Security implications of Wearables
An article recently set out some implications of security surrounding wearables in the workplace. Moving on from BYOD and CYOD, the article suggests that it’s likely we will hear more about Wear Your Own Device (WYOD) and how this will impact data security.
Wearables up until now, have not been part of a company’s risk management strategy, however, as more devices become connected, security implications will grow. Smart watches, glasses and TVs are all potential entry points to an organisation’s infrastructure and could represent a hacker’s dream. The article speaks of finding a balance between the advantages that wearables bring to a business and its employees, and data protection needs.
Organizations can take practical steps to minimise security risks:
- Putting risks into context
- Implementing necessary policies (potentially as an extension of BYOD)
- Enforcing policies with network and access control systems
- Extending protection to wearable devices (typically connected via Bluetooth or wireless)
- Analysing logs effectively and efficiently
- Working with a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) to monitor the increase in data / traffic
- Ultimately the security policy must be both robust and flexible