Wearable Botnets: Can smart health devices be used in Cyberattacks?

While wearables are designed to improve health, they can also be abused as digital weapons. In recent years, attackers have increasingly begun integrating wearables into botnets. These are networks of compromised devices used to carry out distributed attacks. Unlike conventional devices, wearables are often poorly secured and go unnoticed—making them ideal targets. This article explains how wearable botnets form and how to defend against them.

1. What Is a Botnet and How Do Wearables Fit In?

A botnet is a network of hijacked devices controlled by a central command system. Originally composed of computers, today botnets also include smartphones, routers, and increasingly: wearables.

Why wearables?

• They’re always online and rarely updated.
• Their firmware is often poorly protected.
• They usually go unnoticed in network traffic.
• They have access to sensitive personal data.

Even if wearables don’t have great computing power, thousands of them can generate massive traffic or serve as attack proxies.

2. How Are Wearables Hijacked?

There are several ways attackers can take control of wearables:

a) Exploiting Firmware Vulnerabilities

Insecure or outdated firmware can allow attackers to inject malicious code. Once compromised, the device listens for commands from the botnet controller.

b) Infected Companion Apps

Some apps associated with wearables act as vectors for malware. Through manipulated apps, attackers can gain access to the connected device and the wearable.

c) Attacks via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi

If a wearable connects via unsecured Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, it can be attacked and manipulated remotely.

d) Backdoors and Factory Weaknesses

Some wearables come with hidden debug interfaces or weak default passwords, which attackers can exploit without much effort.

3. What Are Wearable Botnets Used For?

Compromised wearables can be abused in many ways:

• DDoS attacks: Thousands of wearables generate traffic to overload a target server.
• Proxy nodes: The attacker uses the wearable as a relay to disguise their true identity.
• Spam and phishing: Devices send spam messages via linked accounts.
• Data exfiltration: Personal health data is collected and sold.
• Surveillance and espionage: Microphones and sensors can be remotely activated.

4. How Can Users Protect Themselves?

• Install firmware updates regularly
• Avoid insecure connections such as open Wi-Fi or public Bluetooth access
• Use only trusted apps and official stores
• Monitor device activity for unusual behavior or battery drain
• Disconnect unused connections such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS when not needed

5. What Should Manufacturers Do?

• Secure update mechanisms: Prevent manipulated firmware from being installed
• Strong access control: Block unauthorized remote access
• No hardcoded passwords: Force secure credential management
• Early vulnerability testing: Regular penetration testing during development
• Device integrity checks: Provide APIs that detect unusual behavior

Conclusion: Prevention Is the Key to Security

Wearable botnets are an emerging threat as smart health devices become increasingly connected. Both manufacturers and users must be aware of the risks and take proactive security measures to prevent compromise. Only through regular updates, encrypted communication, and conscious use can cyberattacks involving wearables be effectively prevented.