White Paper
3 Keys to Successfully Managing
and Securing Mobile Workforce Devices
Mastering Mobile Workforce Device Management: 3 Essential Keys to Security and Success
The rise of remote work and the proliferation of mobile devices have transformed the way we work and do business. With the advent of mobile technology, managing and securing a mobile workforce has become a top priority for organizations around the world. As businesses adapt to this new reality, it’s crucial to implement effective strategies to manage and secure mobile workforce devices. In this blog, we’ll explore the three key elements essential for successfully managing and securing these devices.
Comprehensive Mobile Device Management (MDM)
Mobile Device Management, or MDM, is the first key to successfully managing and securing mobile workforce devices. MDM solutions provide organizations with the tools to control and monitor mobile devices, ensuring they are compliant with company policies and security standards. Here are some essential aspects of MDM:
Device Enrollment: MDM allows for easy and secure enrollment of mobile devices into the organization’s network. This process ensures that all devices are accounted for and configured correctly.
Remote Management: With MDM, administrators can remotely manage mobile devices, making it easy to enforce security policies, update software, and troubleshoot issues without physically accessing the device.
App Management: MDM solutions enable organizations to control which applications can be installed and used on mobile devices. This helps in preventing unauthorized apps and potential security risks.
Security Policies: MDM allows for the enforcement of security policies such as passcode requirements, encryption, and data wipe capabilities. In case a device is lost or stolen, sensitive data can be remotely erased to protect company information.
Mobile Application Security
Mobile application security is the second key to effectively managing and securing a mobile workforce. With the increasing use of mobile apps for work-related tasks, it’s crucial to implement stringent security measures. Here are some critical aspects of mobile application security:
App Whitelisting and Blacklisting: Organizations should define a list of approved and disallowed applications. This ensures that only trusted apps are used on employee devices, reducing the risk of malware and data breaches.
Secure App Development: Mobile apps developed for business purposes must be designed with security in mind. Regular code reviews, penetration testing, and adherence to best practices can help identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Regular Updates: Keeping mobile apps up-to-date is essential to patch known security vulnerabilities. Organizations should encourage employees to regularly update their apps to protect against emerging threats.
User Education: Training employees about safe app usage and the risks associated with downloading unverified apps is crucial. Informed employees are more likely to make better choices when it comes to mobile app security.
Endpoint Security and Network Protection
The third key to managing and securing mobile workforce devices is implementing robust endpoint security and network protection measures. This includes safeguarding the devices themselves and the networks they connect to:
Endpoint Security Software: Installing endpoint security software on mobile devices helps protect against malware, phishing, and other threats. Features like real-time scanning and firewall protection can add an extra layer of security.
VPN and Encryption: Encouraging employees to use virtual private networks (VPNs) and ensuring data encryption while in transit is vital for securing communications over public networks.
Regular Security Audits: Conducting regular security audits can help identify weaknesses in your network infrastructure and endpoint security. This proactive approach allows for quick resolution of vulnerabilities.
Mobile Device Security Policies: Establish clear and comprehensive mobile device security policies and communicate them to all employees. This ensures that everyone understands their role in maintaining security.
Final Thoughts
Effectively managing and securing a mobile workforce is a critical task for modern businesses. With the increasing use of mobile devices for work, organizations must prioritize mobile device management (MDM), mobile application security, and endpoint security and network protection. By implementing these three key elements, companies can minimize the risks associated with a mobile workforce and ensure that both their data and their employees remain safe and secure in an increasingly mobile world.
What Do You Need to Successfully Manage and Secure
Your Shared Android Devices?
Shared Android workforce devices have become the platform of choice for enterprise mobility for retailers, warehousing, transportation and logistics, and healthcare.
What’s needed to secure and manage your shared devices and applications?
This white paper will look at three keys to ensure Android workforce devices are managed properly for a good user experience, as well as locking down the device, including:
- When to implement device launchers
- Using single sign on (SSO) and/or IDP
- Customizing device settings
