Wearable computing could be anything from your fitness tracker, Google Glass or any form of computing device that you wear on your wrist, your head, or even clip onto your clothes.  Wearable computing devices make it easy for users to go about their daily tasks without worrying that the device is going to get in their way.

But the size and constant connectivity of these devices raises concerns regarding security and privacy.  Are users safe from prying eyes?

4 Security challenges of Wearable Computing

A recent paper on the state of security of wearable computing raises four challenges:

Protecting sensitive information

Wearable computing devices are less likely to be misplaced or lost since it is attached to a person either in his or her clothes, wrist or head.  But as tiny as some of these devices are, if taken or knocked off, they can easily get lost.  With sensitive information inside, do these devices support the right encryption methods to prevent intruders from accessing sensitive files?

One way some connected device makers have addressed this concern is by limiting the amount and type of data stored on the device itself.  Many require a companion app, accessible on a mobile device.  But is the connection between the two secured as well?  In this case, both the device and the app should be secure, as well as the connection between to two so that data can’t be intercepted and taken during transmission.

Authentication

Most of the interactivity for a wearable device actually takes place on the companion app.  If you want to add another security layer, you do so on the app.  The thing is, what would happen if you lost your smartphone or tablet?  What will happen to your data?  Or what if you lost your wearable computing device?  Would there be a way to block it so no one else can use it?  If there a way for wearable devices to authenticate the user?

Unsecure networks and hostile environments

Wearable devices rely on either Bluetooth or WiFi connection to transfer data to companion apps since, it doesn’t have a SIM slot to hold its own data.  When using a device outside of a controlled wireless network, it requires higher communications security regarding encryption, information integrity and maybe also non-repudiation.  Since wearable computers are quite small, it is doubtful that they are equipped with higher security measures rendering data sent and received vulnerable.

Body area network security

Sensitive information is stored on the wearable device and this renders it at risk, privacy and safety issues might arise if the wearer is identified and the electronic identity stolen could easily be used.

Though Apple CEO Tim Cook is doubtful that wearable computing would really take off as a trend, we can’t deny the fact that it already exists and people would use them whether they are cool or not, as long as they serve their purpose.  The question now is, what will the companies do to make these devices more secure for the wearers?