Technology's dark side creeps into everyday life: integrated computing devices in professional settings
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, wearable devices are poised to make a significant impact in the workplace. With the backing of major industry players like Apple, the adoption of wearables is expected to surge, according to predictions by IDC, which forecasts 112 million wearable devices in just three years' time.
However, this rise in wearable devices brings with it a host of security concerns. Awareness and ongoing risk assessments are crucial to minimize threats. Organisations should prepare their network and security strategies to accommodate the increasing adoption of wearables.
A multi-layered approach is essential to effectively manage the security challenges posed by wearable technology. Key elements include:
- Encrypting data and communication: Advanced encryption standards like AES 256-bit should be used to secure data flowing between wearables, servers, and connected apps. Bluetooth connections, common communication channels for wearables, should be encrypted and validated to prevent hacking attempts.
- Authentication and access controls: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access control (RBAC) should be employed to restrict access to sensitive data based on user roles, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to corporate or personal health information.
- Unified Endpoint Management (UEM): UEM platforms manage and secure a diverse device ecosystem from a single interface, providing visibility, enforcing policies, enabling containerization, and maintaining compliance across device types and operating systems.
- Regular software updates and patch management: Keeping all wearable-associated software up to date mitigates vulnerabilities and exploitations by cyber attackers.
- Network security assessments: Assess business needs, compliance requirements, and existing infrastructure to select scalable, integrated security solutions that fit budget and growth plans.
- User education and awareness: Educate employees about wearable device risks and safe usage practices in the workplace to strengthen the human layer of security.
As more devices connect to the network and the amount of data increases, there will be significant performance implications, not just on the wireless infrastructure but on the entire IT network. To future-proof strategies, businesses can explore emerging technologies relevant to wearables such as biometric authentication methods, AI-enabled devices, blockchain for data integrity, and edge computing to process data locally and minimize latency.
Organisations need to reassess their mobile strategies to account for the increasing use of wearable devices in the workplace. A choose-your-own-device (CYOD) strategy can help manage and secure a web of devices while allowing employees to benefit from the speed and mobility offered by wearable devices. However, the challenge of managing and securing a multitude of new devices in the workplace can lead to speed issues and increased risk of downtime.
Despite investment in product development, the adoption of wearable devices has not been smooth. No smart watch is yet considered a big success, and there is a lot of scepticism around their relevance. However, the potential benefits for businesses are significant, including enhancing customer experience, improving organisational effectiveness, and productivity.
In conclusion, as wearable devices become more prevalent in the workplace, it is crucial for businesses to address the inherent security concerns first. By implementing a comprehensive approach that includes strong encryption, secure connectivity, advanced authentication, centralized device management, and continuous software updates, businesses can ensure a secure and efficient transition into the wearable future.
[1] Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2019/09/10/wearable-device-security-for-businesses-what-you-need-to-know/?sh=70c03e4c730b [2] Source: https://www.itpro.co.uk/security/35164/wearable-devices-bring-new-security-challenges-for-enterprises [3] Source: https://www.techtarget.com/searchmobilecomputing/definition/unified-endpoint-management [4] Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2019/09/10/wearable-device-security-for-businesses-what-you-need-to-know/?sh=70c03e4c730b
1.To mitigate potential cybersecurity risks associated with the growing use of wearable devices in business environments, it's essential to implement security measures such as data and communication encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular software updates.2. As businesses invest in wearable devices to improve customer experience, organizational effectiveness, and productivity, a comprehensive security strategy should also include network security assessments, user education, and the adoption of technologies like biometric authentication, AI, blockchain, and edge computing to further enhance security and performance.
