The numbers of IoT Wearables used around the world are growing exponentially. These devices, a subset within a greater collection of gadgets that make up the Internet of Things, include wearables such as watches, t-shirts, or sunglasses, and the creative options are only expanding. But as Teena Maddox with says, “the seductive lure of [IoT wearables] make it easy to forget, or ignore, the inherent security and privacy risks involved.” As with any device in the IoT, wearables have fundamental challenges, beginning with security.
Wearable devices connect directly to the internet all on their own, storing personal data right in the cloud. , they are the endpoints that hackers look for because they act as the criminal’s entry point into the devices reliant server. As more and more devices hit the market, the opportunity for breach is far from scarce especially because of , the IoT’s very own search engine. With tools like these, anyone’s data is at risk if it is not properly secured. Cyber-criminals will also use tools like the cloud, Bluetooth, public WiFi networks, location services, company websites, etc. to break into confidential consumer information. With so many possibilities, security and privacy must be a priority from the beginning stages of IoT wearables development.
IT departments are met with an array of security challenges as IoT wearables make their way into corporate networks. Wearables are designed to be small and portable, and as security pro Jeff Jenkins told , “You have to make sure you’re thinking security first and you’re thinking about the information that’s being generated by [these wearables]. You have situations where it’s no longer just personal data that may be exposed or compromised, but also potentially operational data that could be sensitive in nature.”
Here are things to consider when purchasing an IoT wearable device:
These considerations will help identify and educate users about thesecurity pitfalls in their IoT wearables that hackers coulduse to divulge confidential information. Wearable devices are a promising development in the tech industry, but just like any device in the IoT, security must be made a priority.