What Is MDM Security And Why It Matters?
Nowadays, as requirements mount for businesses worldwide to prioritize security, mobile device management, be it for Android, is once again a hot topic.
Mobile devices can be vulnerable to viruses, malware, and cyberattacks, and sensitive enterprise information and privacy in company-owned devices are at risk sometimes.
Taking necessary measures to cover all devices running on Android in mobile security management is increasingly crucial for all-sized businesses. That is the reason many businesses are turning to MDM security to de-risk and protect their commercial information and privacy.
1 Definition of MDM Security
MDM security is the solution that highlights and applies security functions and features via mobile device management used in a company.
The purpose is to help companies ensure data security, enforce corporate policies, and streamline device deployment and management. Android MDM solutions in security include the following:
1.1 Authentication
When a mobile device requests sensitive corporate data, MDM security solutions require users to authenticate and authorize it before accessing a device or network. Users may have to provide their username and password or use 2-step authentication methods.
1.2 Remote Wipe
If a device is unfortunately misplaced, lost, or stolen, managers can use an MDM security solution to erase data remotely, regardless of location or area. Thus this ensures that sensitive data or information can get rid of unauthorized users.
1.3 Security Policies
A policy in terms of MDM security needs to handle every device, specify what staff may and may not do with them to protect against potential risks.
A policy of this kind clarifies for employees what devices may be used, the way they should be used, and what security measures must be maintained. It clearly defines what is enabled and what is disabled. It created needs for network security measures. With an MDM security policy, companies can proactively protect against attacks rather than reacting when they happen.
MDM security policies can be programmed to enforce certain security protocols. This encompasses stronger and more complex passwords or mandating encryption for specific types of data. What’s more, an MDM policy can detect threats or unusual activities and immediately alert managers and IT teams for further actions to cope with possible incidents.
1.4 App Management
It is critical for companies to maintain security via effective and secure app management.
When it comes to app management, it offers employees with a company-owned app library. A company’s app library is a virtual “app store” that makes conforming and secure programs accessible for download. They may be downloaded on a restricted basis, and are continuously updated with fresh versions that improve functionality or security.
It also includes managing app access, usage policies, and permissions, as well as monitoring and updating apps to ensure they remain secure. IT teams can remotely manage app installation, blacklist or whitelist for the specific apps, which protects data and get rid of unknown access.
1.5 Device Management
MDM security features can track the location of devices in a remote working environment. By using it, companies can detect any aberrant activities.
It can also be applied in automatically updating devices with the latest security patches, making sure they are up-to-date with the latest security protocols.
2 Pain Points Businesses Might Face
Many companies know the importance of the security of computers or servers, and do take measures to protect them, but many of them do not grasp and take action on risks of company-owned mobile phones.
The same devices are often synchronized with risky links from work email, various downloaded files, and unauthorized apps, and they can pave the way for the leakage of corporate information and the intrusion of malware into devices.
2.1 Managing Large-Scale Deployment
It is tremendously difficult to stay productive when managing a large amount of mobile devices simultaneously. Businesses are always dealing with issues involving device misuse, unauthorized access, or network errors that may impact and deter business growth.
2.2 Lack of Permission Control
Imagine a team that needs access to different devices and services, but you also need to maintain organizational security and efficiency.
Many businesses back up private and confidential information on mobile devices. This may be information relating to their customers or clients, their staff, as well as commercial data relating to the company itself. This is vital information that could be detrimental to the company's operation if it is stolen.
2.3 Deliberate Data Leaks
Employees copying or sharing data on corporate devices to personal devices via USB transfer or other Bluetooth may introduce potential risks to company-owned devices which are not equipped with anti-virus software.
3 Five Threats from Lacking MDM Security
With more and more businesses operating via mobile devices, mobile security management is increasingly necessary. On the one hand, mobile devices often hold sensitive enterprise data, leaving them vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. On the other hand, a company will provide a staff member with a mobile device pre-loaded with a data profile, VPN, and other essential software and apps.
The key threats of lacking MDM Security are:
3.1 Malware
Malware attacks are a significant risk for mobile devices. According to Checkpoint, 97% of mobile devices contain at least one vulnerability. Attackers often use malware as a Trojan Horse for stealing sensitive data or destroying a device. Even fraudulent apps can be used to cause more devastating attacks.
3.2 Unsecured Wi-Fi
Mobile devices often use public area wireless networks, which can be insecure, putting sensitive data up for grabs. Hackers can intercept a device’s wireless communication and steal data or inject malware if they access unsecured Wi-Fi.
3.3 Device Loss & Theft
One of the most significant mobile security device management risks is loss or theft, which leaves the company vulnerable to external threats. It is hard for companies to completely wipe all sensitive data in them immediately.
3.4 Human Error
Sometimes, employees' own personal behaviour can also pose significant cybersecurity risks to the organization. For instance, staff members may accidentally share sensitive data or download malware onto a mobile device.
3.5 Lack of Security Updates
Mobile devices require constant updates to maintain security alerts. Unfortunately, many users are not ready to update with the latest patch, leaving numerous security vulnerabilities.
For all-sized businesses, it is essential that these risks are controlled, mitigated, and eliminated via the use of MDM security solutions. In order to get the most out of MDM solutions, businesses should consider integrating MDM with their broader cybersecurity approach.
4 Advantages MDM Security Provides
Deploying MDM security can help secure mobile devices that enhance risk exposures while boosting company efficiency.
4.1 Security Improvement
MDM security is able to help managers to monitor and control the security policies of company-owned mobile devices. Thus devices can be up-to-date with the latest security, and help businesses cope with any potential security threats swiftly.
It can help managers enforce needed security policies, set complex passwords, encrypt data, and lock down devices remotely.
4.2 Increasing Performance
Because remote work is now a prerequisite, mobile devices have evolved into an essential part of workplace needs serving as indispensable tools for efficiency and productivity.
Besides, when employees receive devices, organizations can enable employees to comply with organizational policies. It ensured the security of all devices while maintaining the flexibility and productivity of the remote workforce.
Additionally, MDM security also allows organizations to streamline mobile device management, which can lead to increased productivity and lower IT management costs.
4.3 Better Compliance
Many organizations operate in highly regulated environments, such as healthcare, finance, and government agencies. It is important for these organizations to comply with regulations, avoiding fines, lawsuits, and public-relation issues.
MDM security provides businesses with the ability to monitor and manage compliance with regulations and standards, such as HIPAA. It, therefore, ensures that companies or organizations remain required compliant.
4.4 Improving Assets Management
MDM Security provides them with the ability to track and manage mobile devices, including tracking device location, monitoring usage, and managing software updates, catered to business assets management.
4.5 Reducing Support Spending
The MDM security simplifies device management by supporting staff members to identify and troubleshoot device issues remotely swiftly.
It is also helpful for support teams to proactively identify and resolve issues before they become major issues, which reduces support costs and improves overall budget management.
5 How to Choose MDM Security?
There are not all MDM solutions helpful for business in the increasingly changing market. Common MDM solutions may provide slightly different functions or may cater to your security needs.
Therefore, it is necessary that companies carefully purchase MDM security solutions according to their unique needs, corporate blueprint, and budget plan.
5.1 Functionality
Choose an MDM solution with security features that meet the requirements of your essential corporate needs, like remote device wiping, security policy enforcement, threat detection, geofence tracking, and app management, etc.
5.2 Device Compatibility
Ensure that the MDM solution supports the devices your team uses. The solution should be compatible with the specific OS or brand.
5.3 Pricing
The MDM security solutions’ prices change. But the basic considering points include free and paid versions, numbers of device deployment, large purchasing discounts, and more. Organizations should consider their budgets when signing contracts.
5.4 After-Sales Support
Each MDM solution with a robust customer service team can provide invaluable support in case of any security issue.
5.5 Reputation
Research and review the reputation of the provider. Companies should always inquire about their profile and how their previous work has affected prior customers from professional business-to-business websites.
Beginner Guide of AirDroid Business MDM
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If you want more insights into MDM solution features and device compatibility, check here.
6 Key Features of MDM Security AirDroid Business Provides
AirDroid Business provides enterprise-grade MDM solutions for attended and unattended Android device management. It is committed to improving mobile security device management and performance for businesses of all sizes via remote access, device monitoring, mobile application management, and more.
Let’s see some of the features AirDroid Business offers:
6.1 Proactive Monitoring
AirDroid Business revolutionized large-scale device monitoring by seeing device screen, camera view, location, network status, and detailed info, all in real-time and in one place.
6.2 Advanced Encryption
All data are transmitted using HTTPS and end-to-end encryption. Thus AirDroid Business protects every remote session from unauthorized access.
6.3 Security Policy
Lock Screen Password Configuration- Restrict access to your device with different lock screen password rules provided by AirDroid Business so unauthorized users cannot use your organization’s devices.
Application Blocklist- By adding apps to the blocklist, AirDroid Business can prevent blacklisted apps from running on your devices.
Device Limitation- Limit the use of system functions such as restoring factory settings, USB file transfer, and network sharing to satisfy the application scenarios for different types of devices.
6.4 Geofence
When a device enters or exits a predefined geofence zone, it will automatically trigger security actions to protect your company data and privacy.
6.5 Device Grouping
Manage mobile devices in groups based on your business requirements to help businesses manage and track devices easier.
6.6 Member & Access Rights
Grant user permissions by default roles: Super Admin, Admin, Team Member, and Viewer to maintain organizational security. Or, create custom roles and permissions tailored to your specific needs.
6.7 Bulk Operations
Perform bulk operations like device grouping, renaming, file transfer， and notes.
Try AirDroid Business Now. No Credit Cards needed. No Setup Fees.
7 Typical Applications Used AirDroid Business
7.1 Transportation
Tracking all company-owned devices scattered across a country or even the world is not an easy thing. Through AirDroid Business dashboard, you can keep track of your drivers and ensure mobile security by monitoring each company-owned device’s status and locations.
Also, push notifications about your remote employees can also save working time and streamline management. And the easy-to-use interface enhanced the user experience.
7.2 Retail
To better manage multiple Android PoS terminals, digital signages, or kiosks deployed in the field, IT admins can remotely control unattended devices and perform troubleshooting via AirDroid Business. Grouped devices can also be easily accessed and managed for the staff by creating a seamless shopping experience and hassle-free workforce for your businesses.
7.3 Hospitality
Many hotels are using Android tablets as mPOS and kiosks for in-room services and internal use. With devices grouping and roles assignment, managers can modify content shown in different venues. Security configurations such as restricted access and remotely locking devices into kiosks will now be easily manageable for IT teams via the help of AirDroid Business.
8 Conclusion
A well-designed MDM security solution can protect your corporate security from external threats, ensure compliance with regulations and boost your productivity as well as efficiency.
Your organization not only can better protect sensitive data but also keep pace with the changing environment of mobile technology your peers and competitors may already use.
FAQs
What features can I use to monitor my devices via AirDroid Business?
AirDroid Business offers 8 different templates to monitor your devices from every aspect efficiently and effectively. We provide an introduction to each template and if you want to know how these templates can enhance your business operation, please refer to this article.
How to upload my company-owned apps on AirDroid Business?
You can upload your company-owned private apps or any app downloaded from Google Play Store, and upload to AirDroid Business App Library with our Application Management Service (AMS) function. In AMS function, you can install the App on remote devices directly after publishing.
How to apply Black Screen Mode to maintain the remote devices during Remote Control?
When using Remote Control, the controller can enable Black Screen Mode to avoid interference from the remote device. You can enable Black Screen Mode on Windows, Mac OS and Android as a controller.
In Black Screen Mode, the remote device will be screened and shown as it is under maintenance. It prevents the end-users or passersby from seeing what is happening on the device. With this feature, businesses can protect their corporate privacy at all times.
Please note that this feature is only available for Standard and Enterprise users.
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