Neurosecurity: where Infosec meets Brain-machine Interface

Direct brain-machine interface (BMI) has moved from science fiction to daily fact,and a new frontier of Infosec is emerging: neurosecurity. Invasive and non-invasive BMIs now augment operators in many walks of life. Neuroimplants treat an range of neurological and psychiatric conditions: traditionally chronic pain, depression, Parkinson’s, and recently obesity and drug addiction. Advances in neural and neuronal interface now allow direct connections to machinery (computers, robotics, cars, artificial limbs, etc.) providing either human control of the machine, or introduction of machine data into the human. Apple iOS devices are two years into being the largest digital ecosystem to directly support information feeds to brain-connected implants A patent search reveals that over 3800 patents were filed for BMI technology in 2018 alone. Entirely new attack surfaces are therefore available to be exploited by malicious cyber-criminals, making the security of these devices of paramount importance, and not a consideration to be ignored until these attacks have already occurred.This presentation will chronicle and categorize present and near-future threats, known and potential countermeasures, and cut through hyperbole and sensationalism to expose and discuss the reality of the emerging neurosecurity landscape.

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