Wearables and Cybersecurity: Navigating the Threat Landscape

The development of wearable devices, like smartwatches and fitness trackers, transformed how people interact with technology and adopt it across various domains. However, individuals must not overlook the threat they encounter using these devices. As modern civilisation is increasingly predicated on electronic technology, securing these devices from cyber-attacks is a complex problem. The rising popularity of wearable devices has raised serious concerns about their cybersecurity vulnerabilities and attack vectors, mainly due to the sensitive personal information they collect and store. With this perspective, this research study reviews the architecture of IoT systems, the types and characteristics of wearable devices and their connection to the IoT systems. It analyses cybersecurity risks such as unauthorised access to data, device tampering, and malicious software or firmware. The study discusses the various attack vectors targeted at these vulnerabilities regarding Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and physical attacks. Thus, the challenge in wearable device cybersecurity lies in safeguarding personal data stored within these devices against unauthorised access and tampering. It concludes that the security flaws of wearable devices need to be minimised by improving the present software and designs. This paper emphasises the need for consistent research and analysis to ensure wearable devices are not vulnerable to emerging cyber security risks. It further brings out the need for concerted action amongst all the stakeholders.