Mobile device management (MDM) is essential security software for effectively overseeing and protecting mobile devices that companies deploy to their personnel. Whether the smartphones, laptops, and tablets are under multiple mobile service providers or operating systems, the MDM can manage their operations.
With so many employees required to have productivity using various devices, MDM is a great solution to ensure that vital corporate data is secure. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many employees work at home using company devices, MDM takes on more importance.
How Mobile Device Management Works
Under the Mobile Device Management system, corporate IT administrators oversee and remove vulnerabilities in corporate mobile devices that access sensitive corporate data. Part of their vital tasks includes the following:
- The IT team must keep a database of essential information for each mobile device. This database includes a detailed list of the installed apps on the device and location services if a device is stolen or lost.
- The administrators must manage how devices gain access to sensitive business data, especially in a cloud-based infrastructure. The growing dependence on remote work facilitated the evolution of MDM into Enterprise Mobile Management or EMM.
The Essential Need for MDM in Businesses
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a global shift in how corporations conduct their operations. In the past, it may have been possible that mobility was a technological advancement bordering on luxury. Times have changed. Mobility is now a need — and is at the top of many corporate priorities.
Understanding the new normal dynamics will help unlock the maximum benefits of Mobile Device Management for your company.
The Emergence of Work from Home
Remote work productivity created the need for the rapid adoption of mobile devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. A study by Gartner shows that traditional desktop computers are on a steep decline.
Most manufacturers set their sights on mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones, with a large chunk of these companies (87%) making the shift.
Furthermore, 451 Research predicted that the Enterprise Mobility Management market would triple in revenue from $5.5bn in 2016 to about $16.69bn in 2021. More companies are injecting higher budget allocations for their mobility workplace systems. The higher allowances signify a momentum shift in business priorities moving towards mobile devices.
Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) now view mobile solutions as vital to their employees’ productivity, especially during this difficult time. 67% of SMBs devoted resources aligned with the idea that mobility is crucial.
83% of SMBs made concrete steps to highlight this appreciation of mobile solutions. It is now an integral part of work operations.
The Need to Protect Vital Corporate Data
A company will face insurmountable financial and reputational losses with clients and business partners in a successful cybercrime incident.
EMM is currently a hot trend among small and midsize businesses. Its popularity stems from its assurance of protecting company-owned devices, especially during cases of theft or accidental loss.
With a premium on cybersecurity, MDM also enables a robust defense against viruses and malware that persistently target confidential business data.
The risks of cybersecurity breaches are immense. According to Novell, a former software and services company, companies and individuals lose laptops or tablets to theft every 53 seconds. Smartphones have the same metric. For every minute, device owners lose 113 cell phones.
Once a data breach happens, the cost to recover is also damaging and significant. For cost efficiency, securing a comprehensive EMM solution will be more rewarding in the long run. Peace of mind is priceless.
Benefits and Features of MDM
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Efficiency in Integrations
MDM solutions offer seamless integrations for business processing needs such as app development tools and help desk ticketing software.
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Easy Deployment
Whether on-site or in cloud infrastructures, companies have numerous options to acquire and utilize Mobile Device Management. Corporate decision-makers can choose a deployment method according to the specific needs of their industries.
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Multiple Management
Versatility is a premium in remote work arrangements. An effective Mobile Device Management can manage devices with multiple Operating Systems (OS) such as Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Chrome OS, or tvOS.
Whether the device is a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop, an MDM should efficiently handle their needs.
Factors to Consider in Choosing an MDM
Here are qualities that you can’t miss when searching for the best MDM solution for your company:
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Housed in a Cloud
When the MDM is in cloud infrastructure, updates are seamless and automatic. Find an MDM provider with 24/7 full management, configuration, and monitoring.
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Security Alerts
Efficient mobile device management is always on top of any situation or incident that may arise. Timely notifications are necessary.
If users try rooting and jailbreaking to bypass company restrictions, the MDM should have notifications. Access restrictions or geofencing should also be an MDM component to prevent mobile devices’ usage when in unauthorized locations.
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Mechanism for Reporting
For compliance usage, the MDM must have reliable logging and reporting functionalities, enabling remote disconnection if the company device or application has unauthorized use.
Passcode enforcement, remote data wiping, and blacklisting should also be part of the MDM system.
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Scalability
Corporations are always striving to expand their operations. A Mobile Device Management system must have the capability to keep up and increase its sophistication by integrating more users and devices.
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Compliance with Personnel Policies
The MDM system should have the flexibility to adapt to specific company policies, especially with employees. What happens when an employee is terminated and has a device under the company BYOD (bring your own device) policy?
The parameters should be evident if the company will simply shut off access to the device. There must be a precise determination of what will happen to the cached or saved data in the device. Will this be wiped or ignored? Best practices entail a review of personnel policies with MDM.
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Architecture
Various industries have different Mobile Device Management needs. While companies choose cloud services for their data storage and upkeep, some corporations prefer to have their own data center.
MDM solutions providers typically offer a variety of options for their clients, whether via the cloud, on-site, or a combination of both. Decision-makers should deliberate the best solution for their corporate needs.
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Direction
Like any other corporation, MDM providers also have a trajectory about their work operations. As a client, companies should understand their MDM partner’s direction by considering the following factors: the services included in the total package, the presence of enhanced services, control, and the security features for enterprise apps.
Understanding the MDM provider’s mission and vision will help corporate decision-makers plan the partnership for present and future needs.
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Integration
An MDM solution is not an isolated system. To be successful, they need to have seamless integrations with existing security protocols and management controls.
Companies made significant investments in their previous security and management systems. Instead of ignoring these old mechanisms altogether, it is best to boost its effectiveness with an MDM system’s help.
Advantages of Mobile Device Management
When the right MDM solution is in place, it proves its cost efficiency by offering companies with the following benefits:
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Better Compliance
Companies should follow government standards to ensure high-quality operations. An effective MDM will assist in hassle-free compliance with ISO, HIPAA, PCI, CJIS, and GDPR.
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Remote Management
In the day and age of work from home, MDM facilitates remote device management over-the-air (OTA) without the need for user intervention that can severely hamper productivity.
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Automations
There will be no need to devote significant time and energy to repetitive tasks because the MDM will automate these tasks, such as app installation prompts and WI-FI settings.
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Efficiency Improvement
With more focus on productivity, Mobile Device Management can customize policies for company-owned devices. It is possible to implement block listing of non-corporate apps during work hours, for example.
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Security Enhancement
Device security is one of MDM’s greatest strengths. Private business data on mobile devices require top-shelf protection from unauthorized access, leakages, and sharing on third-party services.
Best Practices and Usage in Industries
Let’s take a look at how Mobile Device Management improves the performance of several vital industries worldwide.
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Healthcare
Personal health data hold such significance that they have the protection of important legislation. Most healthcare organizations are now transitioning towards electronic health records (EHRs), making mobile devices more crucial and popular than ever.
The HIPAA enforces regulatory compliance for the proper storage of personal health information (PHI) on mobile devices. It can have its challenges, but an effective MDM will protect these devices against unauthorized usage and access that can cause data compromise.
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Service
The COVID-19 pandemic hard-hits the service industry. Remote productivity is now an essential component of many organizations, leading to a spike in usage and dependence on mobile devices. An MDM system will help manage all these devices, especially if they are under a BYOD scheme (bring your device).
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Education
Work productivity is not the only casualty of the pandemic. The education sector is more reliant on mobile devices to carry on despite this difficult time. Professionals and students that are using tablet-based learning methods are benefiting from Mobile Device Management solutions.
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Retail
Self-service checkouts, mPOS, and digital signages are among the numerous digital solutions that have kept the retail industry afloat even with lockdowns in place. Health checks use QR codes via mobile devices when customers enter physical stores. Online shopping offers convenience to many clients who are window shopping at home through their mobile devices. An MDM solution helps to consolidate all these features into a reliable system.
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Transportation
Mobility has many setbacks as well because of the lockdown restrictions. Shipments increased in frequency because of online purchases. Tracking is more comfortable as well as the maintenance of a location database because of mobile devices. Access to transportation is also better because of mobile apps. Keeping everything in place is the primary function of MDM.
Expert Guidance with RSI Security
RSI Security specializes as a managed security service provider (MSSP) to help your company have access to the full benefits of Mobile Device Management. We can mitigate advanced threats to your digital environment and provide the following essential security solutions:
- Intrusion detection
- Penetration testing
- Incident response
- Compliance assurance
RSI Security has years of experience and expertise to perform diligent monitoring of MDM usage and maintenance. We keep up with your core business needs through transparent communication protocols such as the following:
- Flexible scheduling
- Case management
- Prompt reporting system
- Advanced analytics
- Cybersecurity threat databasing
- Consistent monitoring
Our reputation evolved from our cost-efficient services. Our successful contributions to our numerous clients resulted in the following benefits of using Managed Security Services:
- Improvement in the reporting of cybersecurity threats
- 24/7 security management of personnel, resources, infrastructure, and technology
- Immediate access to troubleshooting experts
- Facilitation of information risk management and compliance campaigns
- Cost efficiency in time and financial resources
- Prompt management of incident responses
- Hands-on implementation of a customer portal, which includes real-time agreement conformance, trend reports, summary alerts, and availability statistics
As your MDM partner moving forward, your company is in good hands with RSI Security. With a premium on cost efficiency, we will deliver results that keep up with your company’s vision and mission. Despite the pandemic, your partnership with RSI Security will yield success.
