Using fitness tracking tech to fight cyberattacks

Researchers at the U.K.’s University of Bath and Goldsmiths, the University of London are looking into the impact a fitness tracker-type device could have to make people aware of cybersecurity dangers.

The logic the researchers are following is that if a wearable fitness tracker can remind a person through a buzz or vibration that it’s time to move around then the same methodology can be used to prompt a worker that it’s time to change their password or update their software, AOL.com News reported.  Research is still in its early stages with the university teams looking at what signals and delivery methods will function best in a work environment.

Instead of being wrist mounted, like a Fitbit, the cybersecurity warning device could be embedded in a chair or through proximity sensors and cameras and the researchers are trying to determine whether warning alarms should be a light, sound or vibration, AOL, reported.

Emily Collins, research associate at the University of Bath’s School of Management, told AOL News, “There’s scope to learn from health psychology to pinpoint what motivates people to take action to protect their cyber-security. “Our project recognizes that people can respond to a gentle, well-timed nudge and is investigating the most effective way of doing that.”