The National Telecom and Information Technology Security Board has issued a stern advisory highlighting the cybersecurity risks posed by smart devices, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other wearable technology.
The advisory recommends a strict ban on the use of such devices in sensitive locations to prevent potential data leaks and unauthorized tracking.
According to the advisory, smart devices can inadvertently become sources of confidential data leakage and may facilitate unauthorized tracking, posing serious threats to national security. These devices, commonly used for health monitoring and communication, have been linked to incidents of data breaches and cyberattacks in the past, prompting heightened concerns from cybersecurity experts.
The advisory emphasizes that the use of smart devices should be strictly prohibited in sensitive meeting rooms, operational areas, and other high-security zones. The Cabinet Division has also backed this recommendation, advocating for a complete ban in locations where sensitive information is handled, sensitive meetings and places of security operations.
In addition to recommending a ban, the cybersecurity advisory calls for mandatory security audits before any smart device is allowed in sensitive areas. It stresses that only devices that pass stringent security checks and authentication mechanisms should be permitted.
The advisory references several past incidents where smart devices were implicated in data breaches and cyberattacks.
