In today’s digital and interconnected world, mobile devices have become integral to our professional lives. From smartphones to tablets, devices have revolutionized how we work, communicate, and access information.
Devices have also changed the way we engage with customers. For example, kiosks and tablets allow businesses to deliver products, services, and information directly to people. They also help augment a business’s brand and increase market reach.
The Importance of Device Security
Data protection is a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. With the increasing amount of sensitive information stored on mobile devices, cybercriminals are targeting them to steal company and customer data. Threat actors may also breach device security to hurt a brand’s reputation. For example, hackers may attempt to take control of a kiosk to display messages or images that hurt a business’s brand.
This is where Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools enter the picture. As this comprehensive “What is MDM?” resource explains, MDM tools offer different features that enhance device security.
Remote Configuration, Control, and Troubleshooting
The level at which you can remotely configure and monitor your devices depends on the MDM solution, but at the very least, you should be able to configure and monitor your devices. Configuring your devices helps ensure that they’re being run correctly, while monitoring enhances risk management.
Device Tracking
In many major cities, a mobile device is stolen every six minutes. A stolen device can put your company, employee, and client data at risk. For example, a threat actor may extract data from a stolen device or use it try and drop malware like ransomware in a company’s systems.
Fortunately, modern devices have location-based features. A top MDM solution will allow you to use this feature to pinpoint the location of any device in your fleet 24/7.
Application and Content Management
It’s no secret that most cyber attacks are successfully executed due to employee error. Threat actors are using increasingly sophisticated techniques. For example, phishing attacks can lead to drive-by downloads that infect devices with malware. However, greater application and content management control through MDM tools can help mitigate the risk of employee error by preventing unauthorized downloads.
Health Monitoring
Good MDM solutions provide detailed telemetry data, which can give insight into device health, like performance and battery life.
How does this impact security?
Well, an experienced networking professional can potentially use endpoint telemetry to recognize system failure caused by malware. For example, some kinds of malware may drain the device battery unusually fast or force a device to run at higher than usual temperatures.
Operating System (OS) Update and Security Patch Management
Device manufacturers, especially those that develop business products, strive to stay one step ahead of zero-day threats by developing security patches that fix system vulnerabilities. In other words, downloading the latest security patch is often the best way to stop malware that exploits software bugs.
The key is to roll out system updates and security patches quickly and efficiently. With MDM tools, administrators can remotely schedule devices to update during off-peak hours.
Mobile Device Management Tools Are Your Line of Defense
As businesses become more reliant on devices, they must use good MDM tools to improve security. These tools not only protect businesses from data breaches but also streamline operations, enhance productivity, and ensure regulatory compliance.
