You may be exploring the options related to mobile device management (MDM) in order to better protect your network, devices, and data. Mobile devices play a critical role in most positions, offering benefits like agility and improved productivity, but they also introduce some concerning security vulnerabilities.
From employees accessing unsecured Wi-Fi to losing or misplacing a device, there are many opportunities for network and data security problems. IT security teams are tasked with maintaining, provisioning and providing security tools and policies for devices, whether they are corporate-owned or maintained through a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program.
MDM solutions have emerged as a way to secure devices while protecting productivity and flexibility for a consistent work experience. The solutions offer features that protect and govern called enterprise mobility management (EMM), which also includes identity and access management and mobile application management. And it’s not just for smartphones; it also covers laptops and tablets or Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Effective MDM Policy
The best MDM solutions will inventory and secure mobile devices while monitoring traffic and user activity. Companies need to develop a solid MDM strategy to go along with any solution they deploy for MDM. A good policy includes these considerations:
- An explanation of monitoring activity, especially in the case of a BYOD program, itemizing the types of information that will be gathered and what types of information will not be collected
- Policies for downloading new applications and other tools
- Guidelines for how to handle employee termination, leave of absence, etc.
- What to do in case of loss or theft of a device
- Overall, the policy must explain what employees can and cannot do with a device
It may appear straightforward at first consideration, but securing all of your employees and their devices includes everything that connects to your network.
Special Considerations for BYOD
In recent years, many corporations appreciated the appeal of BYOD. Instead of purchasing and maintaining company-owned devices, the employee would have the benefit of using the device they preferred, a not-negligible perk in a talent shortage. But there are difficulties with BYOD, such as segregating corporate and personal applications and data and implementing company policies.
There are ways to address these challenges, such as through the right MDM solution that handles monitoring on user-owned devices. Some companies also utilize a tool called mobile application management (MAM) to allow security at the application level, removing the need for IT to comprehensively manage the device. Another option is app wrapping, which equips IT with the ability to enforce a container for mobile applications and apply security controls.
Benefits of MDM
The two key benefits you can expect with an MDM solution are risk mitigation and productivity improvements. It allows security policy upgrades and updates, and all maintenance to be handled by IT from a centralized dashboard.
Offering your employees a consistent and flexible work experience is a priority, but every company is going to have to confront the security risks of mobile devices. With the right MDM solution, you can eliminate many of the vulnerabilities and improve productivity for your security team. Contact us at Safari Solutions to find out how an MDM solution might fit into your overall strategy.
