Potential Security Risk of Wearable Tech

Potential Security Risks of Wearable Tech

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Dec 11, 2015

This holiday season, trendy wearable devices are flying off the shelves.

While fitness trackers, smartwatches, and even smart clothing make for future presents, experts say consumers should keep the devices' potential security weaknesses in mind while shopping. Most wearable devices connect to the internet or are Bluetooth enabled, meaning they could be vulnerable without safeguards like data encryption and authentication.

With fitness trackers monitoring people's activities 24/7, some companies are collecting massive amounts of data. This provides a ripe opportunity for hackers to target health-related data like the information collected by wearable devices.

Since credit card companies have improved methods of cutting off funds once an account is compromised, hackers are shifting their focus and instead finding it is easier to gather and monetize health care records.

Another potential threat to privacy comes not from hackers, but from the device manufacturers themselves. Because many people don't pay attention to end-user license agreements - the legal fine print people are supposed to read and agree to before using a device - consumers could inadvertently give manufacturers permission to share their information with third parties.

For those of you who want to buy a wearable device, avoid trying to find the cheapest one and instead opt for a brand that is well known and reputable. In general, larger companies are better at paying attention to protecting customers. Low-budget wearables where companies stamp their brand on generic devices tend to have no security.

So this holiday season, make sure you are only buying products that can guarantee that they will actually protect your data so you can keep your family and yourself safe.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

  • Why the Future of Video Security Is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reasons. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.