With modernisation, people have become more dependent on technology for their lifestyles. For example, to keep track of their health and fitness, people use smartwatches for their daily routine. Smartwatches help us keep track of our health and fitness by recording things like where we are, our heart rate, our body temperature, etc. However, with this convenience, a question arises about the security of the data they save. Is the data recorded by them secure?
Although the latest smartwatch brands have some protections in place, various problems are still there that may affect your smartwatch. The convenience provided by these brands is also making it easy for hackers to hack the device. Then what should one do to secure health & fitness data on their smartwatch? So let’s find out.
6 Steps to Secure Health & fitness data on your smartwatch
Here are some steps that will help you secure health & fitness data on your smartwatch:
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Read the Privacy Policy
One must read the privacy policy of the company to understand how collected data may be utilised or shared. In case of any confusion, contact the company to know more. Apart from this, one should always check the updates to the privacy policy linked to your smartwatch. Being proactive in staying up-to-date with privacy policies ensures transparency regarding data usage and safeguards against potential misuse. You can make this easier by enabling automatic updates, if available, to be online and know what you have connected.
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Protecting Privacy
It is necessary to connect the devices only while using them, as online applications have the potential to transmit notifications through your device, often containing sensitive information.
The easiest way for someone else to get into your smartphone is through bogus apps. Online apps may collect other data that is unnecessary to operate or provide a service to you. To avoid risks associated with unauthorized data collection, you should turn off unnecessary permissions like access to your contact list, storage, location, camera, etc.
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Limit the Personal Information You Share
It is important to determine whether your information is being shared on social media platforms, as the information shared can pose a risk to your safety. For example, if your location is disclosed on any social media platform, it would be easy for criminals to track your whereabouts. The proactive approach helps maintain a higher level of privacy and security in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape. Additionally, allow the access of information to your trusted friends only.
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Use of Secure Password
Set a secure password for our smartwatch so that your data is not accessed by an unknown when your device is lost or stolen. Avoid any guessable combination and opt for a unique and complex password. Reset default passwords or change passwords on compromised accounts. Regularly updating your password adds an extra layer of protection to your device. Also, avoid connecting to public Wi-fi to enter sensitive data into your smartwatch, as these environments are prone to safety risks. Try to use secure and private networks.
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Purchase Devices with Security Control
Before purchasing the smartwatch, it is important to make sure that it has some key features to keep your information safe. Such as, you should check whether the device has automatic software updates, the ability to set a secure password, and the aptitude to freeze accounts after multiple failed password attempts. By confirming these features before your purchase, you can enhance the security of your data stored in the smartwatch, promoting peace of mind in an increasingly digital world.
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Wipe Personal Information From Old Devices
It is crucial to permanently erase the data if the device is no longer used. For this, you need to reset the device to factory settings along with some additional steps. By doing this, you will be able to protect your privacy and restrict unauthorized access to sensitive information. So, double-check the availability of these features that will ensure your data’s security throughout the life cycle of the device.
Conclusion
The steps provided above aim to assist you in securing your health and fitness data stored on your smartwatch. By following these guidelines, you can effectively safeguard your personal information, preserving the privacy and integrity of your digital identity. With a proactive approach to security, you can enjoy the benefits of technology while minimizing the associated risks, ensuring a safer and more secure online experience.
