Smartwatches and other wearable gadgets are designed to make life easier by tracking everything from heart rate to sleep cycles. However, a new study by researchers at CISPA highlights the growing dangers linked to these devices if they fall into the wrong hands.

The research, conducted by doctoral researcher Daniel Gerhardt, examines the privacy and security challenges associated with on-body interaction technologies such as smartwatches, smart glasses, and connected clothing. The findings suggest that the risks extend far beyond simple data leaks.

Unlike smartphones or laptops, wearable devices remain in direct contact with the human body and continuously collect sensitive personal information. This close integration raises concerns about both digital and physical safety.

One of the most concerning revelations from the study involves the possibility of physical harm through hacked wearables. For instance, a smart jacket equipped with heating technology could potentially be manipulated to cause burns. Researchers also pointed out the possibility of cybercriminals using wearable devices for extortion. One expert involved in the study referred to this threat as “ransomware for the body.”

The report further highlights psychological risks tied to immersive wearable systems. Manipulative technologies could allegedly be used to create stress or pressure users into uncomfortable situations. Additionally, wearable devices may collect information about nearby individuals without their consent, creating privacy concerns not only for users but also for bystanders.

To address these issues, Gerhardt proposed eight design recommendations aimed at improving wearable safety. The guidelines encourage developers and technology companies to reduce unnecessary data collection, improve transparency, and strengthen both hardware and software security measures.

The study was presented at the ACM CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, a globally recognised event focused on advancements in human-computer interaction research.

As wearable technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into daily life, researchers stress that improving safety and security standards now could help prevent major risks in the future.