Mobile Device Management: Benefits for Data Governance and Compliance

According to one Forbes article, 86% of managers report an uptick in attacks on mobile devices. These attacks have also become more sophisticated. Consequently, 84% of IT managers, CIOs, and CISOs use mobile device management tools to ensure organization-wide security. So, what is mobile device management, and how can it benefit your organization’s compliance and data governance initiatives?

What Is Mobile Device Management?

Also known as MDM, it refers to the various tools, policies, and technologies used to manage and secure mobile devices used for work. MDM risk involves more than just cell phones, so comprehensive solutions also include provisions for tablets, laptops, and IoT devices. These solutions facilitate device enrollment, user enrollment, and application management features.

Device Enrollment

IT administrators can remotely set up, configure, and secure company-owned devices according to the mobile device policy. Corporations usually administer this by sending users a link or QR code that they use to enroll their devices. Successful enrollment allows the administrator to manage access permissions and enforce policies, such as encryption and passcodes.

User Enrollment

In addition to managing corporate-owned devices, MDM solutions also allow administrators to enroll personal devices securely. That makes user enrollment a critical component for companies with BYOD policies. Similar to device enrollment, it typically involves sending an invite link or QR code to the device owner via email or text message. Once enrolled, users can access corporate resources like emails and documents.

Application Management

MDM also allows organizations to manage their employees’ mobile applications. For example, they can set policies to control which apps users can download and install and how these applications store sensitive data. Additionally, MDM solutions make it easy to remotely block or remove specific applications from devices that have been lost or stolen.

Why Do Enterprises Need Mobile Device Management Software?

A whopping 76% of organizations believe that mobile device use increases the risk of security breaches. Using a mobile device manager significantly reduces MDM risk. Here are some additional benefits to keep in mind when pitching corporate.

Data Security

The use of mobile devices expands access to corporate data to areas that might have higher risks. This can range from Airbnbs overseas to local coffee shops. From unsecured WiFi to physical theft, there are several risks to consider. MDM solutions help safeguard sensitive data by encrypting communications and remotely wiping devices in case of loss or theft.

Data Compliance

By ensuring that mobile devices comply with your organization’s security policies, MDM can also help you meet industry standards compliance requirements. Examples include HIPAA, PCI DSS, CCP, and GDPR. Most IT managers focus on the security and privacy aspect of data compliance, but it’s crucial to also prioritize recordkeeping and data archiving.

Control Over Applications

MDM solutions also help you exert more control over the applications that users can download. This allows you to reduce the impact of cyber threats and data breaches and mitigate risks associated with insecure application coding or vulnerability scanning. Some managers might also use it to ensure corporate devices are not also used for personal activities. Finally, control over applications and the OS makes it easier to ensure timely updating and patching.

How Does MDM Help With Compliance?

Mobile compliance is a top concern for managers, especially in highly regulated fields. Enterprise mobile device management can help companies meet and exceed their compliance goals in three main ways.

Compliance Apps

Companies can choose to enroll devices into compliance apps. Examples include Microsoft Purview, which even works for macOS. Companies can use JAMF or Intune to complete the onboarding process for Apple devices. Once enrolled, IT managers can exercise better control over devices and how workers use them.

DLP Policies

How IT managers configure devices will depend heavily on the existing data loss prevention plan. Managers should review these frequently to ensure they align with current threat levels and mobile device management best practices. They can use Purview and other software to implement and even automate these policies.

Conditional Access

Log-in credentials serve two primary roles. They ensure that only authorized persons can access sensitive data and restricted networks. Unique credentials also help to enforce tiered access control based on a need-to-know basis. Reducing access to sensitive data also minimizes the risks associated with allowing access from multiple endpoints.

How Does LeapXpert Mobile Apps Integrate With MDM Solutions?

Like any other mobile application, Leap Work, LeapXpert mobile application, is subject to MDM policies. Leap Work works seamlessly with MDM solutions like BlackBerry, Microsoft Intune and Ivanti/Mobileiron to provide external communication compliance and security while enterprise device, user and data are safe from any security risks and employee privacy is guaranteed.

Are you ready to see how LeapXpert integrates with your mobile device management solution? Book a demo to see it in action.