Researchers: Hackers Can Take Over Medical Robots
Advanced medical equipment like surgical robots can be lifesavers, but it turns out that these devices are as susceptible to attack as the rest of our electronics out there. Scientists at the University of Washington found they were able to take control of these robots and move them.
Researchers performed the experiments on the Rave II robot surgeons. These robots are able to perform complex moves that could be difficult for human hands and are an important medical tool. Researchers found they were able to hijack the commands sent to the robot and take it over. They could also prevent the operator from resetting the robot.
Part of the issue is that sometimes these devices are operated on public networks instead of secure private ones. The scientists hope their research will call attention to the need for better security for these advanced medical devices.
Hulu Hits 9 Million Subscribers, Gets Cablevision Add.
The popular Hulu Streaming service had now hit 9 million subscribers. The company says that 60% of customers watch on their mobile devices. Now thanks to Cablevision, more subscribers could be watching on their TVs.
Cablevision is adding Hulu Plus to their Optimum Internet Service, which means that users can bundle that Hulu subscription in with their ISP and other pay channels.
Apple Watch Has Issues With Tattoos
Some Apple Watch users say the very expensive smart watch and iPhone accessory won’t work properly if you have tattoos on your wrist. The watch senses your heartbeat by flashing light on your skin and determines your heart rate by bouncing it off the red blood in your veins.
It seems that tattoos, especially red ones, can confuse the high-tech heart rate monitor. Than doesn’t only interfere with fitness apps. The determines if you’re wearing it by looking for the heartbeat. This issue could interfere with receiving calls or using the Apple Pay function.
Since around 40% of people 18 to 29 have tattoos this could turn out to be a big issue with the target demographic for the smart watch.
~ Cynthia