It contained a malware application, which had managed to bypass existing security controls, but was not able to spread through the computer system.

BBC: Australia's central bank targeted by hackers

Because the technique uses off-the-shelf wireless transceivers similar to those used in home computer networks, "the cost of this system will be cheaper than existing methods of monitoring breathing, " says Neal Patwari, senior author of a study of the new method and an assistant professor of electrical engineering.

ENGADGET: Researchers use wireless network to monitor breathing, could save lives