🚨GPS Watches Spied on WIRED Reporter During Walk
Your smartwatch could be spying on you right now
TL;DR
Researchers found that a $30 GPS watch tracked a WIRED reporter's location, took photos, and picked up audio. Over 70 devices from three major supply chains had security flaws, leaving users vulnerable to hacking.
A WIRED reporter wearing a cheap GPS-enabled smartwatch was spied on during their morning walk. The device transmitted Wi-Fi network identifiers, allowing researchers to pinpoint the reporter's location and hijack features like photo and audio capture. Over 70 devices from three major supply chains—YiQingTeng (SETracker), NewGPS2012, and SinoTrack—were found to have significant security flaws, leaving millions of users vulnerable to hacking. These platforms are used by over 30 brands each, making it nearly impossible for consumers to identify insecure gadgets.
Key Points
Over 70 GPS-enabled watches and car accessories were analyzed for vulnerabilities by researchers before Black Hat conference
YiQingTeng's SETracker platform is used by over 30 brands of tracking devices for kids and cars
Another 30-plus brands use NewGPS2012, a Shenzhen-based platform with significant security flaws
SinoTrack was warned about vulnerabilities months before the Black Hat conference but did not respond to requests for comment
Authentication flaw in one platform would allow anyone to send commands to any device on that platform
Why It Matters
If you own a GPS-enabled watch or tracker, your location and personal data could be at risk. Researchers found significant security flaws in major supply chains used by over 30 brands each. This means millions of devices are vulnerable to hacking, potentially exposing users' locations and personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this matter?
If you own a GPS-enabled watch or tracker, your location and personal data could be at risk. Researchers found significant security flaws in major supply chains used by over 30 brands each. This means millions of devices are vulnerable to hacking, potentially exposing users' locations and personal information.
What happened?
Researchers found that a $30 GPS watch tracked a WIRED reporter's location, took photos, and picked up audio. Over 70 devices from three major supply chains had security flaws, leaving users vulnerable to hacking.
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