by Charles Patterson, Surveillance Countermeasures and Information Security Specialist
Two new tech items in are in the news and expected to hit the market soon. As we watch such new products emerge we should be reminded of the need to be aware of surveillance threats that appear alongside new technical advancements and modern conveniences.
First of note, Samsung has introduced their new Android powered, smartwatch, Galaxy Gear. Along with many other features the watch includes the ability to record both video and audio, making it a convenient surveillance device.
Samsung Galaxy Gear smart watch
Sony has also unveiled a somewhat unique product with the QX10 and QX100, two “lens style” cameras offering high quality optics in a small packages that interface with smart phones or tablets for control and viewing. The devices are small, with all of the camera electronics is inside the lens housing. This new style camera communicates with the tablet or phone via WIFI or NFC signals, meaning that the user/controller does not necessarily need to be in the same room as the lens.
Sony QX10
- The QX10 lens-camera can operate remotely from a phone or other controlling device.
Certainly the Galaxy Gear is not the first watch to offer such features, camera and video watches have been available for ages, and wireless cameras are also nothing new. What is important to note, though, is how such technology is quickly attracting attention and reaching popular acceptance. The new devices may not be wide spread sellers, at first just being purchased by a few tech savvy early adopters who want to try the latest technology. But as manufacturers learn what appeals to their customers we should expect to see new and more advanced devices appearing regularly in the market, as well as in the hands, pockets, or wrists of the general public.
The security concern is that there are an ever increasing number of devices that may at first appear commonplace, yet can be used for covert surveillance, eavesdropping, or other forms of information theft. They may be carried by employees, contractors, or visitors to your facilities. Whenever new technology is developed, even though it is for quite acceptable uses, there will surely be people coming up with more sinister uses of that technology.
As upset as many people appear to be at the dangers of government surveillance, the attraction of being able to “spy” on others in the workplace or on the street is still appealing to the average person. The Swedish music duo, Icona Pop, debuted the Galaxy Gear during a performance in New York City. Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo’s comments include “We feel like James Bond” and “It’s fun too because you can take pictures and videos. It’s a great spy cam.”
Extra attention and vigilance is needed when confidential information is at risk. Keeping cell phones out of confidential meetings is already difficult to enforce, asking participants to remove their watches as well could prove more challenging.
-Charles Patterson
Lancaster Ladies Watch Camera, 1886
Steinech ABC wrist watch cam, ca. 1940
Read more about the history of spy cam watches [here] at watchismo.blogspot.com
Engadget reviews the [Samsung Galaxy Gear] and the [Sony QX10 and QX100].