Take a moment out of your busy day and ask yourself this question: “Am I and my organization ready to handle the security challenges of the latest development in mobile device technology?” If you answered, “Of course we are – we’ve already got a plan in place,” then you’re ahead of the curve. On the other hand, if you responded, “Wait, what’s the latest mobile device technology development? And what security challenges does it bring?” you’ve got a problem.
Wearable technologies represent the cutting edge of mobile device technology. They include (but aren’t limited to) eyeglasses, watches, and even articles of clothing. Analysts believe that the wearable tech market is set to explode, and that wearable tech will have a significant impact on the enterprise.
Their impact will be multi-faceted. One effect wearable tech will have on companies is to create security challenges. Wearable devices are essentially tiny, networked computers. And because they have network access, they can transmit viruses or other security threats across corporate networks. Moreover, they can be used to download sensitive or confidential information.
Domingo Guerra, president and co-founder of the mobile app management software Appthority, believes that companies that already have a strong BYOD policy in place are in better shape to deal with wearable technologies. Strong BYOD policies include which devices can connect to the network, having an authentication process in place, and determining which apps will be allowed or forbidden.
Another component of managing wearable devices involves the human touch. Employees often don’t realize or care that their mobile devices are putting their workplace at risk. Their priority is being able to complete their tasks with convenience and ease. While those things are important, businesses need to educate their workers about how the improper use of wearable tech can harm the company. Transmitting sensitive data (whether intentionally or not) or releasing a virus (again, not necessarily intentionally) can destroy the firm’s reputation. And a firm without a good reputation might find itself out of business.
Guerra strongly urges companies to pay attention to developments in wearable technology. There are many business leaders who still believe that mobile devices are a passing trend. That’s an unfortunate mindset to still hold, given that the proliferation of smartphones shows no signs of stopping. In fact, as of October 2014, there were more smartphones than people on the planet.
Wearable technologies are still very much in their infancy. No one can predict how popular they’ll become. However, it would be incredibly short-sighted to pretend as though they will have no effect on the enterprise, especially in light of the numerous industry-specific forecasts about how wearable tech can be implemented. It’s also imprudent to wait until wearable tech becomes so popular within your company that it’s nearly unmanageable. Developing a security strategy for wearable technology now will protect your firm against dangerous digital threats now and in the future. Don’t wait until it’s too late to save your valuable information and reputation.
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