Implants Under Attack? Securing the Future of Neurotechnology

Implanted neural devices, like brain or spinal cord stimulators, are transforming clinical care for patients with neurological conditions. But, as these technologies become more connected and software-driven, they also introduce new risks. Weak security can leave devices vulnerable to data breaches, unintended disruptions in function, or malicious interference, a growing phenomenon known as “brain jacking”. During a “brain jacking”, hackers could potentially take control of a device to change how it works, steal private data, or even cause harm. The problem is making these tiny, low-power devices totally secure. This grand rounds seminar brings together a multidisciplinary panel to explore the current landscape of neural implant use, the emerging risks associated with these devices, and the collaborative efforts underway to ensure their safety. It features a panel discussing the critical needs for better implant design from several key perspectives:

·       Clinicians (MDs): Their role in safely using these devices in practice and the impact of technology on patient care.

·       Patients/Caregivers: The personal, lived experience and community priorities related to device reliability, security, and long-term impact.

·       Device Designers/Manufacturers: The engineering challenges of creating new, low-power hardware and software that is secure against hacking (brain-jacking) and performance disruption.

·       Regulators: The standards and processes needed to ensure the safe and reliable adoption of these emerging smart health technologies.

During the hour, we will discuss how patients and clinicians use these devices and understand the risks, and then highlight new approaches to security solutions, including specialized chips with on-chip sensing to detect and prevent malicious manipulation, ensuring dependable operation and patient privacy. Join us to learn how clinicians, medical device manufacturers, researchers, regulators, and communities are working together to build a safer future for neural implant technologies.