Few things are more devastating to self-quantifying fitness nerds than no Get credit for that run, bike, or hike, but that’s exactly what’s happening to Garmin portable device owners. Since yesterday, the Garmin website, app, and call centers have been offline due to a major outage that may have been caused by the ransomware.
The disruption was first reported by ZDNet, which noted that Garmin plans to run maintenance on the problem for several days. The company shared a statement on both Twitter and website, which said Garmin “currently cannot receive calls, emails or online chats.” ZDNet also noted that the outage affected flyGarmin, a web service pilots use to support Garmin’s aviation navigation devices. The pilots also told ZDNet that they were unable to download the Garmin aviation database or access the Garmin Pilot app, which helps them program and plan flights.
Meanwhile, Taiwanese exit iThome an internal Garmin memo leaked that the company’s IT staff sent to its Taiwan-based factories, saying two days of maintenance would take place July 24-25. The publication also claims that Garmin employees were told that their server had been “attacked by a virus” and that it could be a ransomware attack. According to ZDNet, the ransomware in question could be a new strain called WastedLocker. However, without official confirmation, this is more a theory than a fact. Gizmodo contacted Garmin to see if they would confirm it, but did not immediately receive a response.
Until now it is unclear whether personal data was stolen from Garmin platforms. Garmin smartwatches are known for their detailed metrics and are popular with serious fitness enthusiasts, particularly runners and cyclists. In addition to monitoring heart rate and tracking activity, Garmin owners can also track their sleep, periods, and body recovery. The watches are also known for their accurate GPS, and high-end models also allow users to access preloaded and offline maps.
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Regardless, Twitter is full of dedicated Garmin the users deranged They can’t sync their activities with the Garmin Connect app, or upload them to other platforms like Strava. In fact, the interruption has led to a notable decrease in activity of users who automatically send updates through the Garmin Connect app. While couch potatoes may laugh, after all, Garmin is likely to get things back on track eventually, the pain is real for those who stay motivated through self-quantification. Stay strong, fitness nerds.
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