Stuff They Don't Want You To Know The Strava Leaks
Oct 17, 2025
Explore how fitness apps can unintentionally compromise personal privacy and national security. Delve into the unexpected hazards of Strava's global heat map, which revealed sensitive military locations. Discover the implications of activity data that might expose user homes and even target public figures. Hosts debate the balance between app convenience and safety, discussing real-world consequences tied to data leaks. This conversation highlights the evolving landscape of digital privacy in a connected world.
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Tracking Is The Product
- Strava is a social fitness app that gamifies exercise by tracking routes, segments, and leaderboards.
- That tracking is core to the product and makes detailed location data inherently valuable and sensitive.
Student Spots Bases On Heat Map
- In January 2018 Nathan Ruser noticed Strava's global heat map revealed activity patterns over military bases worldwide.
- He publicly flagged that the map exposed routes and hotspots on bases like those in Helmand province.
Aggregates Reveal Operational Patterns
- Heat maps show intensity and common routes, revealing patrol paths, entry points, and frequently used roads.
- That aggregated visibility can materially lower barriers for actors planning attacks or surveillance.