Contact us anytime to know more — Kuldeep K., Founder & CEO CISIN
MDM can increase employee productivity while simultaneously improving compliance in workplaces with multiple access to sensitive data.
MDM serves two critical goals in these environments - to enhance mobile device functionality and security within an organization and help meet regulatory compliance requirements, respectively. Read further to gain more insight into its importance for your company as well as any best practices you should implement for it.
Companies need a means of protecting both devices and data while increasing productivity in an age when mobiles dominate the workplace.
Mobile device management tools (MDMs) offer powerful security features combined with performance-boosting abilities in one convenient package - giving organizations access to comprehensive policies for corporate mobile devices while at the same time giving employees more tools for productivity. This blog provides comprehensive coverage of MDM technology - its concept, features, and benefits are discussed thoroughly herein.
What Is Mobile Device Management (MDM)
MDM stands for Mobile Device Management - the practice of overseeing mobile devices accessing corporate networks and data from smartphones, laptops, and other portable devices with the proper application of security policies to protect tablets, laptops, and smartphones connected to them from cyber-attack.
Specifically designed to support small business owners looking for protection against potential data security risks by monitoring all accesses made possible to them and decreasing potential cyber threats, perfect for keeping all information protected with limited exposure for cybercriminals.
Business environments increasingly favor mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops due to their flexibility.
By 2023 wireless and mobile devices are projected to account for 71% of IP traffic versus 29% from wired devices.
As this convenience can also come with security risks, administrators must ensure all devices and apps used remotely are updated with patches to protect from vulnerabilities even when used remotely.
What will happen if one device gets lost or stolen, and what can be done about this situation? Businesses need a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution in place to effectively address risks while increasing user productivity while decreasing security threats.
Why Is Mobile Device Management Necessary
Even companies with less than 100 employees often connect multiple devices daily. Over the last five years, there has been an exponential increase in devices per user, and MDM allows IT administrators to effectively oversee them while keeping budget and resource expenditure under control.
Technicians can leverage MDMs to easily implement security policies across all mobile devices within their corporate environment - including personal mobiles enrolled in Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).
An MDM provides technicians with a full view of IT infrastructure, making devices connected almost instantaneously discoverable by technicians for remote configuration or security policy deployment purposes; settings may also be changed remotely and password reset, glitches diagnosed quickly and security issues rectified instantly.
At any rate, IT administrators need to keep devices operating smoothly by handling tickets, updating operating systems and applications, and other forms of maintenance work - not unlike what MDM software enables them to accomplish! Updating applications allows users to take advantage of newer technology while increasing user experiences.
How Does Mobile Device Management Work
When new employees join an organization, MDM programs are automatically enabled on all of their devices- whether rented from or owned by them- via an automated process.
Step one involves remotely installing an MDM Agent onto each of them. Next step: the IT department configures each of them according to established security protocols - such as installing necessary work applications and configuring passwords as part of this process.
How does MDM keep an eye on policy breaches? IT departments receive notifications whenever a user violates security protocols by accessing blocked websites or applications or engaging in suspicious activities like unauthorized access; alerts also serve to warn administrators when alarms are triggered, so immediate steps may be taken remotely to resolve an issue before further harm arises to business operations.
Once alarms have been raised remotely by administrators, they can take immediate steps remotely to address potential damage; additionally, sensitive data stored on stolen or lost devices can be remotely erased so it does not fall into the wrong hands.
How does IT manage multiple devices simultaneously? IT teams create user groups based on various criteria, including access rights. This allows them to deploy updates across large numbers of devices swiftly within seconds.
What Is Mobile Device Management Software (MDM)
MDM software enables companies to track and manage all mobile devices within an organization centrally.
Automating routine tasks, like patching or monitoring, can reduce errors significantly while saving IT teams valuable time in performing these essential functions. MDMs are commonly utilized by IT teams for these functions:
- Manage, monitor, and secure devices remotely and distribute applications, content, and updates promptly.
- Keep an inventory of the software, hardware, and applications that are in use. What cannot be seen can't be managed.
- Separating the network of the company into subnets and spreading data over them. It reduces both internal and external risks, as employees have only access to necessary data.
- Connectivity to the home network or to other networks is ensured by a robust Virtual Private Network (VPN).
- Tracking devices allow data to be recovered and wiped in the event of a lost or stolen device.
- Facilitating flexible working environments for your employees so that they can work anywhere and without hassle.
- BYOD can boost employee productivity.
Features To Consider When Choosing A Software For Managing Mobile Devices
Before selecting mobile device management software, it's crucial to keep these factors in mind:
Data and Device Security
Protecting sensitive information against malicious hackers and unauthorized access requires data encryption - both during transmission as well as storage on devices.
Security on devices is also vitally important. To achieve this goal, companies can require users to set strong passwords and utilize biometric access whenever available.
Even with preventive measures in place, devices may still become lost or experience security breaches despite our best efforts; when this occurs, your MDM should include a mechanism allowing remote wipes of all sensitive company secrets for maximum peace of mind.
Integration and Management of Apps
Application management involves the distribution, configuration, and update of work applications on corporate devices as well as tracking user data.
App management automates onboarding new users while still giving current ones access to all approved apps at all times - ultimately helping increase productivity, streamline operations, and propel your business growth! A good MDM should harness integration's power to boost productivity, streamline operations and grow the bottom line for their benefit!
Access Management
Access management aims to safeguard systems and data by controlling access. Your MDM should assist in doing just this - by keeping everything confidential while permitting only authorized individuals access:
- Access and Identity Management: This involves granting users access to networks, devices, and data based on their profiles. MDM allows administrators to control access by defining roles and permissions for users. This ensures sensitive data is protected.
- Profile management: MDM Solutions simplify the device enrolment and streamline role assignments so that IT administrators can efficiently deploy policies across entire user groups. This increases operational efficiency.
- Secure Network Access: MDM Solutions bolster network safety by using VPN technology. All data sent over a network is then encrypted and protected from hackers.
Content Management
Your MDM should enable you to automate all stages of content creation, distribution, and archiving from creation through creation to distribution and archive.
Features like version control, document tracking, and access controls must also be part of a solution as they allow organizations to track changes/revisions with full audit trails that ensure data integrity as well as quickly identify and resolve content-related problems rapidly.
Configuration Management
MDM tools offer features and restrictions designed to protect corporate data and devices and enforce corporate policies.
MDM should enable IT administrators to remotely administer mobile devices by installing essential settings like VPN, Wi-Fi, and user profiles remotely on mobile phones.
As another means of increasing productivity while protecting against distractions or unauthorized access, setting your device to single-app mode or kiosk mode will guarantee its exclusive use for business-related tasks and not personal ones.
This feature increases both productivity and security - increasing both in tandem.
BYOD Support
Bring Your Device (BYOD) has become increasingly popular within companies due to the advantages it can bring for onboarding staff quickly and increasing productivity.
MDM solutions should allow companies to fully take advantage of BYOD without jeopardizing security or control measures; an MDM solution should enable the creation of an extensive BYOD Policy outlining expectations as well as guidelines aimed at safeguarding sensitive information while encouraging efficient work practices.
Inventory, Monitoring & Diagnostics
Device inventory allows for efficient tracking of all company-owned devices as well as those belonging to individual users, with details like specs, location, warranty status, and security settings all contributing to an accurate record of device use.
Administrators can utilize device monitoring to ensure devices are only being used for business-related uses and not personal ones, preventing resource strain due to excessive usage.
Additional capabilities exist, such as location restrictions that limit device functionality within specific geographic areas or company networks and network restrictions that restrict device functionality within defined geographical regions or company networks for added security purposes.
Device diagnostics enable administrators to remotely diagnose devices to ensure productivity is not interrupted during any interruption in productivity.
Updates, Remote Maintenance & Patches
An MDM is essential in this age of hybrid working and 24/7 availability, enabling over-the-air updates, device configuration, and diagnostics allowing your company to optimize operations while decreasing downtime costs by decreasing operational inefficiency and downtime costs.
Technical Support and Training
Consider which devices and operating system types the solution supports beyond Apple products and iOS; Android, Windows, and other OS are ideal options to consider when searching for MDM solutions.
Furthermore, ensure remote troubleshooting capabilities so your MDM doesn't remain offline for hours at a time; in-person evaluation should also take place, as carefully assessing all these factors is vital when finding an MDM that suits the requirements of your organization.
Reporting Administrator
A reporting function is central to maintaining data security in an MDM, monitoring user activity. Alerting administrators of suspicious uploads or downloads allows them to track potential breaches in data protection measures before sensitive information becomes compromised and take precautionary steps before sensitive material becomes vulnerable.
Reporting also gives visibility on user activities ensuring compliance with policies and guidelines.
What Role Does MDM Play In Compliance
Businesses have always prioritized protecting large volumes of customer information while complying with regulations like GDPR or KYC (Know Your Customer); however, with these mandates comes an added legal responsibility of keeping that data protected and secure.
Your company must comply with regulatory requirements in both B2B sales and B2C purchases. However, compliance can sometimes prove challenging due to various local laws; MDM can help simplify compliance efforts significantly.
MDM solutions should provide insights into how apps are utilized by devices and the information being accessed by them, helping keep both personal and corporate data separate while guaranteeing accurate audit trails.
Noncompliance among organizations can result in its demise, with costly effects - lawsuits and fines being just one possible result; stock values falling, certificate cancellation, or brand erosion being others that result.
MDM was required as protection from non-willful infractions which may otherwise lead to irreparable harm to an enterprise.
What Is MDM Compliance
Mobile device software (MDM) can either be found onsite or in the Cloud and allows your IT staff to remotely configure and manage work-related mobile devices that have been registered within their MDM system.
Doing this ensures all work-related mobiles meet compliance standards while helping facilitate device configurations remotely.
MDM servers send commands through APIs to devices. Businesses and organizations should find an equilibrium between protecting sensitive business data while still respecting employees' right to privacy and using privacy or compliance settings so as not to overreach and create mistrust between workers and IT administrators.
Read More: Guidelines for Managing the Security of Mobile Devices in the Enterprise
Compliance and MDM
How MDM Can Aid Compliance is of critical importance in any business of all sizes; MDM compliance serves a variety of roles for any organization requiring MDM services.
Device Control for Easier Management
Today's business environment can make managing all devices utilized for work challenging. MDM allows for easier device administration by monitoring any breaches in data protection policies that affect these devices - so your IT team can apply policies in one central place and allow better management.
Data Security
A business without proper mobile device management is vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Mobile Device Management protects both data and devices by overseeing all security measures; remote devices, in particular, should be considered more susceptible.
Passcodes and apps aligned to business standards can all help protect corporate data. Make sure your MDM is compliant when using its remote control feature to use any remote controls effectively.
Increased Productivity and Lower Business Costs
Mobile Device Management allows businesses to remotely oversee devices efficiently from a distance, saving both time and money through remote management of these devices from one central place.
MDM often does not involve massive investment or hiring of IT specialists - which saves both resources as well as money in hiring specialists.
MDM provides a management solution for multiple devices. The technology helps reduce errors and speed, leading to increased productivity for businesses as a whole.
Users also save time by accessing the data they require without calling IT departments directly for support or visiting physical offices for data retrieval purposes.
What Are The Similarities And Differences Between Mobile Device Management And Other Concepts?
Many similar terms can be confused with mobile device management, including enterprise mobility management and unified endpoints management.
In this section, we have clarified the difference between these concepts.
Mobile Application Management (MAM)
The MAM tool was developed to meet the demands of employees who use their devices for work. MAM is a tool that focuses on specific apps rather than the complete management and security of devices.
MAM solutions create an enterprise store and update only those apps that are in the store.
Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)
UEM, the next generation of endpoint management, helps companies centrally secure and manage all devices, such as desktops and laptops.
It also allows them to monitor and control mobile and IoT endpoints. This software provides control and visibility over your virtual environments (Cloud, Mobile, IoT, SNMP) and network devices.
It allows you to manage everything, streamline your IT operation, and get more done with less. It is simple to deploy a UEM solution, and scaling the tool becomes easier as you add more devices.
Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM)
EMM software was designed to address both businesses' increased security demands as well as employee demand for Bring Your Device (BYOD).
EMM tools provide various advantages by seamlessly integrating network directory services - these benefits include policy compliance, customization options, and data protection, while its ability to combine MDM/MAM functions is another significant feature.
What Is The Best Practice For Managing Mobile Devices?
What are the best practices for managing mobile devices? Here are five proven strategies for optimizing Mobile Device Management (MDM).
Implement Strong Policies
Organizations must create policies with solid rules on device use, password complexity, and data encryption, among others.
Furthermore, organizations should draft enrollment, update, management, and removal plans of devices or applications no longer needed, including those on "denylist."
Prioritize Password Security
Implement multi-factor authentication on all accounts and devices for added protection, while users should regularly change their passwords across accounts and devices.
Password expiration policies should also be enforced and access attempts monitored for signs of any unauthorized activity; password managers could help securely store and manage passwords while encouraging employees to utilize biometric authentication as another layer of defense.
Actively Monitor Devices
Review and update permissions regularly in order to make sure only authorized individuals can view data. Limiting how many apps users download while also verifying whether they meet allowlist criteria can reduce data security risks significantly.
Utilize a Backup Solution
Its Regular data and file backup is critical in protecting yourself against technical difficulties, crashes, or hacker attacks that disrupt work operations and ensure smooth work continuity for users.
With reliable backup solutions, you can recover quickly restoring any necessary files quickly to minimize disruption for smooth work continuity for employees.
User Experience is the Focus
Utilize MDM to strike the proper balance between providing users with a seamless user experience and monitoring device usage, thus motivating employees efficiently in an indirect but firm manner.
Regularly and Frequently Update
Regular and frequent updates Make sure all devices, including MDM, are regularly and frequently patched and updated, particularly those using BYODs that users are reluctant to update - such devices could leave vulnerabilities which cybercriminals could exploit quickly.
How Can Mobile Device Management Benefit You?
MDM offers various advantages that can contribute to an organization's overall success, making this form of device management invaluable for success.
Improved Security
Secure data networks and company information; Provide increased protection. Incorporate MDM solutions as an extra safeguard to defend against cyber attacks or bugs which might compromise them, protecting data networks and company information against potential intrusion attempts or breaches.
Secure containers that separate personal from company data is one way of increasing protection on mobile devices used both professionally and personally, such as MDM solutions that enforce application policies like deny hosts/allow lists; MDM solutions also detect malware/jailbreak attempts protecting you against potential security vulnerabilities on the device itself.
Productivity Is Increased
MDM unlocks employee productivity and efficiency instantly. Users can save time using pre-configured equipment without seeking IT support or setting up devices, helping maximize productivity quickly while getting up and running quickly.
MDM embraces BYOD (Bring Your Own Devices or CYOD), enabling employees to work in their comfort zones for maximum productivity - no need to navigate unfamiliar interfaces and search for files or folders. Technicians can focus on higher-level work while automating laborious monitoring/management tasks for mobile devices.
Cost Savings
MDM can be an essential solution for smaller and midsized businesses alike, providing them with a way to protect devices without incurring expensive IT support services costs or breaking their budgets.
MDM saves businesses money because it eliminates new devices being required as replacements; and makes device management simpler while safeguarding against potential threats.
Device and Application Control
MDM provides organizations with unprecedented visibility into the device landscape while simultaneously offering invaluable data that assists IT teams with understanding usage patterns, security levels, and levels effectively to minimize risk management requirements.
Compliance with Regulatory
MDM allows IT administrators to automate device scanning and deployment of security updates and patches - streamlining processes while helping ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA and CJIS.
How Can Mobile Device Management Be Improved?
While MDM offers numerous advantages to organizations when implemented and utilized correctly, organizations may encounter various hurdles during its deployment and usage.
Maintenance of BYOD
BYOD programs can increase productivity while decreasing costs, but maintaining them presents unique challenges.
When selecting an MDM to support BYOD devices for increased security and seamless integration with company resources for increased productivity and compliance purposes.
Increased Complexity
Complexity MDM software can be complex to set up and use. Proper installation and management require specialist knowledge; managing different ecosystems like iOS, Android and Windows increases complexity even further.
When selecting MDM software solutions that support multiple device platforms like iOS Android and Windows OS platforms it's essential that it offers user-friendly support, comprehensive coverage as well as cross-platform compatibility to avoid unneeded complexity in managing them effectively.
Privacy and User Friendliness
MDMs often lack intuitive user interfaces that make performing basic tasks such as app installation and backup difficult.
If this is the case for your organization, look for solutions with simpler approaches so your administrators can implement policies without disrupting user experience.
Integration and Management of Applications
Unauthorized app downloads can pose major cyber security threats. To reduce their effects, implement strict policies for downloading applications that pose minimal threat.
Only permit apps that pose minimal danger to your users - Apple, Google, or Microsoft may offer MDM features but may not support third-party applications, making this tradeoff undesirable and should be avoided whenever possible.
Conclusion
Businesses must leverage data to be more efficient and perform more effectively. MDM will assist in doing just this while adhering to all regulatory requirements.
Cyber Infrastructure Inc. can assist your company, whether considering MDM implementation for the first time or upgrading an existing system.
