Smart Watches, Fitness Trackers, and Wearable Devices Deemed Cybersecurity Risks
Advisory Calls for Restrictions on Wearable Devices in Sensitive Areas
ISLAMABAD: The National Telecom and Information Technology Security Board has issued an advisory, labeling smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other wearable devices as cybersecurity risks. The Cabinet Division has recommended a ban on the use of such devices in sensitive areas.
According to the security advisory, wearable smart devices could leak confidential information and potentially serve as a source for cyberattacks. These devices are also considered a threat to institutional security.
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The advisory mandates that an audit must be conducted before the use of wearable devices in sensitive locations. It also recommends that the use of these devices in locations involved in sensitive meetings or operations should be prohibited. Additionally, it calls for the GPS and Bluetooth functions of these devices to be disabled in such areas and the implementation of multi-factor authentication systems for approved devices.
