Wearables have huge opportunity in the enterprise and number
of organizations already integrating wearable technology into their networks
increasing from 13% to 24%. Although smart watches have similar capabilities to
mobiles, they become most beneficial when workers need information quickly.
Wearables have huge opportunity in the enterprise and number
of organizations already integrating wearable technology into their networks
increasing from 13% to 24%. Although smart watches have similar capabilities to
mobiles, they become most beneficial when workers need information quickly.
Smart glasses with augmented reality (AR) such as the
HoloLens, can give workers on-the-job training on how to fix equipment or during
a medical procedure. And fitness wearables are being used to motivate employees
to lead healthier lifestyles. All these types of wearables are already having a
huge impact in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, healthcare and
other service sectors.
So as different types of wearables move into the workplace,
what concerns should enterprises have?
The concerns around implementing wearable technology into
enterprises vary on the device. However, as all wearables have risen in
popularity the biggest concern is over security and privacy. All devices can
store and transfer data easily making them a natural choice for the enterprise,
but because they often don’t come with built in security there’s a lack of
encryption, insufficient authentication and other vulnerabilities. And as the
value of wearables can rely on full integration and an instantaneous connection
with an organisations server, it leaves corporate data open to unwanted
security breaches.
wearables are secure enough to be used by the enterprise.
Businesses simply need to understand the security risks of each wearable and
follow best practice to keep core data secure and annul the risk of a security
breach. A lot can be learnt from the integration of smartphones;
enterprise mobility and the creation of bring your own device (BYOD) policies.
You need to assess the value of your core data, understand the specific threats
and establish what data sets are required for specific tasks. Understanding
what data the wearable needs to access for specific tasks will help guide you
on how to secure your network and establish where to restrict usage to prevent
any privacy violations.
Managing a multitude of different devices is a huge
challenge for any organisation, so managing the applications your employees use
and how they access them is vital. Clear guidelines and security policies
should be created to communicate wearable usage to your employees. It might be
worth expanding your BYOD policy to include wearables or even create a wear
your own device (WYOD) policy that sits alongside your BYOD policy. There are
numerous additional functions that you need to consider, including video and
audio recording, geo tracking and health trackers.
The policy
should explain the purpose for using wearables, how they should and shouldn’t
be used and guidelines on updating security controls. It’s also worth stating
specific locations, inside or outside the workplace, where the devices can’t be
used, and restricting video and audio recordings.
There are numerous solutions for securing your core data,
and if you’re investing a lot of money into wearables then invests the time
into ensuring your data is protected. Providing you’ve done this, security
risks are removed and wearables are completely safe for the enterprise.
Source: Wearable Technology News
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