Wearable Technology Is the Latest IT Challenge
The wearable technology industry is expected to grow by $18 billion in the next five years, according to data from ABI Research reported by CNBC. New gadgets like eyewear or smartwatches will need to be included in the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) spectrum. The challenge for IT professionals will be integrating these latest technologies into an already crowded network.
The Security Challenge
As with any device added to BYOD policies, maintaining the security of wearable gadgets will be a top priority. "The deeply personal nature of wearables may well make them a very attractive proposition to cyber criminals," wrote Nicko van Someren for CNBC. "While the tiny screen, processor and memory means that not much data will be on the device, the data will typically be the most important bit."
Van Someren adds that building security into many of these wearable devices is extremely difficult. Anyone with large fingers knows that typing a password on a smartphone can be problematic; now imagine doing so on a screen not much bigger than a watch face.
As wearable technology makes its way into the workplace, IT departments may find that they need to reconfigure BYOD security and privacy policies. The challenge will be to institute security in devices that may not be security-intuitive. Ensuring that the information flowing from the devices is encrypted is a start.
Integrating Big Data
Wearable technology will add a whole new layer to big data. Not only can businesses use the data generated by employees, but wearable devices can also provide a steady stream of data collection based on customer behavior.
The challenge for IT staff will be deciding the best way to collect and store the data and then learning how to incorporate that data back into other business areas. However, this requires staff that is well trained in analytics, for which small and midsize businesses (SMBs) may not be equipped.
Policies First, Technology Second
Wearable devices are already in virtually every workplace, even if it is just a fitness tracker using the company network to download steps and calories to a smartphone app; thus, it may be difficult to create the policies first and add technology later. However, the sooner policies that deal with wearable technologies are drafted, the better. These policies can include whether or not the devices can interact with the network, what data is allowed to be accessed or stored by the devices or even if they are allowed in meetings.
Once the policies are established, the technology can take its place next to smartphones, tablets, laptops and whatever else is on the horizon.
The wearable technology industry is expected to grow by $18 billion in the next five years, according to data from ABI Research reported by CNBC. New gadgets like eyewear or smartwatches will need to be included in the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) spectrum. The challenge for IT professionals will be integrating these latest technologies into an already crowded network.
The Security Challenge
As with any device added to BYOD policies, maintaining the security of wearable gadgets will be a top priority. "The deeply personal nature of wearables may well make them a very attractive proposition to cyber criminals," wrote Nicko van Someren for CNBC. "While the tiny screen, processor and memory means that not much data will be on the device, the data will typically be the most important bit."
Van Someren adds that building security into many of these wearable devices is extremely difficult. Anyone with large fingers knows that typing a password on a smartphone can be problematic; now imagine doing so on a screen not much bigger than a watch face.
As wearable technology makes its way into the workplace, IT departments may find that they need to reconfigure BYOD security and privacy policies. The challenge will be to institute security in devices that may not be security-intuitive. Ensuring that the information flowing from the devices is encrypted is a start.
Integrating Big Data
Wearable technology will add a whole new layer to big data. Not only can businesses use the data generated by employees, but wearable devices can also provide a steady stream of data collection based on customer behavior.
The challenge for IT staff will be deciding the best way to collect and store the data and then learning how to incorporate that data back into other business areas. However, this requires staff that is well trained in analytics, for which small and midsize businesses (SMBs) may not be equipped.
Policies First, Technology Second
Wearable devices are already in virtually every workplace, even if it is just a fitness tracker using the company network to download steps and calories to a smartphone app; thus, it may be difficult to create the policies first and add technology later. However, the sooner policies that deal with wearable technologies are drafted, the better. These policies can include whether or not the devices can interact with the network, what data is allowed to be accessed or stored by the devices or even if they are allowed in meetings.
Once the policies are established, the technology can take its place next to smartphones, tablets, laptops and whatever else is on the horizon.
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