On: Why Garmin watches have become common in some segments of tactical aviation

[tantalor]

Isn't this a huge OpSec failure? To bring third-party gps tracking devices on your fighter jets?

[gamblor956 → tantalor]

It is, if the Garmins are connected to public Garmin profiles or to third-party apps like Strava.

Otherwise, they function as GPS-signal receivers and only record data to the watch. (If connected to a phone or computer via the Garmin app/program, then Garmin watches will sync the watch data to the phone/computer.)

[throwanem → tantalor]

They're receivers, not transmitters.

[tantalor → throwanem]

Let's check that: https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/608613#specs

Ok, says they have Bluetooth and WiFi. I'm not sure I would trust the firmware not to be vulnerable to 0-day data exfiltration once the device is back in base.

[ertemplin → throwanem]

Yeah, but who is going to hijack your bluetooth or wifi connection while flying at 1,200 knots. It's just not feasible.

[hoseja → throwanem]

They're "smart".