Europol warns for danger of online murder

Europol issued a warning about the growing threat of "online murder" and predicts we may see the first murder via a hacked internet-connected device this year or over the next couple of years. The threat assessment report warns that the Internet of Everything represents a whole new attack vendor and Europol warns net-connected medical devices such as pacemakers, implantable insulin pumps, and defibrillators can pose a security risk:

Dangers are expected to be posed for example with medical devices such as pacemakers, implantable insulin pumps, and defibrillators. Although there have been no reported cases of hacking-related death to date, last year former US vice president Dick Cheney had the wireless function removed on his defibrillator in order to prevent potential hackers from accessing his device remotely. Cheney’s fear was fictionally realised in the political thriller Homeland, in which his counterpart was murdered by terrorists who were able to hack into his pacemaker – “[the scene] was an accurate portrayal of what was possible,” Cheney said.

In addition to potential physical damage, the Europol report predicted that an increase in new ways of blackmail and extortion could ensue as we move into an IoT-led economy. People targeted by criminals could be locked out of their homes and cars before they hand over a ransom.

Source: The Stack