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What challenges are faced by manufacturers of smart wearables in terms of security and privacy?

Shania Swanston

Manufacturers of smart wearables are facing numerous challenges in terms of security and privacy. As these devices have become a part of our everyday lives, they are storing and transmitting sensitive personal information, such as health and location data. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the manufacturers to ensure that these devices are secure from external threats and protected from privacy breaches.

One of the main challenges manufacturers face is keeping firmware and software up-to-date with the latest security patches. As technology advances, new vulnerabilities and threats are discovered, which require the devices to be patched and updated frequently. Failure to update the devices leaves them vulnerable to attacks which can lead to data breaches and loss of user privacy.

Another challenge is securing data transmission between the wearable and the server. Wearables are constantly collecting and transmitting data, which needs to be encrypted and securely transmitted to the server to prevent unauthorized access. Most wearables use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to communicate with smartphones, and these channels can be easily intercepted by hackers. Manufacturers must adopt strict measures to secure data transmission, such as the use of SSL/TLS encryption or implement authentication mechanisms to verify the authenticity of the sender and receiver of data.

Storing user data is another aspect that needs to be taken seriously by manufacturers. Wearables are collecting different personal and sensitive information such as health data, location, and biometric data. This data is valuable and can be used for malicious purposes, which means that manufacturers must take measures to secure how this data is stored, encrypted, and retrieved. They should also adopt procedures such as data anonymization and data masking to ensure that user data remains confidential.

The use of third-party applications on wearables is also a significant risk. Users tend to install third-party applications on their wearables to enhance their functionality or improve user experience. Unfortunately, some of these applications may not be secure or compliant with the manufacturer's security policies. Therefore, manufacturers should enforce strict controls over what third-party applications are allowed on their devices. They should ensure that these apps are reviewed, tested, and comply with their security standards and policies.

Finally, manufacturers must take steps to ensure user privacy is protected. They must implement effective privacy policies, data management and retention policies which inform users of how their data is collected, used, and stored. They must also comply with data protection regulations, such as GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA, which specify how user data should be collected, handled and processed.

In conclusion, manufacturers of smart wearables must implement robust security and privacy measures to ensure their devices are secure and protect user privacy. By keeping firmware and software up-to-date, securing data transmission, safeguarding stored data, controlling third-party applications, and respecting user privacy, manufacturers can assure customers of the reliability and safety of their wearables, making them more desirable to consumers who value their privacy.