Can a human become infected by a computer virus?

Yes says a research fellow at the University of Reading who claims to be the first human infected by a computer virus.

Dr Mark Gasson told the BBC news channel that:
“With the benefits of this type of technology come risks. We may improve ourselves in some way but much like the improvements with other technologies, mobile phones for example, they become vulnerable to risks, such as security problems and computer viruses.”

For those worrying that sitting to close to their computer might make them prone to becoming the second human infected by a computer virus, need not worry, as Dr Gasson caught the virus when he had an infected RFID computer chip implanted into his hand. The doctor programmed the chip to do several ‘simple’ tasks, such as unlocking his mobile phone and opening an electronic door.

So any concerns that people might have that they might become the next human infected by a computer virus are somewhat misplaced.

It is understood that Dr Gasson’s chip could infect others if it comes in close contact with them.

And although this ‘human infected by a computer virus’ experiment might seem to many rather whimsical, there is a serious side to the experiment. Dr Gasson believes that as more sophisticated impregnated bodily devices are used, such as heart pacemakers, then there is a danger they could catch viruses and their performance be in danger.

What’s more, in certain countries, human impregnated ID chips are being considered for patients. Working in the same way as pet ID chips, doctors would be able to scan a person’s chip and instantly receive an up-to-date copy of their entire medial record. This would obviously save time finding and reading old files, and also present the information in such order that helps the medical staff react to the patient’s needs and conditions.

So, for anyone worried that they may be the next human infected by a computer virus, they should ensure they get an anti-virus software programme. And perhaps it brings new meaning to the Apple Tablet.

Guest Article by Neil Camp