Mobile device management in Cybersecurity is a security software that allows companies to secure, manage, and implement policies for the mobile devices of employees who work in a company.
The main aim of mobile device management (MDM) is to secure corporate networks by optimizing the devices. These include smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices that are connected to the company’s networks. Apart from improving the security of businesses, it also allows employees to use their own devices, so they do not have to depend on corporate devices to work productively.
MDM is a component of the EMM (enterprise mobility management) family that integrates enterprise file sharing and syncing, mobile application management (MAM), and IAM (identity access management). On the other hand, it helps companies manage their devices from a single location.
How Mobile Device Management Works
It depends on two components: the MDM server management console and the MDM agent. The server management console is installed in the company’s data center, and it allows team members to manage and implement policies.
On the other hand, the MDM agent is responsible for implementing these policies on the devices of users. Administrators who work in IT teams configure these policies via the server management console. After that, the server automatically pushes the policies to the MDM agent. With application programming interfaces, the agent enforces the policies onto a device that is built into the operating system of the device.
The latest versions of mobile management can automatically identify the devices that are connected to corporate networks, and policies are applied to integrate them. However, this was not the case when this solution came earlier, as they depended on SIM cards that did not provide flexibility.
MDM and BYOD
BYOD stands for bring your own device. It is the concept where employees have to bring their own computing system or mobile to workplaces and connect it to a company’s secure network. On the other hand, MDM enabled companies to secure devices like smartphones and laptops. It acted as the personal digital assistant that is being implemented at the workplace.
There are different risks with BYOD, as it restricts companies because they cannot access the devices of their employees. Therefore, many companies prefer MDM software, as it helps IT teams manage and secure all devices and keep a close eye on them. MDM tools remain an effective for securing workplaces from increasing cybersecurity attacks.
Importance of Mobile Device Management
Due to the increasing adoption of smartphones, it is crucial to implement sophisticated cyber security solutions like MDM that can protect these gadgets from cyber security threats. Companies require reliable solutions that can protect user access, regardless of their devices and connected networks. it protects the information on users’ devices. It also reduces the risk of malware infection and other viruses, so hackers cannot access the device to steal valuable business data.
When a corporate piece of equipment is lost, it can pose a major cybersecurity threat to the company’s reputation and crucial business data. MDM helps locate lost devices, and in most situations, it initiates the procedure automatically. It also creates alerts so that teams can take the required actions quickly when investigating the suspicious location of the device.
The policy-based MDM security configures business devices to require a PIN so that users’ actions can be restricted. It includes prevention of the use of applications that can increase cyber security risk.
Another way this solution can prove to be useful for businesses is that they do not have to hire staff to control user gadgets, so it saves time and money for the companies. With a fully managed MDM tool, companies can monitor the systems and devices with ease. It also helps to prevent data loss, as data breaches can cause significant financial loss to the company and damage its image.
Mobile Device Management Solutions
This solution is usually managed by third-party products. Some of the prominent MDM solutions are device tracking and inventory, remote service management, passcode enforcement, use of applications to deny and allow, and mobile support and management. Here are some more solutions and technologies that will help you learn more about it.
EMM
EMM stands for enterprise mobility management, which is the set of policies, procedures, and technologies that can be used for the maintenance of employees’ devices. The EMM also allows companies to control the usage of mobiles and ensure the safe usage of gadgets on different networks.
Mobile Application Management
Mobile application management (MAM) is the process that allows companies to control policies for the mobile applications that are managed by the EMM console. There are two types of mobile application management. The first one is a preconfigured application that is like a secure internet browser that is provided by a third party or EMM provider. The second one is an application extension that is integrated through SDK (software development kit).
Content Access
The content access provides a connection to the back-end system that employees use to move content on their devices. It also includes providing content access to SharePoint by ensuring download restrictions and accessing logs by which users download files.
RMM
Remote monitoring management (RMM) is another software that allows IT teams to keep an eye on networks, endpoints, and gadgets remotely. It allows managers to manage the devices that are being used in the organization or multiple organizations.
Mobile Content Management
Mobile content management is the process of allowing companies to access content through their mobile phones. It can be done through different applications that allow users to keep content on their mobiles. The EMM also applies security policies like assurance of safe file sharing, restriction of user access, and data sharing restrictions. The point of these restrictions is to make the entire process safe.
Benefits of Mobile Device Management
MDM solutions offer different benefits. One of the biggest benefits is that it saves time by automating repetitive tasks. Manual effort can make things difficult for the IT teams. If you want to manually configure the settings of devices, then it can take plenty of time. So, it makes things easier for companies through MDM solutions. Let’s find out more about the benefits of this service.
Better Productivity
MDM server manages mobiles, which means other applications cannot be used, so it helps employees focus on important tasks better. It leads to better productivity and helps employees to avoid social media and other time-wasting apps. Furthermore, it helps team members to keep deadlines on track and positively contribute to improving the performance efficiency of the company.
Fulfilling Compliance Regulations
It is mandatory for companies to meet the compliance regulations that are set by the local government. There are certain regulations that governments set for data protection measures, so MDM helps to automate safety measures for all devices connected to the servers.
Remote Management
All devices that are connected to the MDM server can be remotely managed and updated without any interruptions during the user’s activities.
Best Practices of Mobile Device Management
MDM follows best practices to ensure the safety of mobiles and the protection of data that is stored in them. This Solution creates a comprehensive policy for mobile devices’ cyber security and data protection. IT teams review these policies regularly to check whether policies need modification or not. With the help of documented rules, policies are enforced for corporate devices.
MDM platform secures and manages the BYOD and company-owned devices. It can automate security patches and updates that make the lives of IT teams easier. This solution also build secure configuration standards for business devices that can receive security updates through automated settings. It also provides strong encryption for data security.
Companies need to train their employees regarding the security of the gadgets. The training must cover the security of company-owned equipment and make employees understand the significance of the security of corporate data. It will also help employees understand the importance of meeting regulatory compliance.
This training will create awareness among IT teams about the MDM solutions and platform, so they will start integrating these solutions at their workplaces to create a safe IT environment. It will protect valuable business data, so businesses will be able to maintain a good reputation and satisfy their customers that their important information is in safe hands and they can be trusted to be the first choice of their target market.