Mobile devices allow us to stay connected, access information, and perform work-related tasks while on the go. However, with rising dependence on mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, it’s increasingly crucial for companies to prioritize mobile security. Protecting the fleet from potential data breaches and cyberthreats is paramount. In this article, we discuss common challenges with mobile security and three best practices that can help you efficiently safeguard your fleet to keep corporate data secure.
1. Consistent Mobile Security with Integration at the Forefront
It’s no surprise that mobility programs are growing. Much like the rapid increase of cloud resources, sprawling technologies typically include point-of-sale devices, intelligent sensors, smartphones, and personal computers (PCs).
To battle proliferation, mobility leaders need to keep consistency top of mind. Consistency in security includes adopting unified endpoint management (UEM) platforms that:
- Handle expanding fleets in a single system using centralized management
- Apply security policies uniformly, regardless of their various operating systems
- Reduce variables in security enforcement, giving bad actors fewer opportunities to access sensitive data
How to Simplify Consistency
Companies with a diverse set of devices may struggle to find one UEM software platform that can meet the needs of their mixed fleet. For example, Soti brand UEM software specializes in security for IoT devices, Jamf UEM software specializes in Apple devices, while Microsoft Intune UEM software specializes in security for PCs and mobile phones.
For these use cases, multiple UEM platforms must be used. Tangoe simplifies this by running the two UEM platforms in parallel then consolidating their two data streams. This way the security operations center has all relevant information in one place for a faster, more efficient detection and response program.
The criticality of design and integration experience cannot be overstated.
That’s because, at the end of the day, UEM platforms need to work with more than just each other. They must also be integrated with other relevant tools like Apple Business Manager, Samsung Knox (Knox Mobile Enrollment), Google Enterprise, and Android Partner — to name a few. When all the pieces work together, productivity is amplified while devices are better suited to protect corporate data.
For these complex environments to function as one seamless solution, mobility managers need to carefully plan and design their UEM solution upfront, backing it with implementation teams versed in integration strategies that harmonize multiple security tools and siloed information.
2. Continuity in Security, Operations, and Strategy
If there’s one thing that keeps mobility managers up at night, it’s disruptions in service. The golden rule of zero downtime should also apply to mobile security. As companies advance their security protections, they also need to protect continuity across several domains. Consider these best practices.
Best Practices Include
- Smooth migration strategies should uphold security measures as companies upgrade legacy security tools to the latest UEM platforms. Safeguards should remain unwavering, just as the continuity of mobile services for end users.
- Operational continuity is equally important as business continuity. Mobile security programs need to work hand-in-glove with HR departments, IT teams and security operations centers (SOC). One way to ensure alignment is to get everyone using the same systems. Compliance monitoring teams should utilize the same operational tools, including SIEM platforms in use at the SOC, IT ticketing systems like ServiceNow, and even HR systems tracking new employees and any changes in employment status. This is the secret to avoiding friction with IT, Security and HR departments.
- Continuity in security strategy is also helpful. Every company is thinking about Zero Trust, and these leading practices should extend into mobile fleets. One tactic is to leverage integration to allow identity management tools and identity provider (IDP) services to work in sync with UEM software.
3. Caseload Management can Simplify and Optimize Security
Strengthening the mobile security posture can feel like running a marathon with no finish line, and in situations where internal teams are already exhausted from existing responsibilities, little progress can be made. UEM shouldn’t be another tax on IT productivity – another stressor on staffing. This explains why it’s becoming a best practice to outsource mobile security, either in part or in full.
Tips for Navigating the UEM Services Market
But like so many other solutions today, there’s a lot of variation in what you’ll get from vendors. Here’s a look at the UEM market and how Tangoe’s solutions differ:
- Do-It-Yourself Solutions: Standalone UEM software platforms, where the client must design, integrate, implement, and manage security and compliance on their own
- Partial-Service Solutions: UEM software paired with limited services that only design, integrate, and implement solutions. Ongoing security monitoring and compliance management is left to the client.
- Full-Service Solutions: UEM software paired with unlimited services spanning design, integration, and implementation as well as ongoing security monitoring and compliance management. For example, with Tangoe’s UEM service you’ll get:
–Streamlined processes and automated workflows for security management
-Policy enforcement and proactive measures to address cybersecurity threats across all endpoints while also simplify daily operations for IT
–Regulatory compliance as Tangoe uses real-time data to monitor device status, all the while implementing data protection and privacy policies
–Security health checks: Evaluations performed on the UEM platform, devices, and applications with security checks based on standards from the Center for Internet Security (CIS) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
–Adaptable services and scalable teams to meet evolving needs as the size of the fleet changes
Taking full-service solutions a step further, the most comprehensive UEM service packages, like those from Tangoe, couple the above with: mobile device management across the lifecycle, mobile expense management services, and mobile cost optimization consultations.
Innovation is Strong but Support is Still Needed
Security is foundational for businesses tasked with keeping out intruders, and today’s mobile operating systems are being built with more backend automation right out of the box. More than ever, both mobility teams and end users alike are benefiting from simple setup wizards and easy-to-follow prompts. Nonetheless, a significant amount of work remains on the client to administrate and oversee mobile security from start to finish. Following these best practices can drive security with efficiency.
Tangoe delivers a turnkey UEM solution, pairing software from leading providers with comprehensive mobile security support and device management services.
Talk to Tangoe today about your security needs and get a free solution demonstration.