Data Privacy Day:
Getting ready for wearable technology

woman-wearing-custom-glasses

Companies need policies for wearable technology, such as smartglasses.

 

Data Privacy Day, observed annually on January 28, encourages all of us to make protecting privacy and data a greater priority.

Many businesses already have policies and procedures in place to address the risks from mobile technology, such as smartphones, laptops and tablets. Wearable technologies come with a new set of risks. Businesses should consider expanding their existing acceptable use policies to include wearable technology such as smartwatches and smartglasses. For instance, if smartphones are not allowed within the workplace due to the risks a camera, audio recording and data storage bring with them, then a smartwatch should not be allowed either. The same goes for the use of wearable technology by drivers of your company vehicles.

Another solution is updating your organization’s network security infrastructure so that it can detect the movement of data to and from these devices. This will help to detect, and in some cases prevent, data loss through the use of wearable technology.

Finally, review your existing insurance policies to identify additional liability exposure or potential gaps in your existing insurance portfolio. Your insurance provider can help guide you with risk mitigation measures.

Every new technology comes with its own set of privacy risks and vulnerabilities. Wearable devices have a lot of positive potential for businesses. In addition to facilitating communication and making the workplace more efficient, wearable technology may be able to make it safer. The challenge is to embrace the new technology while also having a smart plan in place to address privacy and security concerns. Your independent insurance agent can provide valuable insight as you begin to consider the insurance impacts of wearable technology in the workplace.

About Data Privacy Day

Led by the National Cyber Security Alliance, Data Privacy Day began in the United States and Canada in January 2008 as an extension of the Data Protection Day celebration in Europe. The Day commemorates the 1981 signing of Convention 108 – the first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection.

 

This loss control information is advisory only. The author assumes no responsibility for management or control of loss control activities. Not all exposures are identified in this article.

 


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