Kaspersky's research says wearables are still vulnerable

BANGALORE, INDIA: Fitness trackers of all kinds have become extremely popular, helping people to manage their physical activity and calorie intake and stay in shape.

However, such devices also process important personal data about their owners and it is important to keep it secure. Kaspersky Lab researcher Roman Unuchek has examined how a number of fitness wristbands interact with a smartphone and discovered some surprising results.

According to his research findings, the authentication method implemented in several popular smart wristbands allows a third-party to connect invisibly to the device, execute commands, and – in some cases – extract data held on the device.

In the devices investigated by the Kaspersky Lab researcher, such data was limited to the amount of steps taken by the owner during the previous hour. However, in the future, when next-generation fitness bands capable of collecting a greater volume of more varied data appear on the market, the risk of sensitive medical data about the owner leaking out could raise significantly.

According to the research, an Android-based device running Android 4.3 or higher, with a special unauthorized app installed can pair with wristbands from certain vendors. To establish a connection users need to confirm the pairing by pressing a button on their wristband.

Attackers can easily overcome this, because most modern fitness wristbands have no screen. When the wristband vibrates asking its owner to confirm the pairing the victim has no way of knowing whether they are confirming a connection with their own device or someone else’s.

"The second generation of such devices is almost here, and they will be able to gather much more information about users. It is important to think about the security of these devices now, and ensure that there is proper protection for how the tracker interacts with the smartphone,” said Roman Unuchek, senior malware analyst at Kaspersky Lab.

Kaspersky Lab experts advise users of smart wristbands who are concerned about the security of their device to check with the wristband’s vendors whether such a potential attack vector would be possible on their product.