Potential Apple Watch Snooping: A Not-So-Paranoid Cyber-espionage Risk

The popularity of smart-watches

Smart watches are the new fashion fad of the new generation. Companies like apple, LG, Motorola, and Samsung have already gotten success with their line of smart watches. The wearable computing devices perform the same way as a phone does with task options like answering phone calls or emails and text messages. Most of them have common connectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-fi and some even have FM and music options as well. The rising popularity of smart watches suggests the growing interest among people to keep up with the latest technology.

Possibilities of using a smart-watch to snoop

New technology brings with them a set of pros and cons. If smart watches have made connectivity simpler, it has also bought hackers closer too. Researchers have expressed concern over the inbuilt microphone and wireless communication in smart wearable devices which makes them an excellent tool for spying. They have also added that wearable computing devices could be used secretly to record important conversations or even steal data. And, they have found a way to hack into Apple watches and have concluded that these devices are susceptible to hacking.

In addition to all the other evidence, apple watches can also be used to record a user’s hand movements. If hacked, a user’s personal information like ATM pin or other passwords might get leaked.

It might seem ridiculous at first but is quite possible that intelligent personal assistants like Siri may be exploited to spy on other people.

Measures to control the cyber-espionage risk

Recently, Apple watches were banned for ministers in the U.K. when they attended meetings. Mobile phones were already prohibited and now wearable smart devices have joined the list. Even though there have been no reports of hacking into a smart watch and spying, government officials are not taking a risk. Another way to minimize the risk is to keep the smart watches out of earshot during important conversations.

App developers for Apple and other companies have stated that they take the utmost precaution to develop their intelligent personal assistant. Although this is true, Security is, after all, having the upper hand in keeping up with the latest technology.

The cyber-world is witnessing a rapid change every year and hackers are keeping up with it. The paranoia of snooping with the help of smart watches is very real and their use needs to be controlled.