In the age of digitalization, fitness is becoming smart: Intelligent sports equipment and wearables are no longer just a trend, but an integral part of many training routines. They motivate you to exercise, offer individual training plans and record progress - a blessing for every fitness enthusiast. But as devices become increasingly connected, new risks arise. The TÜV association is sounding the alarm: the cybersecurity of these devices should not be taken lightly.

Digital helpers for sports: More than just a trend

Smart home meets fitness studio: Modern sports devices such as intelligent body scales and fitness trackers not only record weight and body fat percentage, but also provide data on muscle mass, bone weight and pulse. But this diversity of data is also an invitation for cybercriminals. A representative Forsa survey commissioned by the TÜV association shows that 11 percent of German households already have an intelligent body scale, which brings awareness of data security to the fore.

Risks and protective measures: This is what the TÜV association says

Marc Fliehe, head of department at the TÜV Association, advises to be particularly careful when dealing with smart fitness equipment. It is important to pay attention to safety aspects before purchasing. Users should find out about the sensors used and the storage locations of their data. The TÜV Association recommends paying attention to test certificates such as the TÜV Cybersecurity Certified seal.

  1. Check access rights and interfaces
    It is important to regularly check the access rights and interfaces of smart devices and only assign necessary authorizations. This minimizes the risk of unwanted data collection.
  2. Use strong passwords and encryption
    A strong password and secure encryption are the be-all and end-all. Users should change preset passwords and pay attention to current encryption standards such as WPA3 for WLAN routers.
  3. Critical handling of health data
    Even if smart devices can be helpful, you should not rely solely on their measured values. For a thorough health analysis, going to the doctor is essential.

FAQ: What you need to know about smart fitness devices

  1. Are smart fitness devices safe?
    You can be safe if users follow the recommended security measures.
  2. What should you pay attention to before buying?
    Pay attention to security features and test certificates such as the CSC.
  3. How often should security settings be checked?
    Regularly, especially after software updates.
  4. How accurate is the health data from smart devices?
    They serve as a guide, but do not replace a visit to the doctor.
  5. What to do if you have concerns about data security?
    Get comprehensive information and choose products from trustworthy manufacturers.

Conclusion: A balancing act between technology and security

Smart fitness devices offer many advantages, but the security of personal data should not be neglected. Informed and responsible use of these devices is crucial to reap the full benefits without compromising privacy.

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Source: presseportal.de

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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )