Now that hybrid working practices are the norm, businesses need a way to allow access to sensitive data and business applications from mobile devices.
To do this responsibly, a methodology known as Mobile Device Management (MDM) is used to ensure that mobile devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets have secure access to business data and applications. MDM allows members of your team to work securely using mobile devices, and many businesses choose third-party solutions to facilitate this. But are MDM solutions the answer to your business’s needs?
How do MDM solutions work?
MDM is both a methodology and a practice. It’s a combination of software, policies, and IT processes, and it’s different for every business. However, there are security standards set out by independent cybersecurity experts that can be helpful for forming your own MDM strategy: The Open Mobile Alliance (now known as OMA SpecWorks), a standards organization and NGO, released its own Device Management Protocol(neues Fenster) in 2016.
Mobile devices create extra endpoints for your business network, and they’re less secure by nature than an on-premises device because they’re more likely to be lost or stolen. The risks associated with mobile devices are increasing: Nearly 3 million malware, adware, or unwanted software attacks targeting mobile devices were launched every month of 2024(neues Fenster).
Third-party MDM solutions can present opportunities to mitigate the risk created by these devices. For instance, in the event of a data breach, a managed device can be wiped remotely to protect sensitive data. Default settings can also be enforced, so that application and operating system updates are automatically performed and application use is managed according to your business policies.
If you’ve decided to assess your own business for putting an MDM strategy in place, there are many factors that can affect your business’s approach to mobile devices, including:
- Data and legal regulations
- Access and identity management
- Endpoint security
- Asset management
- Mobile management
- Application management
Once you’ve taken full stock of your business applications, data, users, and security requirements, you can consider whether your business needs a third-party solution.
Does your business need MDM solutions?
An MDM solution allows an administrator to manage employee devices remotely, accessing them and wiping them if required. Employee-owned devices are less frequently enrolled in MDM schemes, as employees don’t want to lose control of their personal devices. In this case, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies are more suitable.
If you’re considering an MDM solution, ask the following questions:
Can the solution truly enforce compliance?
One of the primary purposes of an MDM solution is enforcing compliance with business security policies. MDM solutions allow administrators to oversee and report on all managed device activity. This can mean automatic app and software updates, blocking certain apps from being downloaded, enforcing connection to a pre-configured secure VPN(neues Fenster), and installing malware protection.
While many aspects of compliance can be enforced, this may lull your business into a false sense of security. MDM can’t prevent activities outside of their scope, such as shadow IT solutions that haven’t been blocked, or employees tricked by phishing and social engineering.
Will deploying an MDM solution save time for your IT team?
A new widespread deployment such as an MDM solution is time-consuming and requires careful consideration. Every device will have to be enrolled, which requires running an adoption campaign throughout your business. Encouraging adoption can be difficult when team members don’t see immediate benefits, and MDM software doesn’t offer much in the way of increased productivity or efficiency for those outside your IT team.
Managing devices across departments and overseeing compliance are time-consuming and potentially difficult tasks. Your MDM solution needs to support all of the devices and operating systems within your business as well as taking your asset management, app distribution, and data regulation compliance into account. Without the right MDM solution, your IT team’s workload could be greatly increased without your business seeing much benefit.
Is an MDM solution cost-effective for what you’re trying to achieve?
Justifying a new recurring business expenditure can be difficult. Thankfully, an MDM solution doesn’t have to be expensive, because it’s a single third-party service that fits into your existing architecture. The market is saturated with products offering robust security features, seamless app distribution, and simple user interfaces. Finding an MDM solution is easy, but the problem is that you might not find one that can meet your business expectations.
Whether it’s requiring an internet connection to function or not supporting certain operating systems, all MDM solutions come with downsides. If you’re trying to achieve a secured business network with safely stored data, access and identity management, and visibility into logins and data exports within your network, an MDM solution may not be the best tool for the job. It won’t protect the employee-owned devices accessing your network, so it might not have the reach you’re looking for.
How a password manager enhances security and compliance
An MDM solution can help you achieve surface cybersecurity and compliance goals, but it doesn’t offer much to your team members in terms of operational efficiency or practical account security. To create security and productivity for every member of your business, a business password manager is an ideal solution.
Proton Pass for Business simplifies day-to-day life. Whether it’s by using SSO and passkeys to log in securely or safely sharing logins and passwords for easy collaboration, every team member benefits. Your IT team can ensure that business and employee-owned devices alike can store, manage, and autofill passwords, regardless of the platform or operating system. Customizable policies help you decide how and when data can be shared outside your business network, as well as enforcing 2FA and creating standards for all new passwords created within Proton Pass.
If you’re looking to improve your business compliance and support your team members with a tool that actively improves their workdays, consider choosing a password manager before committing to an MDM solution.
Proton Pass has business plans available for companies of any size, offering end-to-end encryption to protect your sensitive data throughout our entire ecosystem.
