Garmin Vivoactive Series
Summary
If you're looking for a gadget that knows more about yourself than you do, this is the one. The list of sensors include GPS, heart rate, compass, accelerometer, thermometer, and a galileo or glonass. Not sure what the last two are. But, they all sound super interesting. Also, this watch handles the music, calendar, texts, and alerts. Whatever you need. This watch is the best multitasker you need and could ever want!
Breach History
Has there ever been a breach or data leak?
Date of last breach
July 2020
A Russian hacking group known as Evil Corp encrypted much of Garmin's user data in a ransomware attack, and demanded $10 million to retrieve it. Many of Garmin's services were down during this time, however, it is not clear if any information was stolen in this attack or if it was merely locked in order to bargain for a ransom.
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?
Garmin seems to manage well with privacy and security and de-identifies the data it collects. However, depending on the kind of data, it is pretty easy to de-anonymize the data sets and track down the user's patterns, specifically location data. So, just be aware you are strapping on a device that tracks your location, heart rate, sleep patterns, and more. A lot of private information in one place!
How Does It Share Your Data?
With your consent, Garmin can use de-identified data for product improvement and analytics. Garmin strips your data of personal information and then combines it with other user data.
Good Things
- Garmin is secure and private, and manages its security vulnerabilities with quick response.
- Garmin has a privacy page that is in simple language.
Bad Things
- A lot of personal information in one place, there is always a possibility even though Garmin is secure. If you are okay with that and willing to risk it, this item should suffice.
Final Thoughts
Garmin was recently the target of a ransomware attack which locked all user information until a ransom was paid. While it does not appear any information was stolen in this attack, it proves that Garmin may not be the most secure company to have copies of yours or your child's personal information. Use this product with extreme caution.