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Hackers Trigger Seizures on Epilepsy Board

Griefer group posts flashing images to harm users

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 29, 2008 3:16 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Hackers infected an epilepsy message board last week, posting messages designed to induce seizures and migraines, Wired reports. The Epilepsy Foundation shut down its forum as reports rolled in. One woman said she suffered her worst episode in a year: “I don’t fall over and convulse, but it hurts,” she said. “I couldn’t move and couldn’t speak.”

At first, the Internet griefers posted animated gifs, but a day later added flashing graphics to attack photosensitive and pattern-sensitive epilepsy sufferers. “Everyone who logged on, it affected to some extent,” said one victim, who experienced a day-long migraine. About 50 million people have epilepsy worldwide, and roughly 3% suffer seizures at the sight of flashing lights.

The incident may be the first time a digital attack has inflicted physical harm on its victim.
The incident may be the first time a digital attack has inflicted physical harm on its victim.   (Shutterstock)
For some the attack caused seizures, for others migraines Everyone who logged on, it affected to some extent, said one victim.
For some the attack caused seizures, for others migraines "Everyone who logged on, it affected to some extent," said one victim.   (Shutterstock)
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