Garmin Smartwatch Users Can Not Get Hands On Data
24 July 2020
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Garmin, that makes GPS-enabled physical fitness trackers and navigational software, is suffering what it has described as an "failure".
According to ZDNet, workers have actually claimed on social media that the firm is the victim of a ransomware attack, however this has actually not been verified.
Garmin Aviation stated its flyGarmin site and mobile app, used by pilots, were also unavailable.
The company's assembly line in Taiwan is likewise thought to have actually been impacted.
The problems mean that customers are not presently able to log into Garmin Connect to tape and analyse their fitness and health data.
And pilots who use flyGarmin can not currently download updated air travel databases, which is a legal requirement.
Ransomware is a type of malware. It lets hackers take control of a business's systems and encrypt their information, demanding payment to release it. It is frequently sent by means of a harmful e-mail link to staff members.
Garmin has not officially validated the reason for its issues.
In a declaration it said: "We are presently experiencing an interruption that impacts Garmin.com and Garmin Connect. This failure likewise impacts our call centres and we are currently not able to receive any calls, e-mails or online chats. Garmin are working to fix this concern as rapidly as possible and apologise for the inconvenience."
Experts say it appears like a significant issue for the firm.
"Garmin's facilities has actually suffered a huge failure, and although the business has not officially confirmed it, the finger of suspicion points highly in the instructions of a ransomware attack," wrote security specialist Graham Cluley.
"The risk isn't just that physical fitness fanatics might not have the ability to tape how lots of miles they jogged today. Garmin also provides services for aviators and sailors, meaning they might not be able to use their relied on apps for weather forecast or submitting flight strategies."
Mr Cluley added that data could be a "treasure chest" as it would show a user's whole place history.