DoD studying security issues raised by fitness trackers

WASHINGTON (AP/CLARKSVILLENOW) — An interactive map found online can show the locations and activities of people who use fitness devices such as Fitbit, raising security concerns about members of the military who are at U.S. military bases in sensitive areas.

The Global Heat Map, published by the GPS tracking company Strava, uses satellite information to map the locations and movements of subscribers to the company’s fitness service over a two-year period, by illuminating areas of activity. That from a report Sunday in The Washington Post.

The map is not live, but shows a pattern of accumulated activity between 2015 and September 2017.

In war zones and deserts in countries such as Iraq and Syria, the heat map becomes almost entirely dark — except for scattered evidence of activity.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is studying the security issues, according to a press release issued Monday.

“We take these matters seriously, and we are reviewing the situation to determine if any additional training or guidance is required, and if any additional policy must be developed to ensure the continued safety of DoD personnel at home and abroad,” Army Col. Robert Manning III said during a morning news conference at the Pentagon.

“The rapid development of technology requires the rapid refinement of policy and procedures to enhance force protection and operational security. DoD personnel are advised to place strict privacy settings on wireless technologies and applications,” he continued.

Service members are prohibited from wearing such wireless technologies in some areas and during some operations, Manning said.

Manning didn’t say what the department will do about the issue. “We have confidence in commanders to employ tactics, techniques and procedures that enhance force protection and operational security with the least impact to individuals,” the colonel said.

All DoD personnel go through annual training on information security. The training urges service members and DoD civilians to limit profiles on the internet, including personal social media accounts, Manning said.

“Furthermore, operational security requirements provide further guidance for military personnel supporting operations around the world,” he said. The heat map incident re-emphasizes the need for service members to be cautious about what data to share via wearable electronic devices, he added.

*The Associated Press contributed to this report.