BrainGuard

Neurotechnologies such as Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) and neuromodulatory implants have developed rapidly in recent years. What was once considered science fiction is now finding concrete application in medical therapy—from restoring motor functions to treating neurological disorders. However, this development brings a previously underestimated challenge: the cybersecurity of neurotechnological systems.

The BrainGuard research project addresses this exact issue. Our goal is to develop novel security concepts that ensure the protection of sensitive neural data, prevent manipulation, and safeguard user autonomy. As medical devices interact more closely with the nervous system, the potential risks of inadequate security increase.

New Vulnerabilities in Digital Medicine

BCIs and neuromodulatory systems read neural signals and, in some cases, intervene directly in brain processes through electrical stimulation. While therapeutically effective, these properties make them susceptible to novel cyberattacks. Unauthorized access could reveal highly sensitive information regarding thoughts, emotions, or intentions, or—in the worst case—influence physical or mental states.

Neuro-Cybersecurity: A New Field of Research

At the core of BrainGuard is the establishment of a systematic Neuro-Cybersecurity approach. This combines technical, regulatory, and ethical perspectives. The project pursues a multi-stage security concept:

• Neural identification and authorization.
• Privacy-preserving handling of neural signals (Data Minimization).
• Comprehensive protection measures against cyberattacks on both hardware and software levels.

Security as a Prerequisite for Innovation

BrainGuard lays a central foundation for the responsible advancement of neurotechnology. Only by integrating security, data protection, and ethics from the very beginning can we utilize the enormous potential of these technologies for the benefit of society.