Security weaknesses on many popular fitness trackers may allow hackers to access or potentially manipulate user data, a study showed on Monday, July 18th.
The study of seven Android-powered trackers by the security firm AV-Test showed vulnerabilities similar to that found in its research from a year earlier – with many devices lacking secure connections or tamper protection.
The researchers said the Apple Watch, which was evaluated using different criteria because of its operating system, had a “high security rating” despite some “theoretical vulnerabilities”.
The seven Android devices showed varying levels of security, with some allowing hackers the ability to access or tamper with user data.
“As already witnessed in the initial test of fitness wristbands last year, many manufacturers are also committing similar errors in the current test,” the report said. “They often don’t pay sufficient attention to the aspect of security.”
The highest risk came from devices made by Runtastic, Striiv, and Xiaomi, with seven to eight potential vulnerabilities out of 10.
