• In April 2024, the popular Indian wearable and audio brand boAt confirmed a major data breach. Hackers leaked about 2 GB of customer data—affecting roughly 7.5 million users.

• Leaked information included names, email addresses, phone numbers, physical addresses, and customer IDs. This data was reportedly available on a dark-web forum

• Risks posed: such exposed Personally Identifiable Information (PII) could facilitate phishing scams, identity theft, SIM fraud, and social-engineering attacks. 

Ref.: https://www.forbesindia.com/article/news/hit-with-massive-data-breach-boat-loses-data-of-75-million-customers/92483/1 Forum - Forbes India

• A Times of India report warned that smartwatches and fitness trackers—especially those used for continuous health monitoring—are susceptible to hacking due to poor encryption and cloud security gaps

• Security experts cautioned that Bluetooth enabled devices constantly streaming sensitive health and location data to servers can be compromised, raising risks of stalking and privacy violations

Ref.: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/your-smart-watches-may-be-vulnerable-to-hacking/articleshow/94715732.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com

• According to a report by leading news daily in India The Hindu, common medical wearables (oximeters, glucometers, hearing aids, pacemakers) can be repurposed for spyware or data leaks if not properly secured.

• After ransomware incidents at major hospitals, increasing attention has been drawn to the fact that wearable devices, typically unregulated, may expose private medical data—urging regional policy action.

Ref.: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/digital-wearables-can-expose-users-to-cyberattacks-ieee/article65553085.ece?utm_source=chatgpt.comEE - The Hindu