# Brainjacking **Entity class:** Neural-interface attack class ## Definition **Brainjacking** is unauthorized control of an electronic brain implant. The term was developed in the invasive-neuromodulation literature to describe attacks in which malicious access changes, stops, or abuses stimulation and related implant functions. ## Threat model Published scenarios include cessation of stimulation, battery depletion, tissue damage, information theft, impaired motor function, altered impulse control, modification of affect, induced pain, and modulation of reward circuitry. The individual can therefore be the victim, the compromised biological endpoint, and the vehicle through which downstream harm becomes possible. ## Relationships - **security field:** [[wiki/Neurosecurity|Neurosecurity]]. - **interface class:** [[wiki/Bidirectional BCI Security|Bidirectional BCI Security]]. - **control system:** [[wiki/Closed-Loop Neuromodulation|Closed-Loop Neuromodulation]]. - **incident response:** [[wiki/Neural Incident Response|Neural Incident Response]]. ## Sources / Provenance - Laurie Pycroft et al., [“Brainjacking: Implant Security Issues in Invasive Neuromodulation”](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27184896/), *World Neurosurgery* 92 (2016), pp. 454–462. - Frederic Gilbert, Mark Cook, Thomas O'Brien, and Judy Illes, [“Brainjacking in deep brain stimulation and autonomy”](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30595661/), *Ethics and Information Technology* (2018). **As of:** 2026-09-23