Mobile device management (MDM) was one of the most important and commonly used technologies in 2022, but that doesn’t mean everyone understands it. MDM is not just about mobile phones anymore. It has become a broad term for various types of device management. For example, it could mean managing some employee devices on a business network. For other users, it could be managing dedicated devices across a fleet.
According to a report from Globe Newswire, the mobile device management market is expected to reach USD 24,161.1 million, at a prolific CAGR of 28.2% from 2019 to 2027. Based on this report, the advantages of MDM have enhanced device security which is monumental to MDM solutions’ rising popularity. Additionally, there will be a rise in security issues in the future, and businesses will look for such solutions to secure business-critical data.
In this blog, you will find the answers to all questions about your business’s mobile device management and best practices.
What is Mobile Device Management?
Mobile Device Management (MDM) software is used by businesses to remotely monitor, manage, and safeguard devices of all types, including all mobile devices. Just like a store manager checks over store employees, a user with MDM software can watch over and control all kinds of mobile devices in an organization.
MDM can oversee more than mobile devices. It is possible to use MDM technology to supervise smartphones, tablets, desktops, and almost any type of electronic device. Hence, it is a brilliant idea for virtually any organization to adopt an MDM software.
It is important to note that MDM technology is more critical now than before. Employees worldwide are steadily going mobile, and mobile devices have become crucial to all jobs. As a result, organizations need intelligent ways to manage, monitor, and safeguard these mobile devices efficiently.
Mobile Device Management Best Practices
If you are planning to implement an MDM solution in your organization, it is best to follow these MDM best practices before making an informed decision:
Leverage Compatibility
Some users like Android, while others are fans of iOS. In light of the popularity of Android and iOS among users, an MDM solution must also support Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Moreover, an MDM solution can easily distinguish between the devices owned by employees and the company. Businesses can easily use this data to align mobile device policies accordingly.
Make Use of Passcode Policies
When discussing office devices like smartphones, tablets, or laptops, you always expect employees to use secure passwords. It is an essential step in safeguarding the data on their device. Unfortunately, it is also true for mobile devices, which can be even more exposed as your staff works on the go and in not-so-secure environments.
Some of the best mobile device management practices for passwords are:
- Ensuring that all employees use secure passcodes that only they would know.
- Ensuring that there is a secure passcode for each device and application. Employees need to enter a secure passcode to sign in successfully.
- Using security options like face authenticators and two-step authentication when possible.
- Enforcing passcode complexity and periodic password changes
Learn More: Passcode Policies To Manage a Remote WorkforceTimely Updates
Hackers are generally well-updated on security issues or loopholes in the system. If any of your mobile devices or applications are not updated, you are jeopardizing your entire organization to a cyberattack. Get in touch with your team when a device has released a new update, so they are faster to apply it on their mobile devices. Moreover, motivate them to check their devices to see if any applications need to be updated.
Monitor Applications and Settings
As it is essential to have a well-written plan for using all mobile devices, it is also critical to monitor the applications downloaded and used by employees. More often than not, you will find cases of hackers successfully accessing mobile devices using unsafe applications. Some simple ways to figure out if they are safe or not are:
- Do trusted companies develop these applications?
- Do these applications include safety features like two-factor authentication for added safety?
- Does the application have good reviews from trusted sources?
It is recommended that businesses must limit the number of applications accessed by employees. But should the applications be downloaded if they follow the above guidelines and are helpful for the company?
Fortunately, now it is possible to set up restrictions on your mobile devices to block application downloads unless the IT team approves them. By doing so, no employee can ever expose your business’s critical data. To do this efficiently, it is best to chat with an IT expert to create a list of safe and appropriate applications for your business and employees.
Learn More: Application WhitelistingAvoid Insecure Networks
Irrespective of your work location, connecting to an insecure network is not a bright idea. Hackers are known to break into computer systems simply by associating with the same network, which often happens on public networks. One safe practice followed by IT security specialists is to connect to secure networks that can be accessed only by your internal teams. The same criteria must be followed for any mobile device, whether used on the go or from the premises of your office building.
Investing in a VPN (a virtual private network) will make it easier for you and your team. Irrespective of their location, employees would be able to access this network. The power of a VPN is that it is private and protected, which means only your employees can sign in. In addition, it reduces the possibilities of external hacking and ensures the security of all mobile devices.
Report Lost Devices Instantly
Some mobile devices are easier to lose or misplace, especially as your team members take them from one place to another. In addition, it is embarrassing for a person to lose their mobile device, especially if they are stressed about how a manager will react. Due to this fear, the employee might wait to report the lost device, hoping they can recover it.
But the time lost in that process is critical. With every passing minute, there is a rising possibility that your organization’s data can be hacked or stolen. Therefore, it is best to motivate your employees not to worry and report stolen devices when they realize they are gone. The ideal way to do this is by reassuring them they won’t be penalized. Moreover, it is important to explain to employees the consequences of potentially stolen data as soon as possible instead of waiting in the hope that they might find the device back.
Learn More: Protect Corporate Data on Lost DevicesComprehensive Backup
If you follow a BYOD (bring your own device) policy in your organization, there is a possibility that some of your organization’s data is distributed amongst various employee mobile devices. If something happens to that device, you might lose this data. It is possible to protect this valuable business data by taking periodic backups to the cloud.
Final Thoughts
The mobile device management process can be overwhelming, no matter how crucial. As far as mobile device management is concerned, there are multiple steps to be considered, and when you have hundreds of employees, it is possible to lose track of all mobile devices. Nevertheless, contemporary IT teams focus on mobile device management as their primary IT practice. As soon as you understand the intricacies of mobile device management, you have taken a comprehensive step to improve your organization.
By using MDM solutions efficiently, it is possible to mitigate any type of security threat. Businesses can easily streamline managing and securing applications, manage access to business-critical data, and improve productivity.
Proper evaluation of BYOD programs makes it easy to determine which MDM is right for your business. Contact us today to get started if you are looking for a well-rounded MDM.
