While Italy is shaken by the investigations into the gang of hackers who owned an endless safe of dossiers and who aimed to keep citizens and institutions in check, in France the case of Strava exploded, one of the most downloaded and used applications by joggers . There are around 125 million users who consistently record times, routes and characteristics of physical performances and among these, according to what was published by Le Monde, there would also be the bodyguards of Emmanuel Macron and other leaders such as Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin . The French newspaper revealed that around a dozen Elysée agents are using the software and openly sharing their journeys. This fact affects the confidentiality of the president’s movements.
As Repubblica reports, “these routes visible in the large Strava community have thus become a way of geolocating the addresses frequented by Macron”. Every time the French president travels, his men explore the places a few days in advance, even sleeping in the hotels where the leader then stays. And they associate each stage with a jogging session. The app in question made it possible for Le Monde to reconstruct around a hundred trips. An alarming picture emerges, considering that bodyguards should protect the privacy of those they are called upon to protect and escort.
Macron is not alone. Le Monde has in fact promised new revelations on the White House and the Kremlin. Meanwhile, the Elysée has thrown water on the fire, stating that the use of Strava by some agent would not put the security of the head of state at risk. The app defended itself, recalling that “location data is only used with explicit consent” of users.
#investigation #Monde #Tempo
**Interview with Cybersecurity Expert Maria Costa on the Security Implications of the Strava Controversy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Maria. Recent reports highlight that many security personnel, including those protecting world leaders like Emmanuel Macron, are using the Strava app and sharing their running routes. What are the implications of this for national security?
**Maria Costa:** Thank you for having me. The use of Strava by bodyguards and security personnel raises significant security concerns. When these individuals openly share their routes, it inadvertently reveals patterns of movement that could be exploited by malicious actors. If someone malicious were to analyze this data, they could potentially track the habits and schedules of high-profile figures, putting them at risk.
**Interviewer:** That’s alarming. How can such a popular fitness app pose a threat like this?
**Maria Costa:** Popular apps like Strava are designed to encourage users to share their physical activities and achievements, which, while great for fitness motivation, can lead to unintentional breaches of privacy. In this case, the combination of personal health data and geographical information creates a vulnerability that can be exploited. The principle of “open data” at play here should be balanced against the need for personal and national security.
**Interviewer:** What measures can be taken to prevent such disclosures in the future?
**Maria Costa:** There are a few steps that can be taken. First, organizations need to create stricter protocols regarding the use of fitness apps, especially among personnel assigned to protect high-profile individuals. Strategies like training and awareness programs can help personnel understand the risks involved. Furthermore, technology developers could enhance privacy settings to ensure users can share their data selectively or only within private groups.
**Interviewer:** Given the ongoing investigations into hackers in Italy and issues surrounding data privacy, how do these incidents connect?
**Maria Costa:** They connect directly to the broader topic of data security and personal information management. The situation in Italy with the hacker gang showcases how vulnerable personal data can be when not adequately protected. It paints a picture of a digital landscape where personal information is both a commodity and a weapon. Organizations must invest in cybersecurity to protect against leaks and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
**Interviewer:** what can the average user take away from this situation regarding their own online security?
**Maria Costa:** Users must always be vigilant about what data they are sharing and who has access to it. Reviewing privacy settings, being cautious about overly sharing on social media or fitness apps, and staying informed about potential vulnerabilities are crucial. It’s essential to prioritize personal data security in an increasingly interconnected world.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Maria, for sharing your insights on this critical issue.
**Maria Costa:** Thank you for having me. It’s important for all of us to stay informed and proactive about our digital security.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Maria. Recent reports highlight that many security personnel, including those protecting world leaders like Emmanuel Macron, are using the Strava app and sharing their running routes. What are the implications of this for national security?
**Maria Costa:** Thank you for having me. The use of Strava by bodyguards and security personnel raises significant security concerns. When these individuals openly share their routes, it inadvertently reveals patterns of movement that could be exploited by malicious actors. If someone were to analyze this data, they could potentially track the habits and schedules of high-profile figures, putting them at risk.
**Interviewer:** That’s alarming. How can such a popular fitness app pose a threat like this?
**Maria Costa:** Popular apps like Strava are designed to encourage users to share their physical activities and achievements, which, while great for fitness motivation, can lead to unintentional breaches of privacy. In this case, the combination of personal health data and geographical information creates a vulnerability that can be exploited. The principle of “open data” at play here should be balanced against the need for personal and national security.
**Interviewer:** What measures can be taken to prevent such disclosures in the future?
**Maria Costa:** There are a few steps that can be taken. First, organizations need to establish stricter protocols regarding the use of fitness apps, especially among personnel assigned to protect high-profile individuals. Strategies like training and awareness programs can help personnel understand the risks involved. Additionally, technology developers could enhance privacy settings to ensure users can share their data selectively or only within private groups.
**Interviewer:** Those sound like essential steps. do you believe that the current response from the Elysée Palace, stating that using Strava does not put the president’s security at risk, is sufficient?
**Maria Costa:** While the Elysée may want to downplay the situation, I believe it’s important to take a more cautious approach. Misjudging the implications of data shared through fitness apps could have serious consequences. Transparency and open discussions about cybersecurity among high-profile protectors are crucial for maintaining safety. Continuous evaluation of these technologies will be necessary going forward.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Maria, for your insights on this issue. It’s clear that as technology evolves, so must our strategies for ensuring privacy and security.
**Maria Costa:** Thank you for having me. It’s an ongoing conversation we all need to engage in.