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Cape Town - The Apple Watch may cause a headache for corporate network managers, already battling the rising tide of workers connecting to company infrastructure with personal devices (BYOD).
"The expected popularity of the Apple Watch raises interesting challenges for CIOs and IT managers. The Apple Watch is merely a herald of an expected tsunami of BYOD smart devices and Internet of Things (IoT) wearables into the workplace, potentially opening up new risks to corporate data privacy and security," said Matthew Barker, regional manager for sub-Saharan Africa at Aruba Networks.
While Apple hasn't released data on the sales of its latest gadget, analysts expect the Watch to sell anywhere in the 1.7 million to eight million region.
In SA, one buyer on bidorbuy was prepared to stump up R23 750 to buy just two watches which have not yet launched officially in the country.
"IT departments will be understandably worried about the impact of the Apple Watch on the workplace. Even though many organisations have already adopted BYOD policies, several new conundrums will pop up," Barker said.
Policy revamp
The Apple Watch works when tethered to an iPhone, similar to first generation devices from Samsung, Sony and LG.
But the device raises security concerns if it also connects to a company network where it may access potentially sensitive information.
"Is it appropriate to allow wearable devices to connect to enterprise networks? What if the device is already tethered to a smartphone that has been given access?" Barker asked.
In an Aruba Networks study, two thirds of young professionals, dubbed #GenMobile, insist that mobile gadgets help them manage work and personal lives better.
There are concerns that the Apple Watch will compromise corporate network security. (Rick Rycroft, AP, file)
Barker warned that executives will have to weigh how wearables will fit into a company, bearing in mind that new devices may require a revamp of corporate policy.
"If the decision is made to accept Apple Watches and other wearables into the organisation, will existing BYOD policies that govern the use of corporate data be enough or will new policies be required?"
Ultimately, the introduction of devices like the Apple Watch in the workplace will directly influence IT policies.
User context
One organisation that has already banned wearables is the People Liberation Army of China which views the gadget as a security risk.
Barker said that context in the use of devices would be key in determining how smart wear interacted in companies.
"For instance, an employee using an Apple Watch at a coffee shop to access corporate data may not be granted the same level of access as one who uses a PC during office hours. Depending on the context, different policies can be applied to make sure that the right balance between flexibility and security is met."
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