WASHINGTON - Security weaknesses on many popular fitness trackers may allow hackers to access or potentially manipulate user data, a study showed Monday. According to research firm IDC, the number of fitness trackers sold worldwide topped 75 million in 2015 and in 2016 the number is expected to exceed 100 million. The seven Android devices showed varying levels of security, with some allowing hackers the ability to access or tamper with user data. The researchers noted that security should be taken more seriously as fitness trackers move beyond the casual athlete, and health insurers use such devices to set rates or offer discounts. A study of seven Android-powered fitness trackers by the security firm AV-Test showed vulnerabilities with many devices lacking secure connections or tamper protectionThe study of seven Android-powered trackers by the security firm AV-Test showed vulnerabilities similar to that found in its research from a year earlier -- with many devices lacking secure connections or tamper protection.

Source: Bangkok Post July 18, 2016 16:52 UTC