If you know anyone who has a current state-of-the-art pacemaker, most likely it can be programmed via a Windows-based computer at the doctor’s office. Most pacemakers use near-field communications, which means they can only communicate with another device at a distance of 1 or 2 inches, making direct access difficult for a potential hacker.
However, the real issue is: What can be accomplished by breaking into the networked Windows host computer used to read or program the pacemaker? You can imagine the possibilities—or consequences.