drone Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wifi-device-1.md) - [Advanced Cardiac Treatment Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardiac-treatment-technology.md) - [Wearable Ultrasound Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wearable-ultrasound.md) - [Disease-Detecting Medical Wristbands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teltonika.md) - [Rapid Cardiac Protein Sensors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wrist-sensor.md) - [Advanced Heart-Tracking Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultrasound-patch.md) - [Smartphone-Connected Heart Monitors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mfine-1.md) - [Mobile Healthcare Exam Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handheld-medical-device.md)