Security Risks of Smartwatches — How to pick the right model
Smartwatches are great but be careful!
Like other devices that contribute to the Internet of Things (IoT) environment, a smartwatch is always connected to the internet with data constantly measured and analysed by organizations who either manufacture the device or by third parties who have access to this information.
This raises concerns regarding the collection of this data, how and where it is being stored, and how and by whom it is being used
Quick Overview of Smartwatches
A smartwatch is typically an extension of a mobile phone. Worn on the wrist, the device provides notifications and metrics to the user. Advancements in recent years have seen modern smartwatches supporting advanced features and display high-resolution information to the user via a touch screen.
The technology behind the latest smartwatches has created a lifestyle for consumers to access a digital wallet, 24/7 tracking capabilities, and instant access to physiological measurements. Even though the variations are significant, the fundamental hardware powering the devices remains consistent across devices.
The primary technology includes sensors such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, Photo plethysmo graphy (PPG) — technology to measure heart rate (HR), accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers.
