What is mobile device management (MDM)?

While employees have taken to the post-pandemic trend of utilizing their own digital devices in the workplace, the risks inherent to any bring your own device (BYOD) policy have led to a need for mobile device management (MDM) solutions.

Organizations use MDM software to monitor and secure employees' remote devices, such as:

• Laptops
• Smartphones
• Tablets

Securing such devices is important: Security and data breaches, on a global average, cost $4.35 billion in 2022; MDM tools are therefore foundational to any secure modern digital workplace.

Let’s go over how MDM works, and how you can get the best out of your MDM security architecture.

The evolution of mobile device management (and EMM)

Mobile device management has had to keep pace with both the changing, decentralized nature of the workforce and the sophisticated and ever-shifting threats cybercriminals continually develop. One particular realm of MDM professionals focus on is enterprise mobile management (EMM).

EMM is about securing corporate data on both employee-owned and company-issued devices. This aligns nicely with employees’ anywhere-and-everywhere remote and hybrid work preferences while offering necessary device protection.

/blog/ios-remote-supportiPhone remote support continues to be important. Earlier EMM solutions, however, were device-focused at the expense of content and app security. That is changing: today’s EMM protocols more holistically serve an increasingly mobile digital workplace.

EMM servers today feature management overlay options aimed at OS-specific mobile devices. IT security professionals deliver mobile device support using EMM suites. They can do so remotely without trampling a company’s security policy.

EMM suites offer the following:

• App inventory
• Hardware inventory
• Mobile app deployment and configuration
• OS configuration management
• Policy and content management
• Remote troubleshooting, including remote locking and wiping

Before we go further, let’s clarify some key MDM terms.

Key MDM terms and definitions

• BYOD is when employees connect their own private digital devices to a secure workplace network.
• Content access offers support for back-end programs (such as SharePoint and Documentum), geography-based download restrictions, and login and download tracking.
• Mobile application management brings EMM to bear on device functionality. Some devices don’t offer such functionality. There are two dimensions:
  1. Preconfigured applications manage well-secured personal information and include a third-party-provided secure browser.
  2. Application extensions involve using a development kit (SDK) to apply security policies to apps.
• Mobile content management grants users permission and ability to access secure corporate files via their private mobile devices. This includes:
  1. Secure container: An app that allows clients to securely store content on their devices. The EMM server can enforce policies on authentication and download permissions. Content sources include: a) employee email, b) internally-shared content, and c) back-end repositories.
  2. Content push: Allows IT professionals to manage document versions and histories, and flag them when they’re about to go out-of-date.
  3. Remote monitoring and management (RMM): Software that helps IT professionals monitor remote client nodes and networks.

Components of an MDM strategy

Some key components of an effective MDM strategy include:

• Mobile device inventory: Identifying all mobile devices authorized to access company resources, tracked via a central MDM console.
• Device enrollment: Registering each mobile device with the MDM system and assigning appropriate security policies and configurations.
• Security policies: Defining and implementing policies to secure mobile devices and data, including password enforcement, encryption, and remote wipe capabilities.
• App management: Managing applications installed on mobile devices, including blacklisting risky apps.
• Content management: Managing documents, files, and multimedia accessed or shared on mobile devices, with access controls and storage management.
• Device monitoring: Monitoring device usage to detect threats or policy violations, and responding to incidents.
• Mobile expense management: Managing costs related to mobile usage, such as data, roaming, and upgrades, including cost controls and provider negotiations.

An effective MDM strategy allows IT teams to perform remote workforce management without interfering in day-to-day employee operations.

Why businesses need MDM

A company with multiple remote nodes — especially if employees aren’t adequately trained in cybersecurity — is less secure than a geographically-concentrated one.

A sobering fact: The Federal Communications Commission has even called cellphone theft an epidemic. Mobile device security challenges are more a matter of “when” than “if.” Establishing MDM protocols now prepares you BYOD policy and MDM

There are many tangible benefits of BYOD, including:

• Reduced equipment cost
• Increased employee efficiency and satisfaction
• Reduced office space requirements (if employees work remotely)
• Decreased IT staff burden, as employees maintain their own equipment

But, as is the case with anything, accompanying these benefits are concomitant risks. Foreign, employee-owned devices are security risks, plain and simple.

At least PCs and laptops tend to come with built-in malware and virus protection. Smartphones and tablets, not so much.

Recent trends in cybercrime have seen hackers go after workers’ remote devices because they are, generally speaking, less secure.

It is nearly impossible to enforce a ban on these devices, but there are options for businesses on a tight budget to maintain security.

Best practices for MDM

Here are some MDM best practices:

• Establish clear policies: Develop clear policies regarding mobile device use in the workplace, including device security, acceptable use, and data management.
• Enforce strong passwords: Require employees to use strong passwords and enforce regular changes to enhance security.
• Regularly update software: Keep all mobile devices updated with the latest patches to prevent vulnerabilities.
• Backup important data: Encourage regular backups to cloud storage or secure servers to minimize data loss.
• Monitor device usage: Monitor usage and enforce policies for unauthorized access or risky behavior.
• Provide training: Educate employees on secure device usage, including safe Wi-Fi practices and phishing awareness.
• Choose the right MDM solution: Evaluate MDM tools based on features like device enrollment, remote wipe, and app management.

What to look for in an MDM solution

MDM solutions vary, but essential criteria include:

• A cloud-based system for automatic updates
• Fully managed, 24/7 monitoring
• Remote configuration and monitoring
• Enforcement of passwords, blacklists, and other security policies
• Passcode enforcement and remote data wiping
• Geofencing to restrict access based on location
• Backup and restore functionality
• Logging and reporting for compliance
• Jailbreaking and rooting alerts
• Remote disconnection of unauthorized devices and apps
• Scalability

But it’s not just about a list of features. Consider real-life scenarios when evaluating MDM policies:

An employee is terminated; what happens to their device under company BYOD policy?

• Is access simply shut off to corporate systems?
• What happens to saved or cached business data on their device?
• How is business data separated from personal data?

Before choosing any MDM solution, these policies must be clearly defined. Additional factors include:

Architecture

Cloud services are increasingly popular, but many organizations still prefer on-premise or hybrid solutions. Consider your infrastructure preferences when selecting an MDM solution.

Direction

MDM solutions evolve constantly. Stay informed about trends and align your strategy with current and future organizational needs.

Integration

An MDM solution should integrate with existing security and management workflows. The right tool enhances both security and efficiency, enabling centralized control and monitoring.

MDM, BYOD, and the future of remote access

Many businesses are just beginning to recognize the importance of protecting employee-owned mobile devices from cyber threats. Both large enterprises and SMBs need a solid MDM policy.

Employee-owned mobile device usage is now a permanent part of the workplace. Help clients develop a plan to manage these devices before misuse compromises digital security.

Every business has different data-management needs. IT teams should offer flexible, customizable MDM solutions. To see how mobile device support can help your techs solve issues quickly, start your free ScreenConnect trial today.