By Aleke Francis AO
Mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, have become essential tools for many organizations and their employees. They enable remote work, enhance collaboration, and improve efficiency. However, they also pose significant security risks, as they can access sensitive corporate data and networks. Therefore, organizations need to implement mobile device management (MDM) to secure, monitor, and manage their mobile devices.
What is mobile device management?
Mobile device management (MDM) is a type of security software that enables organizations to control data, configuration settings, and applications on all mobile devices used within a company or organization. MDM can also remotely provision, service, wipe, and lock devices, and protect them from malware and other cyberthreats.
MDM relies on two components: an MDM server management console, which is stored in an organization’s data center and allows administrators to configure, manage, and enforce policies; and an MDM agent, which receives and implements these policies on users’ devices. Policies are applied using application programming interfaces (APIs) that are built into the device’s operating system.
Why is mobile device management important?
Mobile device management is important for several reasons:
1. It protects the corporate network and data from unauthorized access, leakage, or theft. MDM can encrypt data, enforce strong passwords, restrict app downloads, and block malicious websites. For example, MDM can prevent employees from accessing personal email or social media accounts on their work devices, or from copying confidential files to external storage devices.
2. MDM allows employees to use their own devices (bring your own device, or BYOD) for work purposes, which can increase productivity, satisfaction, and cost savings. MDM can separate personal and work data, and provide role-based access to enterprise resources. For example, MDM can enable employees to access their work email, calendar, and contacts on their personal smartphones, while keeping their personal photos, messages, and apps private.
3. It simplifies the management of a large and diverse fleet of devices, which can vary in type, operating system, and ownership. MDM can automate device enrollment, inventory, updates, and troubleshooting. For example, MDM can detect and enroll new devices as soon as they connect to the corporate network, and push software updates and patches to all devices at once.
4. MDM supports compliance with industry standards and regulations, such as HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS. MDM can audit device usage, generate reports, and apply compliance policies. For example, MDM can ensure that devices used in the healthcare sector comply with HIPAA requirements for data privacy and security, and that devices used in the retail sector comply with PCI DSS requirements for payment card data protection.
How to implement mobile device management?
To implement mobile device management, organizations need to follow these steps:
1. Assess the current state of mobile devices and their usage in the organization. Identify the types, numbers, and owners of devices, the applications and data they access, and the security and compliance requirements they need to meet.
2. Choose an MDM solution that suits the organization’s needs and budget. Compare different vendors and features, and select the one that offers the best functionality, scalability, and support. Some of the best MDM solutions available in the market are SOTI MobiControl, VMware AirWatch, ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus, IBM MaaS360, Citrix XenMobile, Microsoft Intune, AppTec360 Enterprise Mobility Management, and Baramundi Management Suite.
3. Define and communicate the MDM policies and procedures to the employees. Explain the benefits and risks of using mobile devices for work, the roles and responsibilities of the users and administrators, and the consequences of non-compliance.
4. Deploy and configure the MDM software on the devices and the server. Follow the vendor’s instructions and best practices, and test the functionality and performance of the MDM solution.
5. Monitor and maintain the MDM system and the devices. Review the device status, usage, and security reports, and update the MDM software and policies as needed.
In summary, Mobile device management is a vital component of a secure and productive workforce. By implementing MDM, organizations can protect their network and data, enable BYOD, simplify device management, and support compliance. MDM requires careful planning, selection, deployment, and maintenance, but the benefits outweigh the challenges.
Aleke Francis AO is a Cybersecurity expert, CyberThreat Intelligence Analyst, Researcher and an InfoTech blogger, a Team Lead InfoTech News Hauz & CyberTech Tips – afraexkonsult@gmail.com, 08062062303