Dec 04 2006
Nike + iPod = Personal Security Threat
Nike has created a tool to help runners monitor their runs, set goals, and become better runners. To facilitate the gathering of their run information, Nike is placing a monitoring device in running shoes that sends information to the runner’s iPod via an encrypted radio signal. On the surface, this looks to be a very cool device for runners.
Of course, once you broadcast any information, you invite others to snoop-in on your life:
“When you walk or run the Nike + iPod sensor in your shoe will transmit messages using a wireless radio,” said the researchers. “These messages contain a unique identifier that can be detected from 60 feet away. This information is potentially private because it can reveal where you are, even when you’d prefer for a bad person to not know your location.”
The information being sent is encrypted, but the presence of a unique Nike+ transponder tells someone where you are or are not from 60 feet away.
Nefarious uses for tracking people included people stalking on others, thieves casing home where Nike+iPod wearing owners live to discover when they had left home, and other bad sounding scenarios.
Interestingly, the system could be mapped to a GoogleMaps system, so people could be tracked in real time, and doubly interesting is the fact that Nike+iPod wearers don’t even need to be carrying their iPods with them as the Nike+iPod transmitter, which fits into the sole of compatible Nike shoes, is the transmission device.
In an effort to make a cool tool for runners, Nike may have created a great tool for savvy thieves and stalkers.
Other Blogging:
- Nike+iPod users could be tracked: new report
- Can Nike+iPod track you? Yes, it seems…
- Briefly: Apple at RSNA; tracking iPods?
- Nike+iPod Scare Mongering
- Nike, iPod Sports Kit Tracks Users?
