As mobiles are now part of business, securing and managing them is key.
The right Mobile Device Management (MDM) software will help you protect your data, simplify device management, and boost productivity by managing and securing mobile devices in the workplace.
But with so many options out there, choosing the right MDM for your business can be tough.
This post will cover the features, benefits and things to consider to help you pick the MDM that’s right for you.
Understanding Mobile Device Management
Mobile device management (MDM) is a critical aspect of modern IT infrastructure, enabling organisations to secure, manage, and monitor their mobile devices. MDM solutions provide a centralised platform for IT administrators to configure, manage, and secure mobile devices, ensuring they comply with company policies and regulations. With the increasing use of mobile devices in the workplace, MDM has become essential for protecting sensitive data, preventing security breaches, and improving employee productivity.
By implementing a robust MDM solution, businesses can gain control over their mobile devices, ensuring that they are used securely and efficiently. This includes managing device settings, deploying apps, and enforcing security policies. MDM solutions also offer features like remote control and troubleshooting, making it easier for IT teams to support a dispersed workforce. In essence, MDM is the backbone of a secure and productive mobile environment.
Assessing Your Mobile Device Needs
Before selecting an MDM solution, it’s essential to assess your mobile device needs. Start by identifying the types of devices used in your organisation, including Apple devices, Android devices, and other operating systems. Consider the number of devices, user roles, and the level of security required. Additionally, think about the features you need, such as app management, remote control, and data security.
Understanding your mobile device needs will help you choose the right MDM solution that meets your organisation’s requirements. For instance, if your workforce uses a mix of Apple and Android devices, you’ll need an MDM solution that supports multiple operating systems. Similarly, if data security is a top priority, look for solutions with robust encryption and access management features. By thoroughly assessing your needs, you can ensure that your chosen MDM solution aligns with your business goals and enhances your mobile strategy.
MDM Features
To get the most out of your mobile management, a mobile device management solution should have these:
1. Device Configuration and Management
- Why: Centralised control of device settings so IT can ensure all devices are compliant with company policies. For example, disabling the camera or Bluetooth on company owned devices reduces data leakage risk.
- Pro tip: Look for over the air configuration so you don’t have to do manual setup.
- Functionality: Allows controlled app installs, updates and removals across all devices. So only approved apps are used, reducing the risk of malware.
- Key use case: Deploy critical business apps to remote employees, boost productivity while keeping security.
3. Data Security and Encryption
- Why: Protects sensitive data by encrypting data in transit and at rest. This is critical for industries with strict compliance requirements like healthcare and finance.
- What to look for: AES-256 encryption and support for device level encryption protocols.
4. Remote Control and Management
Benefits: Allows IT admins to leverage remote management capabilities of MDM solutions to troubleshoot devices, push updates, and lock or wipe devices in case of loss or theft.
Scenarios: Useful for a geographically dispersed workforce, to resolve device issues without physical access.
5. Access Management and Authentication
- Why: Only authorised people can access company resources. Features like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and biometric login are secure.
- Best practice: Implement role based access controls to limit exposure of sensitive data.
6. Full Device Management and Inventory
- Functionality: Gives real time visibility into device health, usage and compliance status. This helps with proactive maintenance and identifying security vulnerabilities.
- Actionable tip: Use inventory reports to audit devices regularly and make sure they meet compliance standards.
7. Support for Multiple OS and Devices
Why: In contemporary business environments, mobile device management solutions are essential for supporting multiple devices, including iOS, Android, and Windows, as well as BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environments.
Key point: Go for solutions that support hybrid device environments to future proof your investment.
Customisation and Integration Options
A good MDM solution should offer customisation and integration options to meet your organisation’s specific needs. This includes integrating with existing IT systems, such as access management and device inventory, to provide a comprehensive device management solution. Customisation options, such as creating custom policies and configuring device settings, are also crucial.
Look for an MDM solution that allows you to tailor its features to your organisation’s unique requirements. For example, you might need to create custom security policies for different user roles or configure device settings to comply with industry regulations. Additionally, consider an MDM solution that integrates with remote support tools to streamline troubleshooting and support processes. By choosing a customisable and integrative MDM solution, you can ensure seamless device management and enhanced security.
Scalability and Performance
As your organisation grows, your MDM solution should be able to scale with you. Look for an MDM solution that can handle a large number of devices and users without compromising performance. A scalable MDM solution should also be able to adapt to changing device landscapes, including new operating systems and device types.
High-performance features, such as fast deployment and real-time monitoring, are essential for ensuring that your mobile devices are always secure and up-to-date. A scalable MDM solution will support your organisation’s growth, allowing you to manage an increasing number of devices efficiently. By investing in a scalable and high-performance MDM solution, you can future-proof your mobile strategy and maintain a secure, productive mobile environment.
Why MDM
Implementing MDM can bring:
- Fewer Security Breaches: Proactive device monitoring and management can prevent unauthorised access and data leakage.
- Case study: A healthcare provider reduced security incidents by 40% after deploying an MDM that enforced encryption and regular updates.
- Increased Productivity: App deployment and updates streamlined so employees can focus on their work.
- Tip: Use app whitelisting to boost productivity by only installing work apps.
- Lower Costs: By managing devices automatically businesses can reduce IT overhead and downtime.
- Example: A large enterprise reduced device support costs by 30% with an MDM that enabled remote troubleshooting.
Your Mobile Environment
Before choosing an MDM solution, you need to understand your current mobile landscape:
- What types of devices are used: Make an inventory of smartphones, tablets and laptops to know the scope of management required.
- What OS and platforms: Which platforms (iOS, Android, Windows) are used in your organisation.
- Security and Compliance Requirements: What industry regulations (e.g. GDPR, HIPAA) impact your mobile strategy.
- Current Management Processes: Do a gap analysis to identify what’s missing in your device management.
Security and Compliance for Mobile Devices
Businesses need to align their mobile strategy with security and compliance standards:
- Device Encryption and Biometric Login: These are must haves for sensitive data. Make sure your MDM solution enforces encryption and supports biometric login.
- Tip: Look for solutions that auto patch security to mitigate vulnerabilities.
- Data Security and Access Control: Implement role based access to control who can access what data.
- Pro Tip: Use geofencing to restrict access to sensitive data based on location.
- Compliance with Industry Standards: Choose MDM solutions with built in compliance features for GDPR, CCPA and PCI DSS.
- Action: Audit devices regularly to ensure they meet compliance policies.
Cost of MDM Solutions
Choosing the right MDM solution is about balancing functionality with cost:
- User Based Pricing: Is a per user or per device pricing model suitable for your budget.
- Implementation and Deployment Costs: Consider the initial setup costs, training and potential downtime during deployment.
- Ongoing Maintenance Costs: Support fees, software updates and potential upgrade costs.
- ROI Calculation: How quickly will the solution pay for itself by reducing IT workload and improving security.
MDM Adoption Challenges
Implementing MDM can be challenging:
- Device Fragmentation: Choose solutions that support multiple devices and OS versions to avoid compatibility issues.
- User Adoption and Resistance: Educate employees on the benefits of MDM and how it will improve their device security.
- Integration with current systems: Choose solutions with robust API integrations to connect to your existing IT infrastructure.
Evaluating and Deploying Your MDM Solution
Deployment Best Practices
- Planning: Create a deployment plan that includes testing and user training.
- Monitoring: Monitor device compliance, security threats and performance.
- Auto Update: Use automation to deploy patches and updates.
Ongoing Management and Monitoring
Ongoing management and monitoring are critical components of a successful MDM strategy. Your MDM solution should provide real-time monitoring and reporting capabilities to help you track device activity, detect security threats, and identify areas for improvement. Automated management features, such as software updates and patch management, are also essential for keeping your devices secure and up-to-date.
By continuously monitoring and managing your mobile devices, you can ensure that your organisation’s data is protected and your employees are productive. Real-time monitoring allows you to quickly respond to security incidents, while automated updates ensure that your devices are always running the latest software. With a robust MDM solution, you can maintain a secure, efficient mobile environment that supports your business goals.
Next Steps
Choosing the right MDM solution is key to secure mobile management. Select a solution that fits your business needs; robust security, scalability and compliance.
By deploying MDM your business will be more productive, protect sensitive data and simplify device management.
Get Started: Check out top MDM solutions and get your mobile strategy in order for the future.
