The National Telecom and Information Technology Security Board has issued a strict warning highlighting the cybersecurity risks associated with smart devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other wearable technology.
The advisory recommends an outright 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 unintentionally become sources of confidential data leakage and may facilitate unauthorized surveillance, posing severe threats to national security. These devices, commonly used for health monitoring and communication, have previously been linked to incidents of data breaches and cyberattacks, raising serious concerns among cybersecurity experts.
The advisory stresses 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 endorsed this recommendation, advocating for a complete ban in locations where sensitive information is handled, critical meetings take place, and security operations are conducted.
In addition to recommending a ban, the cybersecurity advisory calls for mandatory security audits before allowing any smart device in sensitive areas. It emphasizes that only devices that pass rigorous security checks and authentication mechanisms should be permitted.
The advisory references multiple past incidents where smart devices were implicated in data breaches and cyberattacks.
