Epilepsy site hacked with flashing lights
Emily Bishop
Sometimes computer hackers hack into a Web site as a joke - but the recent hacking of the Epilepsy Foundation's Web site was no laughing matter.
Rapidly flashing images, which can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy, were put on the Web site, according to the site itself.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation Web site, "epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions," and "a seizure happens when a brief, strong surge of electrical activity affects part or all of the brain."
Doug Jacobson, professor of electrical and computer engineering, said what happened to the Epilepsy Foundation's Web site is "unique in that, usually, a computer by itself can't cause harm."
"It's getting press because of the uniqueness of what [the hackers] did," Jacobson said. "[Hackers] look for vulnerable software and take advantage of it."
Jacobson said examples of hacking include stealing identities from Web sites or changing government sites to display porn.
To guard against hackers, Jacobson recommended having up-to-date security software and keeping aware of Web site activity.
Unfortunately, the hacking of the Epilepsy Foundation's Web site was intended to cause harm, and epilepsy is a serious condition which sometimes demands immediate medical attention.
Ray Rodriguez, program coordinator for the Thielen Student Health Center, said it is important to attend to someone who is im the midst of a seizure.
"The best thing to do for someone having a seizure is to ensure their safety by moving everything away - giving them space - so that they don't fall down and hurt themselves or hurt by moving during the seizure," Rodriguez said.
Rodriquez said calling 911 to get help should be done right away, especially if the seizure lasts more than a few seconds.
"Many people who have a seizure stop in a few seconds, but if it lasts more than a minute, they may need medical intervention to stop it," Rodriquez said. "Either way, I'd rather call 911 and be wrong than wait and be wrong."
Rodriguez is familiar with the facts and the myths associated with the condition because his daughter has epilepsy.
"The big myth I hear about all the time with [my daughter] Kyra is people want to know if she's ever swallowed her tongue or bitten it during a seizure," Rodriguez said. "That's pretty much a myth - it is impossible to 'swallow your tongue' in any event, by basic physiology."
Web sites are being hacked into all the time - whether for fun, profit or malice - and this was just one of many incidents.
"Hacking is a pretty big business," Jacobson said. "[It] is something that's going on constantly."
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