Workplace innovation: Integration of hi-tech wearable technology
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the integration of wearable technology in the workplace is becoming increasingly prevalent. A recent survey reveals that 77% of organisations actively encourage the use of wearable devices, as companies such as Google, Samsung, Fossil, and Lifeward, among others, launch their wearable devices in the market.
This trend, however, comes with significant performance implications. As more devices connect to the network and the amount of data increases, the wireless infrastructure and the entire IT network will face substantial challenges.
A study by security firm Trend Micro underlines this, reporting that 79% of European organisations are seeing an increasing number of staff bringing wearable devices into the workplace. The array of connected devices, including wearables, will make protecting data more important and challenging.
The trend of wearables in the workplace is on the rise, and it's essential that security is a key consideration for enterprise infrastructure and IT mobility strategies. IT teams should avoid a scattered approach to application development and think about the underpinning platforms and architecture required to manage the growing demand for mobile, wearable, and other tech devices in the enterprise.
A choose-your-own-device (CYOD) strategy can help manage the web of devices and operating systems while enabling employees to benefit from the speed and mobility offered by wearable devices. Firewalls and applications security will need to be re-evaluated to ensure secure access to the internet.
Over three quarters of European businesses plan to introduce wearable technology to the workplace this year, but many admit to having no policy for managing the impact. Organisations need to consider the effect that wearable devices will have on the network before it's too late.
Designers should consider security before building wearables, and having expert involvement early on is crucial. Wearables are prone to leaks due to their personal nature and ease of data sharing, creating significant security issues for the enterprise.
Despite the potential benefits, there is a degree of skepticism surrounding the relevance of smart watches, with no device yet considered a big success. However, tech giants such as LG, Samsung, Sony, Huawei, and Motorola have launched their own versions of smart watches, indicating a persistent interest in the market.
UK organisations are the most sceptical about wearables in the workplace, with 39% actively discouraging their use. Nevertheless, the security concerns posed by wearables are inherent and need to be addressed. Organisations need to assess their mobile strategies and reassess them to address these concerns.
Keeping enterprise data in separate, encrypted containers on mobile devices can help secure corporate data. IT teams should also use a security solution that is capable of analyzing apps on mobile devices and their permissions to prevent malicious or compromised apps from affecting the network.
In conclusion, the integration of wearable technology in the workplace is a trend that is here to stay. It's crucial for organisations to proactively address the security challenges posed by this trend to ensure a secure and productive digital environment.
