Users of wearable technology devices could be at risk of cyber attacks, with potential hackers able to intercept users' data for as little as US$70 (€52, £41), according to a new study by online and mobile security specialist Symantec.
As the wearable market continues to develop, with uptake continually growing in the health and fitness market, the research has shown how amateur hackers could gain access to information, having run tests at a number of parks and sporting events in Europe.
The security company pulled together a system using a Bluetooth radio module and a Raspberry Pi computer to scan locations in both Ireland and Switzerland for wearable technology.
They found that it was incredibly easy to access information collected by the devices, which also link with more complex mobile hardware, due to the simplicity of the wearable technology.
The company reports that it ran its scans on a passive basis and did not try to make connections to any devices that were discovered. Instead, it simply scanned the airwaves for signals broadcasted.
“In our testing, we found that all the devices we encountered can be easily tracked using the unique hardware address that they transmit,” Symantec wrote about its findings.
“Some devices (depending on configuration) may allow for remote querying, through which information such as the serial number or a combination of characteristics of the device can be discovered by a third party from a short distance away without making any physical contact with the device.
“From the results of this research, it appears that manufacturers of these devices (including market leaders) have not seriously considered or addressed the privacy implications of wearing their products. As a result, the devices, and by association the wearers, can be easily tracked by anybody with some basic skills and a few cheap tools.”
Not only does the research open up debate about the potential lack of consideration around the privacy of wearable devices, it also shows the potential pitfalls for wearers, – should they become a victim of hacking – which include breaching apps linked to wearables and the tracking of locations used to benefit burglars and stalkers.
Such is the interest surrounding wearable devices at the moment, the technology is expected to dominate Christmas lists later this year.
