Implantable Medical Devices: Privacy and Security Concerns

Abstract

The technical issues associated with human ICT implants are many and varied. While several of these are associated with technology operating in a hostile environment, there are many others which centre around our lack of understanding of the human body, and in particular the brain with its inherent complexities. This has meant that we are limited in our ability to interface the silicon of technology with the biology of the body in truly meaningful ways. However, as research continues to develop solutions to these barriers, the systems which result are potentially vulnerable to technical issues such as security and privacy which are familiar from other mainstream application paradigms. Building systems which address these issues from the outset rather than as an afterthought is an important design strategy. However, with core functionality at the forefront of the designers minds, already there is evidence that medical devices exist which fail to address these concerns. Here, we outline some of the core technological issues which are already beginning to pervade medical human ICT implant devices.