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:
- GLONASS (Russia) was included on Tactix 7. BeiDou (China) is new.
- There is a mode to only use GPS (USA).
- The digital GPS IIIF will not have RMP until 2027.
- Satellite comms are one-way, i.e. to the watch. There is no security risk with data being sent back by satellite.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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I’m curious what happens in these multiband/multisystem GNSS devices when one or more of the satellite constellations is deliberately sabotaged to send wrong information. Does the chip flag and ignore data from constellations when that data is wildly different than the others? Or is it not that smart, and it still includes the data in its algorithm which skews the “average” reading from all the constellations?
I think at least on the Tactix models, and preferably on all their watches in the whole lineup, it would be nice if Garmin included a feature to disable/ignore specific constellations if you think they might be compromised.
just use gps-only
good question. i dont know the precise answer
the dual frequency signals should lead to chips rejecting some signal. that’s the whole point of it. however i’m certain that isn’t properly implemented….whether that’s at the integrtors end or the chip supplier, idk.
so expanding that analogy to multi-constellation control, i would assume dodgy signals SHOULD be removed by default…but i suspect they wont. it’s perhaps googling the FINNMARK example, i wonder what happens there with consumers? I believe its affected airline pilots for month
In fact the US Navy started issuing fenix 3 to naval aviators in 2017 specifically because they supported GLONAS on the theory they are an alternate GNSS that the Russians will not jam. There was at least one incident where a pilot use a fenix to locate the carrier and land safely when avionics navigation systems failed. The same logic should apply to Beidou.
just reading some forums, in GPS-jammed regions GNSS doesnt work, the watches struggle with positioning and calculations, thats the whole purpose of jamming – how the unit will decide which signal is true and which is false?
it should be something in the signal to allow to distinguish “true” and “false” signal. I believe the jamming signal is simply “stronger” (i’m not knowledgeable by any means)
i’m no expert at that level
it could be strong signals, digital signals with redundancy or frequencies that make jamming difficult. IDK
GPSIII appears to be more resiliant but not yet working
No the jamming can be a bonafide GPS/GLONAS modulation, but with incorrect data, in fact it can be multiple signals to give a fake positional lock to a different location. I think that’s what’s used in certain areas in russia as people say if you get too close to the Kremlin the GPS puts you some miles away, it doesn’t just stop working. In labs you can have to generate fake GNSS signals for testing, this technology is relatively available.
Remember GNSS is very very weak, that’s why it’s rare that it works indoors, it takes nothing more than a stiff breeze to jam it, GPS satellites are not low earth orbit (~250km to 2000km), they’re 20,000km up.
I suspect the actual target market for Tactix is actually hunters and militia and prepper movement rather than actual uniformed military. Those segments are also generally the ones that mostly purchase “tactical” -branded “every day carry” gear and accessories. Thats why the Tactix includes supplemental US public land map overlays.
yes!
You missed a much larger potential user group.
It isn’t just soldiers who mustn’t have microphones, it’s also applies to various layers of governments and defence firms, many more people work in those areas.
+1
There are a lot of hypothetically sensitive facilities where the actual policies are fairly permissive. You guys need to stop talking about this. Nobody around here has issued guidance against the fenix 8 series. Even when there were smartwatch bans for a while it was specifically “apple watch”. Don’t raise awareness.
Knowing what the acronyms mean, having worked National Security cyber red teams, and being a first-time Garmin owner and beta tester for the surprisingly bug-ridden and poorly deployed flagship/good twin Fenix8, the hardware is the least of the worries. At least the Felix8 would not even get past the first pen test. I find it very difficult to believe that Garmin has its software practices up to the required standards.
“urprisingly bug-ridden and poorly deployed flagship/good twin Fenix8” – people keep sayin’ it.
Yes I hadn’t thought of the software practices angle. I suspect you are right.