Hackers "Seize-rolled" Epilepsy Sufferers in a Support Forum

This incident is quite possibly the first computer attack to inflict physical harm on the victims: hackers uploaded a flashing computer animation to an epilepsy support forum to trigger epileptic attacks!

RyAnne Fultz, a 33-year-old woman who suffers from pattern-sensitive epilepsy, says she clicked on a forum post with a legitimate-sounding title on Sunday. Her browser window resized to fill her screen, which was then taken over by a pattern of squares rapidly flashing in different colors.

Fultz says she "locked up."

"I don't fall over and convulse, but it hurts," says Fultz, an IT worker in Coeur d'Alene, Ohio. "I was on the phone when it happened, and I couldn't move and couldn't speak."

After about 10 seconds, Fultz's 11-year-old son came over and drew her gaze away from the computer, then killed the browser process, she says.

http://www.wired.com/politics/security/news/2008/03/epilepsy (Photo: RyAnne Fultz) - Thanks AnotherJake!


Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

hello i'm a teacher at christopher whitehead language coollege in worcester, i have epilepsy and i found this the enclopedia dramatica apologising on ebaum
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/flash/featured/.

heres my email if you want to discuss epilepsy
office@christopherwhitehead.worcs.sch.uk
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
If you go on encyclopedia dramatica (chan&anon hangout) and search for 'epilepsy' you instantly get your screen full of blinking images.

Discusting behavior.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"Hackers "Seize-rolled" Epilepsy Sufferers in a Support Forum"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More