Nike+ iPod Used For Surveillance

Thib writes "Researchers at the University of Washington have published a report detailing many easy and cheap ways the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit previously discussed on Slashdot can be used to track individuals, even when they are not carrying their iPod. They have even implemented a Google Maps application to display surveillance data in real time." From the article: "'Our research also shows that there exist simple cryptographic techniques that the Nike+iPod Sport Kit designers could have used to improve the privacy-preserving properties of the Nike+iPod kit,' the group reports. 'Our work underscores the need for a broad public discussion about and further research on the privacy-preserving properties of new wireless personal gadgets,' the group reports. 'We stress, however, that there is no evidence that Apple or Nike intended for these devices to be used in any malicious manner. Additionally, neither Apple nor Nike endorsed this study.'"

Comments

UW news release, inline video, and PDF of research

[kendor]

The University of Washington's news and information office put together a release that includes an embedded video and a PDF of the research paper: http://uwnews.washington.edu/ni/article.asp?articl eID=28494

The inline video, made by the researchers, is well-crafted and rather entertaining.

Disclosure: I work on behalf of the UW and the technical side of its news operations.