With the current rise in the use of wearable technology, conversation about the privacy risks associated with wearable technology have arisen. Many consumers are afraid that these devices could get hacked. For example in 2016, a number of accounts with the activity-tracking company Fitbit were found to have been tampered with. In this case, the hackers changed the login information of the accounts preventing some users from accessing their account. Then new devices were ordered using those accounts for users that have out-of-warranty tracking devices. In response to the hack, Fitbit implemented two-factor authentication in their systems. The company also released a statement reassuring users that the breach did not include Fitbit devices while also noting that "these types of account takeover attempts are now a routine issue for many popular online sites and part of doing business” [1]. However, this wasn't the first time Fitbit was involved in a data breach controversy. In 2015, consumers reported that an exploit was found in Fitbit devices where hackers could attack by intercepting Bluetooth signals and inserting malicious code. In response to these claims, Fitbit claimed that the reports were false and further backed up with the reporter saying that the attacks were "a proof of concept, theoretical" [2].
Both of these events continued a debate about the security of all wearable devices and its relationship with the Internet of Things. Many experts have said that there are many methods that developers and companies could use to ensure that their data is secure. These include Bluetooth encryption, biometric authentication systems, and increasing security in the cloud [3]. As the wearable technology market grows, there will be more risks and failures that could arise. But on the other hand, the innovations of different security systems could allow consumers to trust these devices more.
1. Stephen Cobb. "What does Fitbit hacking mean for wearables and IoT?" (https://www.welivesecurity.com/2016/01/12/fitbit-hacking-mean-wearables-iot/), 10/3/2019.
2. Darren Pauli. "'10-second' theoretical hack could jog Fitbits into malware-spreading mode" (https://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/10/21/fitbit_hack/), 10/3/2019.
3. Samantha Donaldson. "Wearable Tech: A Developer’s Security Nightmare" (https://developers.redhat.com/blog/2017/03/06/wearable-tech-a-developers-security-nightmare/ ), 10/3/2019.