What is MDM?
Mobile device management (MDM) is a proven methodology and toolset that provides a workforce with mobile productivity tools and applications while keeping corporate data secure.
With a mature MDM platform , IT and security departments can manage all of a company’s devices, regardless of their operating system. An effective MDM platform helps keep all devices secure while keeping the workforce flexible and productive.
Why mobile device management is important
In recent years, mobile devices have become ubiquitous in enterprise use. Businesses and their workforces rely on mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops for a wide assortment of tasks. And as working remotely has become essential, mobile devices have become an integral part of most organizations, being vital tools for productivity and efficiency.
But because enterprise mobile devices access critical business data, they can threaten security if hacked, stolen or lost. So, the importance of managing mobile devices has evolved such that IT and security leaders are now tasked to provision, manage and secure mobile devices within their respective corporate environments.
How mobile device management works
A common question on the web is: “Is mobile device management a piece of software?” The short answer is “yes” and “no.” MDM is a solution that uses software as a component to provision mobile devices while protecting an organization’s assets, such as data. Organizations practice MDM by applying software, processes and security policies onto mobile devices and toward their use. Beyond managing device inventory and provisioning, MDM solutions protect the device’s applications, data and content. In this sense, MDM and mobile security are similar.
However, MDM is a device-centric approach, whereas mobile security and unified endpoint management have evolved to a user-centric stance. In an MDM program, employees can receive a dedicated work device, such as laptops or smartphones, or have a personal device remotely enrolled. Personal devices receive role-based access to enterprise data and email, a secure VPN, GPS tracking, password-protected applications and other MDM software for optimal data security.
MDM software can then monitor the behaviors and business-critical data on enrolled devices. And with more sophisticated MDM solutions, machine learning and AI can then anayluze these data. These tools ensure devices are kept safe from malware and other cyberthreats. For example, a firm might assign a laptop or smartphone to a staff member or consultant that is pre-programmed with a data profile, VPN and the other necessary software and applications. In this scenario, MDM offers the most control to the employer. With MDM tools, enterprises can track, monitor, troubleshoot and even wipe device data in the event of theft, loss or a detected breach.
So, what are mobile device management policies? MDM policies answer questions about how organizations will manage mobile devices and govern their use. To configure and publish their policies and processes, enterprises will ask questions, such as:
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Components of mobile device management tools
Device tracking
Each device that an enterprise enrolls or issues can be configured to include GPS tracking and other programs. The programs allow an enterprise's IT professionals to monitor, update and troubleshoot the device in real-time. They can also detect and report high-risk or non-compliant devices and even remotely lock or wipe a device if lost or stolen.
Mobile management
IT departments procure, deploy, manage and support mobile devices for their workforce including troubleshooting device functionality. These departments ensure each device comes with the needed operating systems and applications for their users—including applications for productivity, security and data protection, backup and restoration.
Application security
Application security can involve app wrapping, in which an IT administrator applies security or management features to an application. Then that application is redeployed as a containerized program. These security features can determine whether user authentication is required to open an app; whether data from the app can be copied, pasted or stored on the device; and whether the user can share a file.
Identity and access management (IAM)
Secure mobile management requires strong identity and access management (IAM). IAM allows an enterprise to manage user identities associated with a device. Each user’s access within an organization can be fully regulated, using such features as single sign-on (SSO), multifactor authentication and role-based access.
Endpoint security
Endpoint security encompasses all devices that access a corporate network, including wearables, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and non-traditional mobile devices. Endpoint security can include standard network security tools such as antivirus software and network access control and incident response , URL filtering and cloud security.