Kaspersky Lab: As the “Internet of Things” evolves into the “Internet of Us,” Kaspersky Lab, a leading security solutions provider, is collaborating with BioNyfiken, a Swedish bio-hacking community, to uncover the truth about the potential interconnection of the human body with the Internet.
While the concept of the “connected” body was once limited to Hollywood blockbusters and science fiction novels, today, an increasing number of people have been “upgraded” with the help of technology. Thanks to the invention and widespread adoption of implantable devices such as pacemakers, insulin pumps, hearing aids, and deep brain stimulation systems, the world is filled with people who could be considered part-machines.
However, recent media reports describe a new breed of “enhanced people” who are implanting technology into their bodies not for medical reasons, but simply to make their lives easier. These are people who wear “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 that can be intercepted by hackers? Is there really any reason to worry?
BioNyfiken 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 an earring or getting a tattoo. They also believe that more and more people will choose to use NFC (near-field communication)-enabled implants, which will contain a range of information.
Patrick Mylund Nielsen, Senior Security Researcher at Kaspersky Lab, commented: “The main trend in the Internet of Things has been to create products that are quickly available to the market. Security is often an afterthought, and sometimes a non-issue for some. In fact, while bioprosthetic technology has been a staple of science fiction, few stories have explored its implications for everyday life. What happens when our private keys are under our skin? Can someone become a “virtual copy” of me through a simple handshake? Can someone follow me wherever I go? The word “nyfiken” means “curious” in Swedish, and when it comes to the answers to these questions, we are indeed curious to know what is happening!”.
For his part, Hannes Sjoblad, one of the founders of BioNyfiken, said: “The technology is already a reality! We see a rapidly growing community of people experimenting with chip implants, which allow users to perform various everyday tasks quickly and easily, such as accessing buildings, unlocking personal devices without using PIN codes, and accessing various types of stored data. I see the take-off of this technology as another important moment in the history of human-computer interaction, similar to the launch of the first Windows computer or the first touchscreen. Touch recognition is compatible with human nature. PIN codes and passwords, on the other hand, are not a natural process. And every additional device that we need to carry with us to be able to confirm our identity, such as key fobs or electronic cards, is just another element that creates complexity in our lives.”.
Sjoblad added: “For this reason, we felt it was crucial to work with a leading security expert who truly understands the technology and can help us analyze the risks. Kaspersky Lab is the ideal partner for BioNyfiken’s research. Kaspersky Lab is not only comprised of highly regarded security experts who are considered leaders, but has been at the forefront of new technologies and cutting-edge research since its founding. We look forward to working with Kaspersky Lab experts on an open research program to explore the vulnerabilities of these chips in everyday and human situations. If vulnerabilities are identified, we will of course need to find ways to address them.”
In addition to its research with BioNyfiken, Kaspersky Lab will co-organize events with the wider bio-hacking community in Sweden and across Europe, aiming to put 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 houses progressive businesses, where NFC implants are regularly used for various activities, replacing some additional devices.
Eugene Kaspersky, President and CEO of Kaspersky Lab, said: “Personally, I would prefer not to adopt ‘chipping’. However, I understand that technological progress cannot be stopped and that there will be some pioneers who are ready to accept the risk of testing the limits of technology and experimenting on their own bodies. I would prefer them to do so with their eyes open and with a high regard for security, rather than treating security as an afterthought, as is often the case.”.
Mr. Kaspersky concluded by noting: "For this reason, I am pleased that BioNyfiken has chosen us as partners in research into the potential security issues that may arise from connecting our bodies to the Internet. It is possible that our researchers will not find any cause for concern, but if NFC-type chips are to be implanted in humans, I would like to be sure that our experts have fully investigated all the implications.".
