Wearables are not just a danger to privacy. Studies indicate that their hacking poses a threat described as "ransomware for the body."

Wearables are not just a danger to privacy. Studies indicate that their hacking poses a threat described as "ransomware for the body."

      Forget about stolen passwords. Researchers warn that your wearable devices may be used against you.

      Your smartwatch monitors your heart rate, sleep patterns, and various other health metrics. But what if someone unauthorized gains access to this information? Researchers at CISPA have some troubling insights.

      Daniel Gerhardt, a doctoral researcher, recently published a paper examining the privacy and security vulnerabilities associated with on-body interaction technologies, including wearables, smart glasses, and smart clothing. His conclusions are concerning.

      Could your smart devices endanger you?

      The study highlights that the privacy and security issues related to wearable technology should not be underestimated. A wearable device is in close proximity to your body and has access to more data than your smartphone or computer, which raises the potential for harm beyond mere password breaches.

      One of the most concerning discoveries is the physical threat. For instance, a smart jacket with heating components could potentially be hacked to inflict burns. There’s also the possibility of devices being used for extortion. One expert in the study referred to this risk as “ransomware for the body,” which is a phrase that should give anyone pause.

      Psychological hazards are also a concern. Systems that are immersive or manipulative could inflict stress or force users into undesirable situations. Additionally, it's not just the wearers who are at risk; these devices can gather data from bystanders without their consent.

      Is there a solution?

      Gerhardt also proposed eight design principles aimed at assisting researchers, designers, and companies in creating safer wearables from the outset. These guidelines include reducing data collection, enhancing user transparency, and strengthening security measures in both hardware and software.

      The research was shared at the ACM CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, a prominent event in the field of human-computer interaction research.

      As wearable technology continues to evolve, ensuring safety now, before these devices become essential, appears to be a wise approach.

      Rachit is an experienced tech journalist with over seven years of experience covering the consumer technology sector.

      Whoop’s answer to Fitbit Air and Google Health is real doctors, not merely an AI chatbot.

      In the competition for health data ownership, Google opted for AI, while Whoop chose to rely on real physicians. This pivotal choice may influence which fitness tracker serious health consumers prefer in 2026 and beyond.

      Recently, Google introduced the Fitbit Air as a direct competitor to the Whoop screenless fitness band, rebranded the Fitbit app as Google Health, and launched an AI coach powered by Gemini. Just one day later, Whoop countered with on-demand video consultations with licensed healthcare professionals for US users.

      The differences are striking. While Google is investing in AI as a general health advisor, Whoop is emphasizing licensed doctors, arguing that they can better serve fitness-oriented users (via CNBC).

      Read more

      This over-engineered smartwatch boasts two cameras and can transform into an action camera.

      Huawei’s new smartwatch for children resembles a compact action camera in disguise.

      Huawei’s latest offering, the Watch Kids X1 Pro, is a wearable designed specifically for kids, featuring a detachable design, dual cameras, location tracking, video calling, parental controls, and various camera features that make it feel more like a small action cam attached to a wrist.

      How this smartwatch aims to function as a camera.

      Apple’s upcoming AirPods may give Siri vision, and they are already in testing.

      Camera-equipped AirPods could be the key to rejuvenating Siri’s reputation.

      Artificial intelligence is still an interaction that most people must actively engage in. You open an app, enter a command, take a picture, or ask a question. However, Apple’s next major upgrade for AirPods could change that. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company is in the final stages of development on camera-enabled earbuds that could integrate visual AI into a device many people use every day.

      How near are these AI AirPods to being released?

      Read more.

Wearables are not just a danger to privacy. Studies indicate that their hacking poses a threat described as "ransomware for the body." Wearables are not just a danger to privacy. Studies indicate that their hacking poses a threat described as "ransomware for the body." Wearables are not just a danger to privacy. Studies indicate that their hacking poses a threat described as "ransomware for the body." Wearables are not just a danger to privacy. Studies indicate that their hacking poses a threat described as "ransomware for the body." Wearables are not just a danger to privacy. Studies indicate that their hacking poses a threat described as "ransomware for the body." Wearables are not just a danger to privacy. Studies indicate that their hacking poses a threat described as "ransomware for the body."

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Wearables are not just a danger to privacy. Studies indicate that their hacking poses a threat described as "ransomware for the body."

Wearables are capable of more than just monitoring your steps. Recent studies caution that hackers might take advantage of them to cause physical harm, influence your emotions, or even extort you completely.