Apple Watch Series 6
Summary
The Apple Watch Series 6 is the latest generation of Apple smartwatches that allow you to track your physical activity, respond to notifications, and more, all without having to pull your phone out of your pocket or bag. The watch can be purchased starting at $399.
Breach History
Has there ever been a breach or data leak?
Date of last breach
August 2019
The Apple Watch specifically has not been breached, but the Apple iPhones that connect to the Apple Watch has been. Google security researchers claimed that Apple iPhones had suffered from massive security breaches. Specifically, hackers allegedly placed monitoring implants in an untold number of devices. This implant was inserted when users visited unspecified hack websites and supposedly had been active for two years. Be wary!
Privacy Checklist
Is any kind of biometric data collected (health, heart, voice, etc.)?
Are you able to delete your data / the data collected about you?
Does it use cookies, telemetry, or third-party tracking scripts?
Is the privacy policy user-friendly (easy to understand)?
Does it have parental controls?
Does it use encryption to protect your data both in-transit and at-rest?
Does it get regular software and / or firmware updates?
Does it require you to create a strong password?
Is there a system in place for managing security vulnerabilities?
Does it have a privacy policy?
How Can It Snoop?
Does it have a camera or request / require access to a camera?
Does it have a microphone or request / require access to a microphone?
Does it track your location or request / require access to location data?
Account Requirements
Does it require an email address to use?
Does it require a phone number to use?
Does it require an address (home or office) to use?
Payment Options
Are you able to use a credit card as a payment option?
Are you able to use a cryptocurrency as a payment option?
Are you able to use PayPal as a payment option?
Are you able to use cash or gift cards as a payment option?
What Could Go Wrong?
Apple does a pretty good job with privacy and security as a company. However, this device does track a lot of biometric data including your heart rate, menstrual cycle, breathing, and your heart's signals. Better hope no one can access that information.
How Does It Share Your Data?
Apple does not share data with third parties for marketing or commercial purposes. Siri voice requests are anonymous and Apple auto-deletes them after six months.
Good Things
- Apple does not share data with third parties for marketing or commercial purposes.
- Siri voice requests are anonymous and Apple auto-deletes them after six months.
Bad Things
- A lot of biometric data in one place so be aware.
- Not many cons besides that.
Final Thoughts
The Apple Watch is a great tool that helps access health and work information very easily. However, be wary as the watch holds a lot of private and personal information. Apple does a great job with security, but take the necessary steps to ensure your personal information is protected.