Why Prioritizing Mobility Requires an MDM Solution

The pace at which mobility technology is evolving presents a challenge for companies utilizing it. How do you celebrate the newest, flashiest features without losing sleep over the corresponding new security vulnerabilities? The answer is a mobile device management (MDM) solution.

If your organization embraces a bring your own device (BYOD) policy, the intricacies of managing mobility and its security concerns can become more complex. As your employees upgrade to newer, fancier models, they may be much more enthusiastic about what the mobile device can do than the steps necessary to secure it.

It’s important to be aware of the risks of mobility, including employees accessing insecure networks or unapproved cloud applications. In addition, there are performance considerations, such as the ability of employees to quickly and easily access cloud resources. Your IT department needs to allow connectivity with as little friction as possible while still keeping endpoints secure.

While it’s impossible to slow the pace of your employees’ adoption of new devices, you can implement a strategy that allows for a partnership in managing devices and the platforms they access.

Focus on Collaboration. First, you need a culture that respects bidirectional consideration, particularly in a BYOD environment. Employees need to be aware of rules and policies that protect their devices and corporate resources. Likewise, companies need to be aware of appropriate parameters and not infringe on the privacy of employees. A good policy will include:

• A clear list of approved devices and operating systems
• Itemization of what the organization can and cannot do to a device
• Responsibilities each user holds for accessing sensitive data or systems
• Parameters for file transfers to personal devices
• Clear protocols for lost or stolen devices

Invest in an MDM Solution. An MDM solution allows you to catalog and manage devices accessing your network. There are a variety of features available, so if you are using a BYOD approach, look for a solution that offers optional enrollment to employees to build trust and help promote employee autonomy. These additional features can include:

• Shortcuts to a home screen
• Passcode requirements
• The ability to wipe or lock the device in the event of loss or theft

Another consideration for security is whether to add biometric readers for multi-factor authentication. Many of the newer device models include facial recognition, and most mobile devices have offered some type of fingerprint authentication for a while. These technologies are familiar to your employees, and that familiarity will help you capitalize on better security practices.

As your organization determines the best path forward for mobility and the possibility of utilizing an MDM solution, One Connect can help. Contact us for guidance in determining your organization’s needs and identifying the right technology to suit your priorities.