McAfee hires superhackers to identify security risks
The security software developer has recruited a team of elite hackers and is ordering them to break into high-tech equipment, such as pacemakers, to learn more about those devices’ security risk.
According to Reuters, the hack squad includes Barnaby Jack, who impressed attendees of the Black Hat and Defcon hacking conference in Las Vegas by manipulating ATMs into dispensing cash by the basketload.
The hackers on McAfee’s books are working to identify vulnerable spots in medical devices such as pacemakers, which have computer chips embedded in them. The team is led by McAfee Senior Vice President Stuart McClure, who was quoted by Reuters as saying: “Let’s unearth some of these problems before the bad guys do”.
Written by Matthias Scherer
Matthias is a journalist and writer covering the latest news in technology as well as reviewing new computer products for PC Site. After studying journalism and economics in London, Matthias worked in radio and as a music writer for various publications in the UK and Germany, covering everything from politics and music to online publishing and social media. He is a self-diagnosed internet addict, but wrestles himself away from the computer to read books by angry young men, put on punk or rap records and watch Seinfeld.
Mon, Jun 20, 2011