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Apple Watch adds to BYOD headaches

Admire Moyo
By Admire Moyo, ITWeb's news editor.
Johannesburg, 14 May 2015
IT departments will be understandably worried about the impact of the Apple Watch on the workplace, says Aruba Networks.
IT departments will be understandably worried about the impact of the Apple Watch on the workplace, says Aruba Networks.

The expected popularity of the Apple Watch raises interesting challenges for CIOs and IT managers.

That's the view of Matthew Barker, regional manager for sub-Saharan Africa at Aruba Networks, who notes the unveiling of the Apple Watch heralds the transformation of the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) trend.

Apple unveiled its much-anticipated smartwatch in March and the Cupertino-based company is reportedly struggling to meet demand for the gadget. Analyst firm UBS believes the watch may become more of a necessity, as Internet of things devices become more popular.

Research firm IDC notes a combination of new vendors, new devices, and greater end-user awareness will drive the worldwide wearables market 133.4% higher in 2015. "Smart wearables are about to take a major step forward with the launch of the Apple Watch this year," says Ramon Llamas, research manager with IDC's wearables team.

Meanwhile, in the IHS baseline smartwatch forecast, Apple's 2015 Apple Watch shipments are expected to hit 19 million units, or 56% of the total smartwatch market.

BYOD tsunami

However, Barker believes the Apple Watch is merely a herald of an expected tsunami of BYOD smart devices and Internet of things wearables into the workplace, potentially opening up new risks to corporate data privacy and security.

"It's highly likely the first Apple Watches in the workplace will be personally owned. Yet these devices will be able to interact with corporate networks and access, download and store company data," he explains.

"Other wearables (not the current version of the Apple Watch) come with built-in cameras. In fact, one of the more interesting features of the Apple Watch is the ability to tether to, and control, iPhones over a remote connection."

He points out 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, he adds, several new conundrums will pop up.

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"At the very top of the list: 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? 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?"

When tinkering with these policies, Barker says, CIOs have to keep in mind there will be other IOT-based devices coming along that could be embedded into an employee's clothing or even office pantry appliances. "In fact, the acronym BYOD will soon have to be replaced with BYOX, with the 'X' symbolising practically anything."

Once policies have been amended appropriately, then - and only then - CIOs can turn their attention to the underlying communications network, he notes.

Complete visibility

To Barker, many IT organisations have already put in place solutions that can secure any mobile device that connects to corporate WiFi; giving them complete visibility of the number, type and frequency of mobile devices assessing their network.

What's more, he elaborates, these platforms are also capable of enforcing flexible security policies that are capable of analysing - and acting on - the context of how an employee uses the mobile device.

"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 the right balance between flexibility and security is met."

Given these considerations, Barker says, CIOs will need to skilfully juggle the competing requirements to arrive at an enlightened BYOX policy that is most appropriate to their company's needs.

"The Apple Watch certainly won't make that juggling act any easier. But it will certainly make it more beautiful."

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