Apple Watch Banned From U.K. Government Cabinet Meetings Over Hacking Fears

[MacRumors]

Government ministers in the United Kingdom have been banned from wearing the Apple Watch to cabinet meetings over fears the device could be hacked, according to The Telegraph.

Several cabinet ministers reportedly wore the device to meetings while serving under former Prime Minister David Cameron, however new PM Theresa May has apparently banned the smartwatches over fears that they could be used by Russian spies as listening devices. One source told The Telegraph: "The Russians are trying to hack everything."

The Verge notes that the Apple Watch has been banned from Australian cabinet meetings as well. An advisor for the Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull said that more attention needed to be paid to communications security as an increasing number of devices, from glasses to running shoes, offered internet connectivity.

The bans follow serious concerns over the potential reach of clandestine state-sponsored hacker groups, after U.S. officials pointed the finger at Russian hackers following the release of confidential emails from the Democratic National Congress during the U.S. election.

Russian hackers have also been implicated in the release of private medical files of some of the world's most famous athletes. Smartphones have also been barred from the Cabinet because of similar worries that the devices could be used to listen in on meetings.

Article Link: Apple Watch Banned From U.K. Government Cabinet Meetings Over Hacking Fears

 

[iLoveDeveloping]

I'm going to hack your wrist.... Hahaha this sounds mental.

 

[keysofanxiety]

Always best to err on the side of caution, so this isn't anything unusual. The less technology in general that you bring to cabinet meetings, the better.

 

[5105973]

So basically governments are finally starting to follow the same security protocols as corporations. It's about damn time.

 

[Floris]

So basically governments are finally starting to follow the same security protocols as corporations. It's about damn time.

Those top notch quality security protocols and policies that big corps like Sony uses?

 

[peterh988]

Not much point when ministers walk around with their briefings cleary visible.

 

[technopimp]

Step 1: Ban Apple Watches
Step 2: Tinfoil hats
Step 3: Ultimate security!

 

[5105973]

Those top notch quality security protocols and policies that big corps like Sony uses?

I was thinking more of the ones at government contractors that were neighbors to the company I worked for. The security protocols I had to go through just to deliver packages mistakenly delivered to my company was impressive. Those people apparently weren't even allowed to make small talk in the halls. The silence was eerie and it was like we were the only company in the building.

 

[b0nd18t]

This makes complete sense and anyone who disagrees hasn't been paying attention to what's going on with tech today.

 

[yanksfan114]

Siri can barely understand what I tell her I don't know how Russians think that they can steal government secrets through a Watch.

 

[NT1440]

This makes complete sense and anyone who disagrees hasn't been paying attention to what's going on with tech today.

I'm sorry, have you been shown a case of the watch being compromised to be used as a listening device? I haven't, and I watch things like the Defcon conferences and CCC. This seems like one of those gin'ed up stories about how all smartwatches are banned because of the shady **** that goes on with malware on Android, and the Apple Watch taking the headline due to the laziness of tech reporting today.

 

[centauratlas]

So wait, the UK who wants to spy on everyone else, doesn't like it when done to them? Just making sure I got it. “Operation Karma Police"

Irony.

 

[offshoreyachty]

I'm sorry, have you been shown a case of the watch being compromised to be used as a listening device? I haven't, and I watch things like the Defcon conferences and CCC. This seems like one of those gin'ed up stories about how all smartwatches are banned because of the shady **** that goes on with malware on Android, and the Apple Watch taking the headline due to the laziness of tech reporting today.

Why would you wait until it had been proven? All devices belong in a box outside the room. Aids concentration too.

 

[iCloudStrife]

Can’t the Communists just hide a microphone in a hollowed out regular watch?

 

[offshoreyachty]

Can’t the Communists just hide a microphone in a hollowed out regular watch?

Whats wrong with microwaves off windows these days?

 

[NT1440]

Why would you wait until it had been proven? All devices belong in a box outside the room. Aids concentration too.

Hey I have no problem with the policy, it's smart.

My problem is the sorry state of reporting (in this case technology reporting) that takes a sensational stance one what was likely just a blanket ban on smartwatches....but singled out the Apple Watch for the clicks (and because I doubt anyone at that level is actually wearing and Android watch to begin with).

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Hypocrisy

 

[ukpetey]

I am unlikely to be invited to a cabinet meeting anytime soon, so I think my Apple Watch and I can stay together

 

[joueboy]

I saw a video with Windows installed on it. Linux would probably make sense.

 

[Fall Under Cerulean Kites]

Are mobile phones baned as well?

 

[Sandybox]

I'm stunned any of them know how to tell the time. Guarantee they all have the Mickey Mouse face for the watch......a suitable metaphor for the UK and its politicians today.

Of course, the US wouldn't dream of spying on their "allies", would they?

 

[thisisnotmyname]

Missing some context here. Are *all* smart watches banned or specifically the Apple Watch? Had mobile phone already been banned prior?

 

[TAZ911]

Are mobile phones baned as well?

Don't know about the U.K., but when you walk into a scif all personal electronic devices are supposed to be left outside. Unless there is a need for it inside it don't go in. It's called being smart.

One of the few things we all need to wrap our heads around is that journalism is nothing more than whoring these days. Forget accuracy, facts and all that jazz. Come up with something that sells. You can always post an apology on page 47 a few weeks later. If you go into reading news with that mentality it will save you a lot of aggregation. Find the facts and ignore the idiotic sensationalist BS.

Fact is that the watch is a networked device with some onboard memory and a microphone. It's not hard to imagine a way that it can be corrupted to record and then upload as soon as it has a network connection. When you're potentially dealing with peoples lives and national security you generally don't wait till you are penetrated to close the door. Sort of like buying insurance after the fire or putting on a condom after sex. Both are retarded.

 

[pentrix2]

I'm sorry, have you been shown a case of the watch being compromised to be used as a listening device? I haven't, and I watch things like the Defcon conferences and CCC. This seems like one of those gin'ed up stories about how all smartwatches are banned because of the shady **** that goes on with malware on Android, and the Apple Watch taking the headline due to the laziness of tech reporting today.

I'm glad you are not in charge of our US National Security, or have a TS clearance with lifestyle. Have you tried working in a TS with this watch on? When a person thinks they know everything about security, they really just scratched the surface, lol.

 

[OllyW]

Are mobile phones baned as well?

Had mobile phone already been banned prior?

It's stated clearly in the first post...

Smartphones have also been barred from the Cabinet because of similar worries that the devices could be used to listen in on meetings.