Cybersecurity and the promise of Neuralink

Elon Musk's company, Neuralink, has distinguished itself by creating brain chips that allow the control of electronic devices via neural signals, without the need for physical movements. This innovation opens up promising scenarios for those suffering from paralysis, but it also raises ethical questions and potential risks related to cybersecurity. The debate intensified following the authorization, received in December 2023, to test Neuralink's technology on humans, capable of replacing part of brain functions with an artificial intelligence interface.

The surgical process and safety risks

The device is implanted in the skull through surgery that removes a small portion of the bone to make room for the chip and the delicate filaments that connect it to the brain. These can interpret the user's thoughts, allowing devices to be controlled without the need for physical interaction. Despite the revolutionary nature of Neuralink, cybersecurity experts warn that the circuits could be vulnerable to manipulation, threatening the privacy and control of connected devices.

Elon Musk's commitment and the public's fears

With an investment of $155 billion, Musk has pushed the technology into the spotlight, although Neuralink is not the first company to explore this field; Synchron has been a pioneer since 2016. Testing on animals has raised questions about Musk's focus on features rather than security, raising concerns about potential loopholes that bad actors could exploit.

The need to strengthen the IT infrastructure

Faced with the advancement of such technology, it is essential that individuals and organizations strengthen their IT infrastructure physically and digitally to prevent risks. Continuous surveillance of the cyber threat landscape and implementation of robust security solutions must be a top priority to ensure protection from unauthorized access and vulnerability exploitation.