Expert: Next Cyber Attack Could Be Fatal
(CBS) -- It's an ominous prediction. One cyber security expert believes there will be an online death, possibly by the end of the year.
Paul Ferguson says it's a risk of living by remote.
Millions of people are now controlling every aspect of their lives by phone, tablet or laptop. It's called "smart technology," and it's exploding. From security systems to thermostats, monitors to pacemakers, retailers like those at Best Buy say wireless everything is becoming the way of the world.
"This is where the threat factor comes into it," says Ferguson, adding that safeguards lag way behind the fast-moving technology. He says the downside is that people could do some "really vicious and horrifying things."
That's because cyber security gaps make it easy for tech-savvy people to hack into wireless systems, potentially allowing them to shut cards down, disable alarms, even tamper with someone's medical records or implant, like a pacemaker.
The show "Homeland" scripted that scenario, killing off a fictional vice president by having an enemy steal his pacemaker's serial number and then shut it down.
Another possibility? A hacker getting into someone's medical records and changing their blood type.
Northwestern Medical Center electrophysiologist Dr. Ron Passman concedes that could happen but adds: "I think the potential for good far outweighs the potential for harm in this scenario."
Many, like one Dupage County "smart home" owner agrees.
Julie—she did not want her last name used—loves being able to control her lights, thermostat and security cameras wirelessly. "I can arm my house," she says, "and somebody will come help me if I need help. So, yeah, I feel a lot better."
Comcast's Jack Segal says there are systems in place to prevent breaches.
That may be. But Ferguson says when it comes to any wireless product it's crucial for consumers to understand what they're getting into and ask the right questions.
"The security for all of those types of services right now really lies on the consumer," he says.
Some federal government agencies are even on record with concerns about the possibility of a malicious cyber-attack and are urging manufacturers to take steps to find safeguards.
