In 2021, there were almost 6.4 billion smartphone users in the world. This is a majority of the human population on earth at this time, and the percentage of smartphone users is forecasted to continue to increase into the foreseeable future. Employees carry their mobile phones everywhere, and often use these devices for work calls, checking emails, managing their schedule, and tracking information for projects. Laptops are also popular in the modern workforce, as their portability and power can make any space an office.
This compact, movable, convenient aspect of portable devices has a dark side. What is easy for an employee to carry can be easy for a cybercriminal to breach. Thus, companies need a way to remotely manage devices employees use for work. This is especially true when the data on the devices is extremely sensitive, such as electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) or proprietary data. Working from home is now a more common part of an average work week in many sectors, and is likely here to stay in some form in the corporate, medical, and educational worlds. Because of this, organizations must have an effective Mobile Device Management strategy and solution.
What is MDM?
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a phrase used to describe an organization’s administration of endpoints like cell phones, computers, and tablets. This includes the systems, software, and processes that a company uses to control how mobile devices gain access to company data. MDM solutions are software suites that enable administrators to manage, protect, and enforce policies for devices that serve as mobile gateways to the company’s network, data, or resources.
Businesses have many options for a device ownership model they may enforce in conjunction with an MDM software:
- Company-Owned/Business-Only (COBO): The organization issues the device, which is for work use only.
- Company-Owned/Personally-Enabled (COPE): The organization issues the device, and personal use is allowed.
- Choose Your Own Device (CYOD): The employee must use or purchase their own device, which they choose from the organization’s list of accepted options.
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): The employee uses their own device.
MDM solutions often provide capabilities for device policy enforcement, app restrictions, and customizable configuration. Some may also include data security features such as Remote Wipe, location services, and encryption.
It is important that companies use a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution they are confident in. The question is, how does an organization choose an MDM Solution for their unique needs and security concerns?
Know Company Needs
All companies that are looking to manage their mobile devices securely should start by considering what devices have access to company resources. Depending on device ownership, employees may be using a wide range of devices for work, which makes the management situation more complex. A solid MDM software solution should be able to handle endpoints with various different operating systems.
The software should also be able to handle the number of devices that need to be administered by the organization, without logistical problems or an excessive price tag. Compare software specifications, and always check if you are able to test it out for free before committing the budget and time to implement throughout the company.
Threat Response
Any mobile device that accesses or processes company data is a gateway that can be breached if the machine is lost or stolen. A core component of device management is being able to locate each device. MDM software that features a geolocation option allows companies to quickly locate any given endpoint in their broad attack surface. With this information, the company can quickly take steps to limit breach opportunity.
Locating a stolen device is a good first step, but a strong MDM software will provide further options to protect data. Securing a device remotely is essential, whether you need to remotely lock, re-credential, or entirely wipe the machine in the unfortunate event that it has fallen into the wrong hands. These functions should be easy to initiate from within the software’s management console at any time. Check the user interface of the software, and choose one that is intuitive so you can quickly defend data when the seconds matter most.
Everyday Data Management
Data security on mobile devices can be difficult to manage when endpoints are constantly traveling across the country and the globe. A robust MDM software solution such as DriveStrike will allow administrators to function in the flexible and sometimes volatile world of digital information. A well-executed MDM plan, complete with the correct software, will protect data both passively through encryption, and actively through wiping and locking capabilities. Start your free trial to test DriveStrike today, or contact us if you have any questions. Your security is our priority.