Contact us anytime to know more — Kuldeep K., Founder & CEO CISIN
Undoubtedly, the rise of remote working and our collective desire to remain digitally connected has had a significant impact on how we accomplish tasks.
Employees are joining Zoom meetings as they run errands and prepare lunches. They also brush their teeth. It means that more people are working on more devices.
This presents a challenge for IT administrators who have to manage the activity.
Unfortunately, the convenience of network access comes at a price: mobile data breaches. Mobile device management solutions (MDM) are capable of blocking most attacks and provide the tools necessary to manage and support various types of devices regardless of where they are located.
This article will look into the importance of MDM and how it functions, as well as why some organizations find it difficult to give it a priority.
Before comparing MDM management options, we'll discuss the importance of mobile device security and the benefits that come with it. Mobile android Device Management: The Current Situation
According to Verizon's Mobile Security Index, 2021, 1 in 3 organizations that were surveyed reported data breaches due to mobile devices in 2020.
What's the worst part?
Best practices for mobile device management could have prevented many of these incidents. Verizon's report states:
"Mobile devices are vulnerable to the same types of attacks as other devices." Mobile users may be even more vulnerable to phishing and poorly coded websites.
There are mobile-specific vulnerabilities, such as malicious apps or rogue hotspots.
Answering the most common questions first.
What Is Mobile Device Management?
Mobile device management (MDM), also known as mobile device enrollment, configuration, and security, is the practice of enrolling portable devices, configuring them, and then securing them in the workplace.
MDM is not limited to smartphones. It also encompasses tablets and laptops.
MDM software is used by IT managers to customize settings on mobile devices, enforce policies for users, and improve cybersecurity.
MDM is a software and IT management solution.
MDM platforms come in different forms and support different devices, operating systems, and capabilities. All MDM platforms can be divided into two categories: cloud MDM and on-premise MDM.
Common MDM tasks:
- Install Applications
- Select your network preferences
- Activate User Accounts
- Find out about permissions
- Decommission devices
Continue reading to find out more about MDM and its benefits.
Benefits of Mobile Device Management
Reduced security breaches are one of the main reasons for implementing mobile device control. Most organizations reap additional benefits by implementing MDM programs.
MDM offers many security-related benefits/advantages.
- Less likely that you will encounter costly breaches.
- Remotely scans users, devices, and applications for threats.
- Backup data to ensure that you don't lose important information.
- Automatic deletion of temporary storage queues is offered to reduce clutter and free up space.
- Administrators can dictate when updates will be installed on devices.
- Secure communication between employees using encrypted communication.
- Improved onboarding for new employees.
- Safeguards bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies.
Analysts expect MDM to continue growing in demand. Experts predict that the global MDM market will grow by 24% to $4,5 billion by 2028.
How Does Mobile Device Management Software Work?
Platforms differ in the initial configuration of mobile device management software.
For most MDMs, the initial setup begins by enrolling the single devices into the software or the server.
According to the MDM software solution chosen, devices can be added manually or via QR codes, NFC chips, email, or SMS.
Once devices have been enrolled, admins can log in to their MDM portals and get a bird's eye view of the situation.
IT admins use their management consoles in order to push configurations, applications, and device updates to enrolled devices via the Internet (OTA). You can walk through the MDM simulation to learn how to set up configurations.
MDM software (server) is a technical term for sending out commands to the devices via the APIs built into the operating system.
Cost of Mobile Device Management
A survey conducted in 2021 revealed that 47% of small- and midsize businesses (SMEs) intend to increase their spending on mobile technologies.
58% plan to increase their expenditure on remote management.
IT managers today are faced with the enormous responsibility of reducing spending on their departments in light of inflation, supply-chain issues, and competing requests for budgets.
Managers need to optimize their budgets while maintaining their operations.
The good news: Now, user-based pricing can be accessed by budgets of any size. MDM trial versions are available for free to admins who want to try out the system before committing.
The cisin cloud directory platform is perfect for organizations that want to consolidate Identity and Access Management (IAM), with MDM, without having to break the bank.
As part of our general device management functionality, we offer macOS and Windows MDM as native capabilities. Administrators also get group policy features, ad-hoc command execution, and a convenient SSO mechanism.
Deploying any new technology has its own challenges. We'll take a look at some of the common roadblocks that IT teams need to be aware of when upgrading MDM systems.
The Challenges of Mobile Device Management
To make the most of any managed enterprise mobility management, administrators must be aware of the costs, challenges, and use cases.
It is obvious that failing to manage remote devices effectively poses security risks. But what does this mean?
Here are some of the most common challenges in managing mobile devices:
Network Access Control
Employees want to use company-issued mobile devices as well as their own. It is difficult to control network access with this hybrid approach.
To ensure that employees can work, they must have access to the company's systems, apps, and data. This should be done while maintaining security.
It's not really a business without people doing work! Most IT managers struggle to balance practicality and security.
Fortunately, tools like the cisin cloud directory's network access control (NAC) allow administrators to enforce security policies, which both users and devices are required to comply with in order to gain access.
Data Security
Personal mobile devices and virtual environments: another headache? Cybercriminals can infiltrate systems more easily by connecting more devices to a network.
Smartphones and tablets are more vulnerable to malware attacks than laptops and desktops. This is because their anti-malware protection is often less thorough.
Laptops and desktops, on the other hand, are still the main vehicles through which people do their work and so continue to be the primary target for criminal organizations, despite the gains made in endpoint protection. MDM can also help businesses secure their mobile environments and plug data gaps across different device types.
This is achieved by segregating personal and corporate profiles from personal mobile devices. Data encryption is also automated, as are "lock and delete" features that ensure data does not fall into the wrong hands in case devices get lost or stolen.
User Experience
Admins should also take into account the user's experience when managing mobile. MDMs that severely restrict certain device functionality can frustrate workers.
For example, a setting that is too vigilant could flag software that workers use to complete daily tasks as "vulnerable" if it is frequently used.
This could encourage workers who depend on the software to accomplish daily tasks to jailbreak their devices.
It's important to think about how your employees will feel before selecting an MDM solution and if it will affect their productivity and device performance.
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Immigration
A company may need to upgrade its MDM at some point. Software migration is a challenge, regardless of whether the motivation for the change stems from a desire to upgrade or reduce costs.
Admins often underestimate the time required to find, migrate and organize data in a new system. In addition to being cautious not to corrupt or lose data, organizations must also consider the resources needed to change direction.
Our IT experts suggest preparing months in advance for the migration. Create a plan in writing, form a task force, and make sure everyone knows their responsibilities.
BYOD Policies
In 2018, BYOD was a part of the policies of more than 75% of organizations. With the advent of digital workspaces, personal devices are increasingly being used at work.
Supporting all these devices is a huge challenge. Remote employees are constantly onboarding new devices and discarding old ones.
It's also nearly impossible to keep pace with the introduction of new mobile technologies and devices in the market!
Few organizations have BYOD policies that are effective. Why? Before investing in a platform for BYOD, many admins believed that MDM software would automatically take care of it.
This is not true.
Lack of Skilled Workers
According to the World Economic Forum, only 27% of small and 29% of large enterprises have the digital talent needed to fill open roles.
The problem isn't a lack of technology but a lack of talent. One of the biggest obstacles companies face when deploying MDM solutions is the lack of IT staff to do the job.
All of these challenges are easily overcome when you have the right MDM software, strategies, and policies at your disposal.
Let's get started.
Best Practices in Virtual Device Management
Use these best practices to manage mobile devices for a smooth deployment.
What Are Your MDM Needs?
You should first identify the devices that you will be managing and determine your needs. During the initial assessment, you should ask yourself:
- What type of devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones) will you be managing?
- What is their primary operating system (Windows, macOS or Linux, Android, and/or iOS/iPadOS?
- How many devices do we have in our environment today?
- What tasks can workers complete with the device?
- What applications will they require for specific tasks, and what are the most appropriate ones?
- What devices are currently connected to the current network?
- What are the areas that we must improve?
You can only plan MDM when you have answered these questions.
Automate to Save Time
Automation is a time-saver, but it also reduces security risks and simplifies MDM. Software with advanced reporting capabilities that alert admins to business policy violations immediately is a good choice.
Depending on the severity of the controlled breach, such violations should result in automatic device locking, selective wipe data, or other appropriate actions.
Automated reports make it easier to analyze and retrieve data in order to make informed decisions.
Enforce Strong Password/MFA Policies
Enforce strict policies for passwords and multi-factor verification (MFA). This is the first step in securing sensitive data and mobile devices by making sure only authorized employees can access them.
Consider these basic guidelines for password policies:
- Where possible, use complex passwords.
- Use and sharing of passwords are prohibited.
- Minimum and maximum password age can be set.
- To ensure that password complexity and variety needs are met, require the use of a password manager.
The easiest way to improve mobile security is to update your organization's policies on passwords.
Backup your Files and Data
Backups are not necessary for 50% of users and 10% of organizations. This statistic is extremely alarming, considering that 68% of users lose their data because of accidental deletion, software failures, hardware failures, or outdated backups.
Create standard operating procedures for backing up data and files automatically. Modern MDM systems like Cisin use cloud storage, which is also used for automated backups.
Update Applications, Whitelist and Blacklist them, or Both
Updating software is another essential part of MDM. Software updates are essential to a healthy IT environment, as they reduce vulnerabilities and make it harder for cybercriminals to infiltrate the network.
To improve network security, consider restricting rooting devices and allowing only approved apps to be used by the company.
Blacklist all relevant unauthorized apps.
Update Your Systems Regularly
Operating systems and applications that are up-to-date can only be as good as they are. Don't forget your OS. In addition to slowing down software, outdated systems can create a bad user experience.
A cumbersome UX can lead to unproductive downtime.
Gather Support
Most of the time, it is easy to set up an MDM. It doesn't necessarily mean that you won't face unforeseen problems in the future.
Before choosing a vendor, make sure your IT department can access support services.
In addition, ensure that the mobile platform provides support for any MDM pain points, both before and during installation.
You can work hand-in-hand with a reliable MDM vendor's resellers, carriers, managed service providers, or other strategic partners to get the most out of your platform.
They will complement the efforts of your own IT team.
Regular Safety Training for Employees
Each MDM solution has its own unique design. Before installation, make sure all users are familiar with the features of your platform and how they operate.
You can arrange for the vendor's employees to attend a training session.
Remind team members about security policies, safe practices, and the MDM after installation. Include policies on mobile device management company manuals and new employee orientation.
As technology and security advances change, your training should also evolve.
Review MDM policies, and train employees to update their knowledge regularly.
Read More: Different Technologies That Are Employed In Mobile App Development
MDM Comparisons
It may seem like an oversimplification, but buying snacks is similar to choosing any software. When navigating the aisles, grocery shoppers can feel overwhelmed.
Barry Schwartz, a psychologist, and author, calls it "the paradox of choice."
Shoppers are paralyzed by indecision when confronted with a multitude of brands, all of which claim to offer the same service.
Fast-growing startups have been known to choose software platforms before considering all their needs.
Each vendor has a specific capability for specific needs, wants, and concerns. Final purchase decisions will be influenced by the unique "snacking preference." Some MDM tools only cover basic security features, while others offer extra layers of protection.
MDM Features
You'll probably come across the following features:
- Passwords must meet security requirements
- Basic Settings (e.g., locking screens)
- App restrictions and permissions
- Location tracking
- Remote locking and wiping
- Forced Updates
- Data encryption
MDM solutions tend to be system-independent. Intune and Jamf are both used in heterogeneous environments.
The different needs of an organization can often be met by using multiple MDM tools. Each operating system/device model is matched with a specific tool.
Even if you don't like the features or the upfront cost, choosing a solution that supports heterogeneous environments can be beneficial in the long run.
When weighing your options, you should consider the challenges that you are trying to solve, what devices and OSs need to be managed, and if you prefer a comprehensive solution or a point solution.
Find out how to compare MDM software.
Here are the main categories of MDM solutions.
Windows MDM
Windows MDM solutions can simplify the management of Windows devices through monitoring, auditing, and securing them.
Windows MDMs allow administrators to easily enroll devices, assign user accounts, distribute content and apps, and enforce security policies. Microsoft Intune and Azure Active Directory Device Management are both worth considering for those who oversee Windows-only environments.
Apple MDM
Apple devices were not widely used in sectors other than education and creative industries until the 2010s. Admins did not give Mac device management much thought.
Security risks from a few employee-owned devices appeared to be minimal. This is no longer true. Apple devices now outnumber Windows in many modern organizations.
Apple has made several improvements to its security in recent years. These include enhancements that improve user privacy as well as organizational transparency.
It's still recommended that administrators use Apple MDM vendors in order to safeguard data both on-prem and in the cloud.
Jamf MDM is recommended for users who are looking for basic Mac device management. cisin Directory is recommended for those who want to combine MDM and identity and instant access (IAM) management in a heterogeneous corporate network.
Cisin, an Apple-certified MDM provider, provides macOS deployment through its Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP).
Linux MDM
Linux OS is still a key part of IT administrators' entire device fleets, even though it only represents 2.2% of global OS sales.
Many organizations face a major challenge in managing Linux devices.
Verify that all systems and servers are patched. Also, ensure that processes are working as intended. Log files should be rotated, and the users assigned to each device are correct.
Linux virtual device administration is a difficult task that only a select few IT administrators want to take on. The right Linux MDM software can make device administration possible for the majority of administrators.
Open Source MDM
There are several high-quality MDM open-source solutions available today. Open-source MDMs are often chosen by small and medium-sized business systems (SMEs) with limited budgets.
Open-source platforms are available for free and offer a wide range of customization options. Open source platforms often require a larger time investment for initial setup.
MDM solutions for the categories above were available only in on-premise versions, which made it difficult to manage both on-prem as well as off-prem devices.
The growing trend of remote work has led to MDM solutions being compatible with heterogeneous environments.
You won't be shocked to learn that we are big fans of cloud computing platforms. Cloud software offers a significant reduction in time and cost compared to traditional alternatives.
On-premise servers require more work, longer timelines, and more expensive costs for IT teams.
Most virtual device management software still does not allow for comprehensive device management features, despite recent advances in the market.
cisin is the only solution for this. Do you love history? Continue reading to find out more about the evolution of mobile device management.
Mobile Device Management: The Evolution of Mobile Device Management
In 2001, several important events occurred: Nickelback released their worst-ever one-hit-wonder. Apple launched a revolutionary iTunes service.
SOTI was the first mobile management tool to gain real traction with techies. MDM really took off only after mobile devices became mainstream in 2010.
Mobile device management has steadily improved over the past decade.
The organizations could manage the entire device lifecycle, including asset management and configuration management.
Remote wipes were also possible. The market was dominated by Microsoft OS, despite Apple and Linux's small percentage of devices.
Microsoft Windows Active Directory quickly became the de facto premise-based system for managing group company policy, controlling user accounts, and centralizing data management.
MDM solutions have evolved over the past decade to include features such as:
- Containerization: As more organizations implement BYOD, MDM expands to separate personal assets from corporate assets on one device. This prevents IT admins from violating the privacy of their employees, while corporate assets (apps or data) cannot be accessed and used without proper authentication.
- Mobile Content Management (MCM): Also known as mobile application management (MAM), is an additional feature of modern MDM solutions that helps organizations control and manage the distribution and deployment, purchase, and management of bulk apps. MCM facilitates the secure and seamless sharing of data and content across all managed devices.
- Data Wipe and Remote Control: IT administrators can wipe sensitive data in the event of theft or loss before thieves steal it. This allows companies to maintain the integrity and security of their assets.
MDM is influenced by emerging trends such as security issues with the Internet of Things devices (IoT), deep packet inspection for malicious traffic, and device configurations that vary.
MDM solutions will become more agile and powerful.
MDM Today: Heterogeneous Environments
Apple and Microsoft developed MDMs to support iOS and macOS, and Google created MDMs for Android.
Unfortunately, these solutions are not up to the standards of today's workplace. As a result, orchestration, software metering, and third-party integration were included.
Simply put, being a Windows-centric workspace is not a given.
The number of companies switching to cloud-based apps, remote work policies, and BYOD continues to grow at an astonishing rate.
According to Upwork, by 2028, there will be 73% of teams with remote employees. Remote policies can be beneficial for productivity, but they can also lead to data breaches.
Cloud-based MDM is the best solution for heterogeneous and remote environments. cisin Directory streamlines MDM with its architecture, which allows IT admins to make entire fleet-wide configurations settings to multiple operating systems and devices from a single console.
Securely connect with any resource by using Google Workspace or Cisin.
Integration of Cloud Identity Management with MDM
Identity and Access Management (IAM) is an aspect of device administration that's often overlooked. Microsoft used to separate Directory Services, which was IAM in its old days, from Systems Management.
Cloud identity management solutions are integrating device management behind one pane of transparent glass as organizations continue their transition to the cloud.
Cisin's cloud platform offers an MDM solution that is easy to use, as well as IAM, MFA, and SSO. What is the result? The result? A reduction in the number of tools, resulting in time and cost savings.
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Consolidate MDM using Cisin Cloud Directory
Cisin iOS Device Management allows IT administrators to manage mobile device policies such as COD or BYOD without any stress.
The cloud-based single platform also combines IAM, MFA, and SSO capabilities with its MDM solution.
Securing mobile devices within a Zero Trust framework has just become a whole lot easier. Cisin is a great way to learn more about managing mobile devices.
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