Nanotechnology involves the understanding and control of matter at the atomic and molecular levels. More specifically, it is used for manipulating and manufacturing materials and devices at the nanoscale—or approximately between 1 and 100 nanometers. For reference, a human red blood cell is about 7,000 nanometers wide, and the human hair is 50,000 to 100,000 nanometers thick.
In this article, we discuss nanotechnology, focusing on its future implications in remote monitoring and management (RMM) and endpoint management. While the two fields may seem initially quite different, emerging technologies in both may soon overlap, begetting new and exciting ways for businesses to operate.
What is nanotechnology?
Essentially, nanotechnology is used to modify devices or materials at the nanoscale. By controlling atoms and molecules, companies have developed nanomaterials that are no more than 100 nanometers thick and are useful in industries like healthcare and sports.
Some popular nanotechnology examples, as discussed in a BuiltIn article, include:
- Highly UV light-absorbant sunscreens
- Water-repellant and sweat-wicking clothing
- Pest-resistant furniture
- Super covalent adhesives
- More efficient sporting goods
- And more
Why is nanotechnology important?
Nanotechnology can enhance the properties of existing materials and devices. Due to their small size, nanomaterials have a larger surface area-to-volume ratio compared to similar materials of a larger size. This is because the smaller a nanoparticle gets, the larger its relative surface area becomes. This, in turn, leads to increased reactivity, integrity, and conductivity due to improved catalytic activity and more aggressive chemical reactivity.
This unique surface phenomenon offers fascinating implications for engineers and researchers as they make new, innovative materials and explore revolutionary applications—including enhancing technologies such as RMM.
Potential uses of nanotechnology in endpoint management
As nanotechnology evolves, it could lead to significant advancements in how MSPs, MSSPs, and IT enterprises securely monitor and manage their endpoints. Keep in mind that these are only predictions and may not be actual emerging technologies. Still, it’s interesting to take some into consideration.
Enhanced cybersecurity & threat detection
Anti-tampering nanomaterials
Nanotechnology for RMM could be used to develop advanced anti-tampering systems, such as nanocoatings, that can detect and respond to unauthorized access or alterations in endpoints by threat actors.
Already, researchers have developed carbon nanomaterials and nanocoatings for medical devices, while NATO has announced an SPS multi-year project for nanocoatings for multi-protective textiles for military clothing. It is conceivable that we may have nanocoatings for endpoints that would make them water-resistant, scratch-proof, and tamper-resistant.
Nano-based cryptography
Quantum dots, or semiconductor particles that are only a few nanometers in size, can play a role in quantum cryptography, protecting endpoints from hacking or other cyberattacks.
Quantum cryptography is a relatively new (and arguably controversial) topic in IT and electronics. As discussed in a CalTech Science Exchange forum, it applies the laws of quantum physics to help users transmit private information without the risk of eavesdropping. Another paper published in Nature suggested that quantum cryptography may improve security requirements in telecom wavelengths.
Nano-scale intrusion detection
RMM nanotechnology may create highly sensitive nanoscale sensors to monitor endpoints for real-time threats. This can work well in a mobile device security strategy that enforces geofencing. IT teams could offer more effective security strategies once they are alerted to a device that has gone beyond their geographic fencing and has been detected intruded.
The Nanotechnology Signature Initiative, Nanotechnology for Sensors and Sensors for Nanotechnology: Improving and Protecting Health, Safety, and the Environment, aims to develop supporting technologies for next-generation nanosensors in consumer products, the human body, the workplace, and the environment.
Advanced endpoint monitoring and maintenance
Nanomaterials could be embedded into hardware to provide more accurate real-time data on an endpoint device’s health and performance. This could lead to more proactive IT support and EDR deployment.
Currently, nanomaterials are used as biosensors that monitor a person’s health based on minute changes in their blood or polymerase chain reaction. One specific example would be using nanoparticles to isolate and detect tumor cells at the early stages of cancer. That said, it is possible that nanosensors can be further developed to detect electrical “pulse” changes in endpoints as well.
Energy-efficient endpoints
RMM nanotechnology could also produce more energy-efficient components for endpoint devices. This is particularly important for organizations managing many IoT devices where power consumption is critical. It is possible that nanotechnology could become integral to IoT device management, ensuring that these devices are much more efficient and secure.
We already see nanotechnology applications in renewable energies, with scientists agreeing that nanotechnology-based products can lead to much more increased efficiency in lighting and heating, increased electrical storage capacity, and decreased pollution from the energy provided by these nanoproducts.
New challenges in RMM nanotechnology
The increased complexity of RMM nanotechnology may possibly create new security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit. This would require new security paradigms and a constantly evolving endpoint management software tool offering robust patch management.
Moreover, nanotechnologies for RMM could become problematic for supply chains without the right strategies. As nanomaterials are sourced from specialized suppliers, the price of these products could increase as well. We must also consider the possible risk of counterfeit products for lower prices but with higher security risks.
NinjaOne keeps updated with the latest technologies
NinjaOne is an endpoint management company trusted by 17,000+ customers worldwide. A key part of its success is its commitment to incorporating emerging technologies in its #1 RMM tool. You can look at the company’s updates to its software solution in its product roadmap.
NinjaOne’s IT management software has no forced commitments and no hidden fees. If you’re ready, request a free quote, sign up for a 14-day free trial, or watch a demo.
