Experts criticise human computer virus study
28/05/2010 12:04:30
Experts in IT security jobs have criticised a University of Reading study which saw a scientist become the first person to be infected by a computer virus.
Speaking to ITPro, security expert Graham Cluley, who is a senior technology consultant with Sophos, said that any suggestions that there are potential threats related to implanted devices are unfounded, stating it is unlikely animals or humans could be infected with a virus.
He added that the claim was simply "scaremongering" and added: "Maybe the best thing for all of us to do would be to ignore them."
The University of Reading's Dr Mark Gasson, from the institution's School of Systems Engineering, inserted a contaminated computer chip into his hand as part of a research project.
He said that the study demonstrated how advanced technology is becoming and gave people a glimpse of the "problems of tomorrow".
In particular, he suggested the technology could have implications for people with medical devices such as pacemakers.
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