Garmin Tactix 8 – two key security concerns raised

The Garmin Tactix 8 is the latest model in the Tactix series, based on an improved version of the Fenix 8. It has been introduced with several performance and hardware updates that are interesting and concerning in equal measure.

The Pros – Tactix 8 vs. Tactix 7

Battery life is notably better, around 15% in most modes. GNSS (GPS) accuracy is improved in niche operational cases, a new rucking feature allows owners to input pack weights for more accurate training data, and a new shot timer is inbound. The non-AMOLED version boasts nearly 100 hours of continuous GPS recording (with solar) or about 50 days in expedition mode – impressive.

The Cons – Tactix 8 vs. Tactix 7

There are some oddities around which bands are offered at launch, but expect this to be resolved with Garmin already making changes to what’s offered in the USA. Let’s turn to the meatier issues.

Some tactical professionals have questioned that satellite modes can now rely on GLONASS (Russia) and BeiDou (China). My opinion is that this should not really be a concern, more something to be mindful of:

1. GLONASS (Russia) was included on Tactix 7. BeiDou (China) is new.
2. There is a mode to only use GPS (USA).
   • The digital GPS IIIF will not have RMP until 2027.
3. Satellite comms are one-way, i.e. to the watch. There is no security risk with data being sent back by satellite.
4. The risk is more likely to be the saving, publication and sharing of sensitive locational information – as seen in the Strava affair a few years ago. There was an issue with Israeli personnel, too. I have to say, at the time, I did similar searches for the movements of Russian personnel at Tartus, and there was little to be seen – Russia was aware of the issue before our guys were.
5. However, in times of conflict, the consumer-experienced performance of GNSS constellations will be manipulated, potentially even disabled. Even if the constellations are not manipulated at source by the owners (Russia/China), enemies will attempt to disrupt them – we saw recent strange and ongoing blocking of GPS signals in Finnmark (sic); the blocking was assumed to be Russian in origin.
6. I believe that precision (P) code military GPS signals cannot be received by any smartwatch such as a Garmin. They may offer greater immunity from disruption.

The next concern is the newly added microphone. That hardware feature enables advanced communications technology using Bluetooth and smartphones.

Industry professionals (soldiers) will already know and understand opsec requirements for these devices in deployed and sensitive locations (thanks to earlier comments from @Radjad and @JamesMason). You can’t use them and haven’t been able to since August 2018. I believe commanders had discretion over their use, so I suppose having a mic makes that discretion even less likely to be given. Furthermore, in a SCIF, you can’t use them; even using aeroplane mode is insufficient for security requirements.

If you don’t know what the abbreviations mean, you’re probably good to use a Tactix 8 😉

A quick Google gave these relevant policies

• DoD Manual 5200.01 (Information Security Program)
• ICD 705 (Intelligence Community Directive on SCIF Construction and Security)
• NSA and DIA Guidance on PEDs in Secure Facilities

Please comment below if I need to clarify the above; I’m not an expert.

Finally, whilst nice to have, the Stealth Mode and Kill Switch have no material updates. Sure, it’s a great feature to disable tracking and erase data, but that was on Tactix 7, and there is no reason for owners to upgrade.

Take Out

This is Garmin’s best watch. It looks awesome and has the most comprehensive feature set for your mission of any watch, now even boasting dive functionality. If you’re a soldier, talk to your boss before buying one 😉

The Garmin Tactix 8 is available in one Black colour, with prices starting at $1,299.99.

• Garmin Tactix 8 AMOLED – 47mm $1288.99, 51mm $1,399.99
• Garmin Tactix 8 Solar – 51mm $1,399.99
• Garmin Tactix 8 Solar:AB ELITE – 51mm $1,599.99