This article has been written by Meenakshi Kanaujia pursuing a Startup Generalist & Virtual Assistant Training Program from Skill Arbitrage.

This article has been edited and published by Shashwat Kaushik.

Introduction

Threads of wearable technology have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of our daily lives. Wearable technology has revolutionised our daily lives and jobs. From fitness trackers to smartwatches that can track our heart rate, sleep patterns, and physical activities to augmented reality glasses that can transport you to the metaverse, these devices are everywhere in our world today! Since their inception, wearables have evolved significantly, they are no longer just gadgets; now, they have become our personal assistants, health monitors and communication centres as well. The capabilities of wearables seem limitless! However, as we are enjoying the convenience that wearables are providing, it is highly important not to overlook the growing concerns about privacy and security. In this article, we will explore the world of wearable technology, its benefits, and the associated privacy concerns that are growing with them.

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To begin with, let’s first understand what wearables are.

What is wearable technology

Wearables are electronic devices that are designed to be comfortably worn on the human body. Wearables range from smartwatches to jewellery (such as rings and necklaces), from body sensors to augmented reality glasses or even clothes that can track our health and productivity and more.

Advanced wearables can send and receive messages, monitor playback music, and provide real-time updates on the weather as well. Fitness trackers are specifically designed to track our physical activities, count steps and measure calories burned. Thus, wearables help us stay motivated and achieve our health goals.

Now you know that the smartwatch that everyone nowadays is flaunting is one example of wearable technology. But have you ever wondered why wearable technology is such a hit? Let’s find out

Wearable technology and sensors

Wearable technology and sensors are rapidly changing the way we live and interact with the world around us. These devices can be worn on the body or embedded in clothing and accessories to track various aspects of our health, fitness, and environment. One of the most common examples of wearable technology is the fitness tracker. These devices can track steps taken, calories burned, and heart rate. Some fitness trackers also include features such as GPS tracking, sleep monitoring, and smartphone notifications.

Another example of wearable technology is the smartwatch. Smartwatches can do everything a fitness tracker can do, plus they also allow you to make phone calls, send texts, and access apps. Some smartwatches even include features such as NFC payments and music playback.

Wearable sensors are another type of wearable technology that is becoming increasingly popular. These sensors can be used to track a variety of things, such as air quality, temperature, and humidity. Wearable sensors can also be used to monitor health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Wearable technology and sensors have the potential to revolutionise the way we live and work. These devices can help us to improve our health, fitness, and productivity. They can also help us to better understand and interact with the world around us.

Here are some specific examples of how wearable technology and sensors are being used today:

  • Fitness trackers are being used to help people lose weight, track their progress, and stay motivated.
  • Smartwatches are being used to help people stay connected, manage their time, and access information.
  • Wearable sensors are being used to monitor air quality, temperature, and humidity.
  • Wearable sensors are also being used to monitor health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

As wearable technology and sensors continue to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and life-changing applications for these devices.

Why are wearables gaining so much popularity

From fitness trackers to smartwatches, these devices have given us the capability to stay connected in a way that was not possible before! Wearables are gaining popularity for several reasons. Whenever we think about wearables, the first reason that comes to mind is:

Convenience: The number one reason for their popularity is that they are very convenient to use. You can easily track your fitness data, receive notifications and even make payments through them.

Health and fitness tracking: Smartwatches are the most widely used wearables. Smartwatches can track step counting, heart rate monitoring and sleep patterns. The apps on these smart watches can show you details about workouts, food logs and calories burned. With that data, you can closely monitor your progress and achieve your fitness goal.

Enhanced connectivity: Another reason for wearables to gain popularity is – they allow users to stay connected to their devices and networks. Smartwatches have the functionality of allowing you to receive notifications, calls, and messages directly on your wrists without having to take out your phone.

Style and customisation: Wearables come in a variety of styles and designs. From a variety of styles and designs, users can choose the style that expresses their personal style while also enjoying the benefits of wearable technology.

Do these features make you know what are the examples of wearable technology? Examples of wearables that you know and that you don’t know, let’s checkout them.

Examples of wearable technology

There are several types of wearable devices available on the market, each designed to serve different purposes and meet different user needs. Some of the most common types of wearable devices include:

Fitness trackers: Fitness trackers keep track of the number of steps a user walks every day along with their heart rate. They also calculate the calories burned. They are often worn on the wrist but can also be clipped onto clothing or shoes.

Smartwatches: Smartwatches are the most known type of wearable device. These types of watches have touchscreen displays and apart from telling the time, they provide functionalities such as fitness tracking, notifications, music playback, and app support. Some great examples of smart watches are- Apple Watch Series 7, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, Fitbit Versa 3, Garmin Venu 2, etc.

Smart jewellery: It is a combination of fashion and functionality. Smart jewellery has features like- notifications, activity tracking, and even safety features like distress signals or GPS tracking.

Smart clothing: Smart clothing integrates electronic components and sensors into clothing. It can track heart rate, activity levels, and even body temperature. An example of smart clothing wearables is- Google and Levi’s Jacquard Smart Jacket: The jacket has a touch-sensitive area on the left cuff, and by using the Jacquard mobile app, you can assign abilities to four different gestures. The jacket lets you play music, snap a picture, receive notifications, and so much more.

Smart glasses: Smart glasses are designed to project information, so they keep your hands free. Smart glasses provide information like notifications and directions. With smart glasses, you can experience augmented reality (AR) as well. One example of smart glasses is Google Glass: It features a small display above the right eye. To interact with the device, either use voice commands or touch gestures on the frame.

Health monitoring devices: Health monitoring devices are designed to specifically monitor health parameters like- blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and oxygen saturation. This type of wearable is more useful for individuals with specific health conditions, but anyone can use it for general health monitoring, too.

Virtual reality (VR) headsets: VR headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, are offering immersive virtual reality experiences for gaming, education and training.

Hearables: Apple AirPods Pro and Samsung Galaxy Buds are smart earbuds. They can offer – music playback, noise cancellation, fitness tracking and health monitoring as well.

After reading all the cool examples of wearables, are you not curious to know how wearable technology works? If the answer is yes, then let’s dive deep and know.

How does wearable technology work

Wearables are worn on the human body and they typically connect to a smartphone or any other device to provide information or perform tasks. A combination of sensors, processors, and connectivity options completes the work of wearables. Let’s give an overview of how they work:

Sensors: Various sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, heart rate monitors, and GPS, are utilised by wearables to collect data. Sensors on the wearable collect data about user health metrics, location, and environment as well.

Data processing: In the next step, the collected data is processed by the wearable device processor. The processor analyses the data. The processor of the wearables is capable of performing basic computations and deriving meaningful information, such as step count, heart rate measurement, or estimated calories burned.

Connectivity: The wearable must have a connectivity device for it to work. Most wearables connect to a smartphone or any other device using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. By connecting to the device, it enables them to do further analysis, store, or display information. Some wearables also have cellular connectivity, which allows them to directly connect to the internet.

User interface: Screen or LED indicators display the information to the user. Some wearables can also have buttons, touchscreens, or voice controls to take user’s input.

Applications: Every wearable utilises either mobile apps or web services to finalise the data. These apps provide a more detailed analysis of the collected data and allow the users to set goals, track their progress, and receive notifications.

Wearables collect data that is processed by their processor, and the app or web service performs various operations to draw meaningful conclusions. Is it important to know what data wearables are collecting?

What data wearables are collecting

A wide range of data is collected by the wearables. The data collected by the wearables depends on the type of device and its capabilities. Here are some examples:

  • Physical activity: Fitness trackers and smartwatches collect data such as step counts, distance travelled, calories burned, and intensity of the activities done.
  • Heart rate and cardiovascular data: Many wearables have sensors that have the capability to monitor heart rate and provide insights into heart health, including resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and recovery rate.
  • Sleep patterns: Wearables with this feature can track sleep duration, quality, and patterns. They also provide insights into sleep cycles and overall sleep health.
  • Location: Wearables with GPS capabilities can track and store data about locations. That data can further be utilised for activities like mapping runs or tracking outdoor activities.
  • Environmental data: Wearables that have this feature can collect data about environmental factors such as – temperature, humidity, and air quality.
  • Biometric data: Biometric data provides insights into the overall health and wellness of its wearer. Biometric data such as skin temperature, perspiration, and blood oxygen levels are collected by the wearables.
  • Activity recognition: Sensors on wearable devices are capable of recognising different activities such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming. The duration and intensity of each activity are also recorded by the sensor. 
  • Communication data: Smartwatches and other wearables that have communication features can collect data on calls, messages, and notifications received and sent.

It is important to note that the data collected by wearables can vary widely depending on the device and its settings. One should review privacy policies and settings to understand what data is being collected and how it is being used.

While the data collected by wearables offers valuable insights into various aspects of our lives, the extensive data collection capabilities of wearables prompt us to consider the implications for our privacy. So let’s start with the basics.

What is data privacy and how wearables are affecting privacy

Data privacy is the protection of personal data from unauthorised access and misuse by individuals, organisations or the government. It ensures that individuals have full control over their data and know how their information has been collected, used or shared.

Although wearables offer many benefits, their widespread adoption has raised significant privacy concerns. Let’s understand one by one:

Data breaches

Like any other connected technology, wearables are also susceptible to data breaches. When this type of sensitive personal information is compromised, it can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and other privacy infringements.

According to a WebsitePlanet report, a non-password protected database that contained over 61 million records related to fitness trackers and wearables exposed Apple and Fitbit users’ data online. Many of the records contained user data that included first and last name, display name, date of birth, weight, height, gender and geolocation.

Health data security

Wearables gather massively sensitive health data, such as heart rate, sleep patterns and exercise routines. If this information is not adequately protected, it can be exploited by employers, insurers, or other entities.

For example, insurers may use health data to adjust premiums, or they could deny coverage, which leads to potential discrimination based on an individual’s health status.

Location tracking

Many wearable devices, like fitness trackers and smartwatches, use GPS and other location-tracking technologies like cellular/Wi-Fi triangulation, RFID (Radio-Frequency identification), etc. to track the location of individuals.

If this real time location of an individual is accessed or misused by unauthorised parties, then the location can be used to target individuals.

Similarly, geographic location can be targeted for phishing attacks, and sensitive location data can be published on social media through social media integration or public sharing options.

Data sharing

Wearable manufacturers often share user data with third-party partners for advertising, analytics and more. In many cases, users are not aware of the extent to which data has been shared or how their information is being used.

Surveillance concerns

Wearable devices like smart glasses or camera-equipped smartwatches have audio and video recording capabilities. This type of wearable raises concerns about potential surveillance and invasion of privacy, both for the wearer and those around them.

While privacy concerns have always been linked to wearable technology, a notable example of these fears coming to fruition was the 2021 data breach that exposed 61 million records related to fitness trackers, including those from Apple and Fitbit users. Let’s know the details.

Wearable device data breach: exposed over 61 million fitness tracker records from Apple and Fitbit 

In 2021, 61 million records related to fitness trackers and wearables were exposed. This data breach impacted the users of Apple and Fitbit devices. The cause of the data breach was an unsecured database.

Details: Researchers with WebsitePlanet and security researcher Jeremiah Fowler discovered a non-password-protected database that contained tens of millions of records belonging to fitness tracking and wearable devices and apps. The unsecured database belonged to GetHealth, a New York City based company that offers a unified solution to access health and wellness data from hundreds of wearables, medical devices and apps.

Many of the records contained user data that included first and last names, display names, date of birth, weight, height, gender and geolocation.

Exposed records were from Fitbit devices and Apple Healthkit.

Impact: This incident once again raised serious concerns about the privacy and security implications of wearable technology. Identity theft, unauthorised access to personal accounts are only a few that could occur for the affected individuals. Strong security measures to protect the collected data and awareness of data security are still lacking with wearable technology.

This incident is not the first and only occurrence of a privacy breach associated with wearables.

These are the common privacy concerns with wearables, and if that is making you worry, then let’s know as users of the wearable what we can do to protect our privacy.

Data breaches by wearable technology

Real-life data breaches caused by wearable technology have become increasingly common in recent years as these devices collect and transmit sensitive personal information. Here are some notable examples:

Strava fitness tracker data breaces

In 2018, Strava, a widely used fitness tracking application, fell victim to a significant data breach that compromised the location information of its users. This breach exposed sensitive details, such as precise maps of users’ running and cycling routes, potentially revealing private information like home addresses and military bases.

The Strava data breach sparked considerable concern regarding the privacy risks associated with wearable technology. Experts highlighted the potential for malicious actors to exploit this sensitive data for various purposes, such as targeted advertising, stalking, and even surveillance. The incident raised questions about the responsibility of fitness tracking companies to protect user privacy and the need for stricter regulations governing the collection, storage, and sharing of personal data.

In response to the breach, Strava took several measures to enhance user privacy. The company limited the visibility of users’ heatmaps, introduced new privacy settings, and provided users with more control over their data. However, the incident served as a wake-up call for the fitness tracking industry, emphasising the importance of robust data security measures and transparent privacy policies.

The Strava data breach also highlighted the potential for fitness tracking data to be used for purposes beyond personal fitness tracking. Researchers and journalists have utilised Strava data to uncover patterns of human movement, identify military bases and sensitive infrastructure, and even track the movements of individuals, raising ethical and privacy concerns.

The Strava data breach remains a significant reminder of the importance of privacy in the digital age and the need for individuals to be vigilant about the data they share with fitness tracking apps and other digital services.

Fitbit data breach

In 2019, Fitbit, a prominent fitness tracker company with millions of users worldwide, experienced a significant data breach that raised concerns about the security of personal information stored on wearable devices. Over 100 million Fitbit users were affected by the breach, which involved unauthorised access to their accounts

The compromised data included sensitive personal information such as users’ full names, email addresses, birth dates, and even sleep patterns. This incident highlighted the potential risks associated with fitness trackers that collect and store sensitive health and fitness data.

The breach occurred due to a vulnerability in Fitbit’s security system that allowed unauthorised individuals to gain access to user accounts. The company acknowledged the breach and took steps to address the issue, including notifying affected users, resetting passwords, and implementing additional security measures.

The Fitbit data breach raised questions about the privacy and security of personal information collected by wearable devices. It also underscored the importance of companies taking proactive steps to protect user data and implementing robust security protocols to prevent unauthorised access.

In the aftermath of the breach, Fitbit faced scrutiny from users, privacy advocates, and regulatory authorities. The company implemented several measures to enhance its security measures, including partnering with cybersecurity experts, conducting regular security audits, and strengthening its encryption protocols.

The Fitbit data breach served as a reminder of the importance of users being vigilant about their online security and privacy. It also highlighted the need for wearable device companies to prioritise data protection and ensure that they have robust security measures in place to safeguard user information.

Garmin GPS watch data breach

In 2020, the world of fitness trackers and wearable technology was shaken by a major data breach that affected Garmin, a renowned manufacturer of GPS watches and fitness trackers. The incident involved a ransomware attack, encrypted user data, disrupted services and potentially compromised personal information.

The attack began on July 23, 2020, when Garmin’s network was infiltrated by cybercriminals. The attackers used a sophisticated ransomware known as WastedLocker, which encrypted critical data on Garmin’s servers. This encryption effectively locked Garmin out of its own systems, preventing users from accessing their fitness data, tracking activities, and other essential features.

The breach not only caused widespread disruption but also raised concerns about the vulnerability of wearable devices to cyberattacks. Unlike traditional computers or mobile phones, smartwatches and fitness trackers often have limited security features due to their compact size and limited processing power. Consequently, they can become easy targets for malicious actors looking to exploit vulnerabilities.

The Garmin data breach highlighted the critical need for strong encryption and robust security protocols on wearable devices. To protect user data from unauthorised access, manufacturers must implement advanced encryption algorithms and employ multi-layered security measures. This includes regular software updates, secure authentication mechanisms, and continuous monitoring for potential threats.

In the aftermath of the attack, Garmin worked diligently to restore its services and reassure customers about the security of their data. The company collaborated with cybersecurity experts to investigate the incident and implement additional safeguards. Garmin also offered complimentary identity theft protection services to affected customers to help mitigate the potential risks associated with the breach.

The Garmin GPS watch data breach served as a wake-up call for the wearable technology industry and consumers alike. It emphasised the importance of prioritising cybersecurity in the development and deployment of smartwatches and fitness trackers. By learning from this incident, manufacturers and users can work together to create a safer and more secure environment for wearable technology.

Practical ways to protect your data

Here are some tips for maintaining privacy and security when using wearable devices:

  • Read privacy policies: Before purchasing a wearable device, spend some time and read the privacy policy provided by the manufacturer thoroughly. Understand them and find out – how your data will be collected, stored, and shared. Go for the devices that prioritise user consent and provide clear information about data practices.
  • Update firmware and software: Often, manufacturers release the update that has the security patches. Up to date software will protect your wearable device against known vulnerabilities.
  • Use strong passwords: Setting up strong and unique passwords for your wearable device and associated accounts will prevent unauthorised access.
  • Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) will set up added security. It sets up a second form of verification to access your accounts.
  • Opt-in rather than opt-out: Many devices and their apps set the data sharing setting to opt-out by default. That means your data is automatically shared unless you actively opt-in. This means users should actively choose to share their data, rather than having to actively choose not to share it.
  • Review app permissions: Regularly review and update app permissions. Setting may revert back to its default values after an update is done on the apps. Reviewing app permission regularly will limit the data accessed by wearable apps.
  • Secure bluetooth connections: Often, wearables use Bluetooth connections to transfer data from devices to apps. So, it is advisable to use secure Bluetooth settings and avoid connecting to unknown or untrusted devices to prevent data interception.
  • Disable features when not in use: Always disable features like location tracking, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth whenever they are not required. Disabling them will minimise the risk of unauthorised access.
  • Be mindful of permissions: During the installation process of the wearable app, pay close attention to the permissions that are being asked. Don’t grant unnecessary access to personal information. Also, limit app permissions to the essential functions.
  • Use device security features: Nowadays, many wearable devices are providing security features to permanently erase all personal data. This feature comes in handy when you want to sell your wearable device or wipe all data remotely in case of loss or theft, thus adding an extra layer of protection.

Wearables have become more and more integrated into our society over the past several years. It’s predicted that wearables will only continue to grow in popularity, so with advancements in many areas such as health monitoring and augmented reality, the future of wearable technology is promising exciting possibilities.

Let’s take a look at how wearable technology might impact our lives.

Future trends in wearable technology

Health monitoring: Apart from providing general health information through wearables, many companies are now targeting the creation of wearable devices that will have the capability of monitoring and solving medical conditions.

Future wearables can be embedded underneath the skin and will allow the user to track all types of medical activity, such as blood analysis, drug effects, and a number of other vitals.

For example- There’s currently an artificial pancreas being developed for diabetics that can monitor blood sugar levels and automatically supply insulin.

Augmented reality (AR): AR-enabled wearables for example, smart glasses, will become more common. Those smart glasses will offer immersive experiences for gaming, communication, and productivity. These devices, with a blink of an eye, will overlay digital information onto the physical world and change the way we interact with our surroundings.

Fashion and design: Currently, most wearable devices are bulky and unattractive. Some companies have already made fashionable and appealing wearables yet they are lacking in functionality. However, over time, more fashion-forward and functionally advanced options will become available that will not only track health but also look good.

Biometric authentication: The popularity and reach of the wearable are increasing day by day. There will be no surprise if they serve as the primary means of authentication. Biometric data, such as heart rate variability or unique movement patterns, could be used to unlock devices or access sensitive information.

Disney currently uses a wearable in its parks called the MagicBand that gives customers access to rides, their hotel rooms, and other features.

The future of wearable technology is exciting, and we can expect many new and innovative products in the coming years. With their evolution, they are also presenting significant challenges in terms of privacy and data security. Addressing these challenges will ensure that wearable technology remains a force for good.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wearable technology is promising exciting possibilities for enhancing our lives. In the future, they will continue to evolve and their presence in our daily lives will also increase. Overlooking privacy concerns can affect their future adaptation.

Stricter regulations like the GDPR and CCPA are important. They make sure companies are protecting the privacy of their users and using data transparently. To protect privacy, it is important to design a wearable with privacy in mind, collect the necessary data, and give the user control over their privacy settings.

The education of the users about privacy is equally important. As users of wearables, we should also learn the right way to use data. With this education and strong privacy protections in place, we can enjoy the advantages of wearable technology while keeping our privacy safe.

References

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