Strong Security Proves Essential for Enterprise Smartwatch Adoption
May 4, 2017 | ABI ResearchEstimated reading time: 1 minute
ABI Research forecasts enterprise smartwatch shipments will reach nearly 14 million in 2022, increasing from just more than two million in 2017. Yet, for these devices to infiltrate the workplace, vendors must address security device management and compliance at the design level.
“Today, very few wearable devices, including smartwatches, have enterprise-grade authentication integrated out of the box, which makes them incredibly susceptible to security breaches,” says Stephanie Lawrence, Research Analyst at ABI Research. “This puts sensitive information, such as an individual’s healthcare records or financial information, at risk.”
ABI Research identifies several security solutions available to smartwatches, but with many enterprises touting bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies and the mix of devices entering the workplace on the rise, potential breaches are harder to avoid. Addressable solutions include Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM), Mobile App Management (MAM), and Mobile Device Management (MDM). These solutions enable enterprises to automate the connectivity and management of devices on the corporate network.
“Enterprises interested in adopting smartwatches for use in the workforce must be aware of potential security issues to effectively mitigate them,” continues Lawrence. “The strategic implementation of security platforms will allow employers to maximize the benefit of an enterprise smartwatch procurement without the worry of sensitive data reaching the wrong hands.”
Companies such as Apple, IBM, Kony, Samsung, and SAP frequently provide such solutions to interested organizations. Samsung recently worked with communications platform Total Communicator Solutions to provide an EMM solution for smartwatches in the San Diego Airport with the intent to improve employee communication.
“The introduction and availability of Android Wear 2.0 activates the potential of eSIM, supports the development of hybrid watch designs, and taps into the promise of standalone, wearable devices,” concludes Ryan Martin, Principal Analyst at ABI Research. “In a recent survey conducted by ABI Research, 55% of respondents stated that wearables, such as head-worn and wrist-worn devices, are part of their companies’ innovation strategies.”
Suggested Items
Hirose Launches Solution Partner Network to Address Changing Design Challenges
05/06/2024 | HiroseHirose, a leader in the design and manufacturing of innovative connector solutions, has established a Solution Partner Network that enables OEMs to quickly explore product design, specialty IP, and component fulfillment options that best suit their needs.
Cigent, Swissbit Announce Partnership to Enhance Endpoint Data Security
05/06/2024 | CigentCigent, a leading provider of endpoint data protection solutions, and Swissbit, a leading manufacturer of storage, security, and embedded IoT solutions, today announced a strategic partnership to offer a comprehensive portfolio of secure storage drives designed to safeguard endpoint data against a growing landscape of cyberthreats.
SCHMID Group Closes Business Combination, Begins Trading on NASDAQ
05/02/2024 | SCHMID GroupGebr. SCHMID GmbH, a global solutions provider for the high-tech electronic, photovoltaics, glass, and energy systems industries, and Pegasus Digital Mobility Acquisition Corp. announced the completion of their business combination.
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Sigma Engineering's Recycling and Regeneration Systems for PCB Etching
05/02/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOEvan Howard of Schmoll America interviews Kristoffer Bjorklund, Sigma Engineering's supply chain manager. We learn about Sigma's recycling and regeneration systems for PCB industry etching and the benefits and challenges of implementing these systems in existing factories.
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Outlining Rehm's Innovations and Global Presence
05/01/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOMichael Hanke, the chief sales officer for Rehm Thermal Systems, shares insights on the North American market, new machinery, and software development. He also discusses Rehm's turnkey solutions, process flexibility, global presence, and the dedicated team of 700 employees working on global solutions.