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Nike+iPod Sport Kit could be used as surveillance device
The Nike+iPod Sport Kit could be used as an illegal surveillance device, according to a report from four University of Washington researchers. Their report claims that security flaws in the new RFID-powered device “make it easy for tech-savvy stalkers, thieves and corporations” to track your movements. “With just a few hundred dollars and a little know-how, someone could even plot your running routes on a Google map without your knowledge,” reports Wired News. The researchers said that because the Nike sensor contains its own on-board power source and will reveal its unique ID to any Nike+ iPod receiver, a quick hardware hack “any high school student could do in the garage” and a tiny, $79 Linux-based computer can be used to track runners.
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1
mmmmm. let’s see. I need a $79 Linux-based computer, a few hundred dollars, and a little know how provided by four University of Washington researchers. wow they sure make it easy for EVERYONE…......shame on Nike and Apple.
Posted by gbendana on November 30, 2006 at 10:18 AM (PDT)
2
I know an even cheaper, easier way runners movements can be tracked - eyes.
Posted by mwilgar on November 30, 2006 at 10:21 AM (PDT)
3
HEY mwilgar! Your eyes are infringing on my civil liberties!
Posted by Gordy. in Atlanta, GA on November 30, 2006 at 10:36 AM (PDT)
4
On a side note, Steve Jobs smokes cigars.
=D
Posted by fxspec06 on November 30, 2006 at 10:40 AM (PDT)
5
No wonder G.W loves iPod’s.
Posted by Schimtty on November 30, 2006 at 11:21 AM (PDT)
6
Any criminal clever enough to go through all the steps to rob people’s houses using this technology would be too clever to be a criminal… They would do better just to get a high-paying real job with their skills!
As for stalkers and perverts, yes, those are the types that have the motivation, time and money to do this.
Posted by will_bc on November 30, 2006 at 1:17 PM (PDT)
7
I think the research and the report are valuable, but the risk is overstated. I applaud the researchers for pushing companies to think about issues like these while designing their products. The researchers suggest tying specific sensors to specific readers with an encrypted signal, and that sounds like a good idea to me.
As a member of the Nike+ forums, I can tell you first hand how wildly popular this device is among the iPod/running community. The risk they describe in the article is unlikely to dampen any of the enthusiasm for the Nike+iPod.
Posted by BJ Nemeth on November 30, 2006 at 1:52 PM (PDT)
8
Ah, RFID…what Big Brother always dreamed about and salivated over.
Posted by flatline response on November 30, 2006 at 2:54 PM (PDT)
9
Is this the researches actual job or or they just getting really board.
Posted by 3rdEye on December 1, 2006 at 8:33 AM (PDT)
10
Don’t you have to be within range of the individual sensor to be able to track it? That $79 Linux computer had better be extremely portable so someone could follow the runner on a bike or car….better yet, ditch the $79 computer and (as mwilgar said) use your eyes.
Posted by Dave on December 1, 2006 at 9:19 AM (PDT)
11
LOL. Thanks Nike and Apple for making this so easy for us (the self called tech-savvy stalkers). This is one step closer to my evil plan…..Today the iPod/running community….Tomorrow the WORLD. HA, HA, HA, HA, HA…. Tried to stop me now Austin Powers.
Posted by DR EVIL on December 1, 2006 at 12:56 PM (PDT)
12
CNN picked this up with headline…iPod Flawys help stalkers track your every move…talk about crazed scare tactics. Lets see, with a “small” network of receivers I can track that Ipod + Nike sports kit anywhere. I think planting and maintaining that network or recievers and infrastructure might be a small drawback to that plan? Whats the range of a Nike Xmiter? 60 ft. or so? (I read that somewhere). So alittle No news story being blown outta proporation by the mainstream media to make alittle ad money…NICE!
Posted by Chris on December 1, 2006 at 1:52 PM (PDT)
13
Next thing you know they’ll be putting tracking devices in cell phones or even watches. Oh, wait a minute . . .
Posted by runningman on December 2, 2006 at 4:19 AM (PDT)
14
on the plus side, you could use this to organize a large scale race/marathon. besides, the average user is not in fear of being tracked, so what does it matter.
Posted by aj on December 2, 2006 at 10:09 AM (PDT)