Wearable devices aren’t the only privacy risk. Research warns of their hacking as a “ransomware to the body” threat
Yours smart watch Knows your heart rate, your sleep scheduleAnd many other types of health data. But what happens when someone else gets access to all that? CISPA researchers There are some worrying answers.
Daniel Gerhardt, a doctoral researcher, recently published a paper exploring the privacy and security risks of on-body interaction technologies, including wearables, smart glasses, and even smart apparel. Their findings are not pretty.
Can your smart wearable devices harm you?
The study found that privacy and security risks with wearable technology cannot be taken lightly. A wearable device sits closer to your body and has access to more data than your phone or computer, and therefore, the potential for loss is good. Beyond leaked passwords.
The most worrying finding is physical risk. For example, a smart jacket with heating elements could theoretically cause burns. The devices can also be used for extortion. One expert in the study described this scenario as “ransomware for the body,” and honestly, that phrase alone will keep you up at night.
Psychological risks are also on the table. Immersive or manipulative systems can be used to create tension or push users into unwanted experiences. And it’s not just the wearer who is at risk. Devices can capture data from viewers without their knowledge.
Is there any solution?
Gerhard also developed eight design guidelines to help researchers, designers, and companies create safe wearables from the start. Recommendations include reducing data collection, improving transparency for users, and building stronger security into both hardware and software.
This research was presented at the ACM CHI conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, one of the most respected gatherings in human-computer interaction research.
Wearable devices are becoming more capable. Getting the security side in place now, before they become truly unavoidable, seems like a smart move.
