Can wearable computers compromise your privacy and security?
Wearable computers may bring a lot of benefits to the end
users but just like any other internet-connected device, it may also bring a
number of inevitable security and
privacy issues. So, while it is true that wearable technologies are more
convenient to use as compared to smartphones and tablets, are more discreet and
fashionable, and can provide you with the information you need in real time,
there are also a number of risks associated with the use of these devices. What
are the possible dangers that lurk within the core of these wearable gadgets? Let
us take a closer look.
The Hidden Dangers of
Using Wearable Computers
It may invade a
person’s privacy. Wearable cameras that are designed to automatically take
photos and create a detailed journal of the user’s life can invade the privacy
of those who are being photographed without their knowledge or permission. Smart
glasses such as the Google Glass pose an ever bigger threat since such gadgets
can record and transmit everything within the user’s range of vision.
However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. A more serious
privacy issue is waiting to happen when you pair these smart glasses with facial
recognition software. If you are not yet aware of it, using smart eyewear
with the NameTag app will allow the user to access any person?s personal
information. It may even allow him (or her) to visit the target’s social media
(Facebook, Instagram or Twitter) profiles in real-time.
It can lead to
serious security issues. While wearable police cameras can serve as a great
way to provide reliable documentary evidence of police encounters, these
devices give them the ability to edit the videos to suit their purpose. Worse, the
technology may even be used for mass surveillance.
Even smart
watches pose a great risk for enterprise security organizations. These
wearable GPS-enabled devices have the ability to interface with Bluetooth
enabled devices, thereby providing easy access to applications and data on
smartphones and other devices.
It can lead to
life-threatening situations. A lot of wearable medical devices such as
glucose monitors, insulin pumps and pacemakers are wireless-enabled. This makes
the wearer vulnerable to hacking attacks
which may lead to serious and/or life-threatening situations. Previous studies
show that an attacker can easily control an insulin pump to deliver a lethal
dose of insulin and make modern pacemakers deliver a fatal shock to anyone
wearing such devices.
Wearable computing devices may be the ‘in’ thing today but
you should always remember that when used maliciously, these devices can pose
an imminent privacy and security threat.?
