Barnaby Jack, Prominent White Hat Hacker, Found Dead in Apartment at Age 35
We've all fantasized at one point or another of standing in front of an ATM as it mistakenly shoots out cash, showering us in money. Famed computer hacker Barnaby Jack actually made it happen in 2010 during a demonstration at the Black Hat conference. Called "jackpotting," he demonstrated the vulnerability on two separate ATMs on stage, both spewing out cash at a rapid clip.
It's what he'll perhaps be best remembered for, though Jack's contributions went beyond helping ATM makers secure their money dispensing boxes. More recently, he discovered vulnerabilities in medical devices, such as pacemakers and insulin pumps, and was scheduled to give a presentation at Black Hat next week on how it's possible to deliver a lethal shock from 50 feet away from a hacked pacemaker.
Unfortunately, Jack won't attending Black Hat anymore. The white-hat hacker was found dead in his apartment in San Francisco by a "loved one," Reuters reports. He was only 35 years old, the cause of his death unknown at this time, though police have ruled out foul play. There will be an autopsy, though it could be several weeks before the cause of his death is determined.
Prior to his death, Jack was the director of embedded device security at IOActive, a cybersecurity consulting firm.
"Lost but never forgotten our beloved pirate, Barnaby Jack has passed. He was a master hacker and a dear friend. Here's to you Barnes!," IOActive said in a statement.
It's what he'll perhaps be best remembered for, though Jack's contributions went beyond helping ATM makers secure their money dispensing boxes. More recently, he discovered vulnerabilities in medical devices, such as pacemakers and insulin pumps, and was scheduled to give a presentation at Black Hat next week on how it's possible to deliver a lethal shock from 50 feet away from a hacked pacemaker.
Unfortunately, Jack won't attending Black Hat anymore. The white-hat hacker was found dead in his apartment in San Francisco by a "loved one," Reuters reports. He was only 35 years old, the cause of his death unknown at this time, though police have ruled out foul play. There will be an autopsy, though it could be several weeks before the cause of his death is determined.
Prior to his death, Jack was the director of embedded device security at IOActive, a cybersecurity consulting firm.
"Lost but never forgotten our beloved pirate, Barnaby Jack has passed. He was a master hacker and a dear friend. Here's to you Barnes!," IOActive said in a statement.
