This week’s Smart World Problems features how vulnerabilities in connected devices could lead to hackers holding personal information for ransom.

Your fitness tracker could be leaking your info

According to a study conducted by AV-TEST GmbH, an anti-virus software provider, popular fitness trackers used these days may be leaking users’ personal information without their knowledge, as well as contributing to their online accounts being ripe for the picking.

Sony SmartBand Talk. Image via Sony Mobile

The report included the study of Withings Pulse Oₓ, Sony SmartBand Talk, Polar Loop, LG Lifeband Touch, Jawbone Up24, Huawei TalkBand B1, Garmin Vivosmart, Fitbit Charge and Acer Liquid Leap and determined that many of these trackers are vulnerable due to their Bluetooth connectivity, tracking app and firmware installed.

The study utilized a chart that highlights 11 important key points, considering safety factors including whether or not the fitness tracker restricts data access to the smartphone app; if the fitness band is always visible; and if the app reveals login info. Of the nine devices tested, the Acer Liquid Leap failed in 9 of the 11 key points, making it the easiest fitness tracker to hijack. On the other hand, the Sony SmartBand Talk performed the best and posed the least amount of risks when it comes to data being siphoned by malicious parties.

The AV-TEST revealed that accessing such data could lead to hackers holding personal information for ransom or altering data, such as users’ heart rate.

To learn more about how secured fitness trackers are, you can read the full report here.

Connected cars could literally hold you for ransom

As a result of vulnerabilities present in connected cars, BT Fleet, a wholly owned subsidiary of BT Group, is now developing a solution that addresses these potential security issues.

According to BT Fleet, the pressure to get connected cars to market may result in unsecured vehicles that are vulnerable to hacks. Hackers could take control of headlights, wipers, brakes and even the car’s acceleration. Other extreme scenarios could include drivers being locked inside their vehicles and could only be let out upon payment of a ransom.

Andy Rowland, BT head of customer innovation, also warned vehicle owners that attackers can exploit vulnerabilities presented by plugins that deliver smart functionality to compatible vehicles.

According to Rowland, BT is currently working with a number of vehicle manufacturers in developing a software solution that would prevent hackers from getting inside a vehicles’ computer. He stated that the solution will be viable in “three to six” months.

photo credit: feature image by Alessandro Pinna via photopin cc