Mobile Device Management Software Made Easy: Strategies for Success

Mobile device management software is all about keeping track of and taking care of the devices your employees use daily—like laptops, smartphones, and tablets. With IT infrastructures changing so much in recent years, managing these devices has become a top priority for many.

Not long ago, businesses relied on static networks made up of desktop PCs and servers. Managing these systems was relatively straightforward, often handled with basic Windows policies. However, the shift to mobile devices and the rise of remote work and home offices have added extra challenges. Today, you need to sync data across multiple devices and ensure secure access to the company network, often through VPNs.

Managing all these devices is no easy task. Employees often work remotely, meaning their devices might not always be on-site. Keeping software updated, monitoring versions, and installing security patches is a constant challenge. If just one device isn’t updated, it can put the entire company’s network at risk.

Thankfully, software developers have stepped up to meet these challenges. With MDM solutions, managing devices becomes much simpler—and in some cases, tasks can even be automated. Different MDM tools offer unique approaches, giving companies options to find the best fit for their needs.

The Growing Threat of Cyber Attacks

According to the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology:

• 22% of businesses and 14% of charities experienced cybercrime in the past year.
• The numbers are even higher for larger organisations: 45% of medium-sized businesses, 58% of large businesses, and 37% of high-income charities reported attacks.
• Among organisations identifying cyber breaches, just over two-fifths became victims of cybercrime (44% of businesses and 42% of charities).

These attacks often involve stolen or encrypted data, with criminals demanding ransom payments for its return. Without effective security measures in place, many organisations have no choice but to pay up. In the end, this cost often far outweighs what it would have cost to invest in good cybersecurity from the get go.

Protecting Mobile Data

Mobile devices are particularly vulnerable to hacking because they store sensitive company information, including access credentials for vital systems. To minimise risks, you should:

• Enforce the use of strong, secure passwords with group policies.
• Pair passwords with encryption to add an extra layer of protection.
• Use features like remote locking and data wiping to secure lost or stolen devices.

A centralized mobile device management software helps you to enforce these security measures. By establishing and maintaining high standards for mobile security, you can protect your data and stay proactive in protecting against new and emerging threats.

Mobile device management software provides you with everything you need to effectively protect and monitor your mobile devices. Here’s a quick overview of the core functions they offer:

1. Hardware Management

2. Software Management

3. Authorization Management

Professional device environments require strict control over who can do what. MDM tools make it easy to:

• Limit users from installing unauthorized apps.
• Restrict access to sensitive system settings, ensuring only IT administrators can make critical changes.

4. Security Monitoring

Keeping devices secure is a top priority. MDM solutions:

• Run regular virus scans with the latest threat signatures.
• Apply restrictions, like disabling USB ports, to prevent unauthorised data transfers.
• Locate lost devices and enable remote locking or data wiping to protect sensitive information if a device is stolen.

5. Remote Access

Apple’s standardized infrastructure has made it a popular choice in many businesses. As of 2023, 67% of IT pros saw productivity improve just by switching to Apple devices which extend from MacBooks to iPhones and beyond. Known for their long lasting hardware and intuitive software, Apple devices are increasingly becoming a favorite option for businesses as they are easy for employees to use while offering the features needed to function in the workplace.

With Apple’s MDM framework, businesses can manage a wide range of devices—from laptops to smartwatches—centrally. This is achieved by installing a certificate on each device, which then allows them to be configured using standardized profiles. For creating templates, tools like Apple Configurator are available, while platforms such as Apple Business Manager enable businesses to:

• Centrally procure and assign apps and digital content.
• Manage Apple IDs.
• Oversee cloud services like iCloud, FaceTime, and iWork.

Apple also offers specific solutions for education through Apple School Manager and Schoolwork, tailored to meet the needs of educational institutions.

All Apple’s MDM-compatible applications are certified under ISO 27001/27018 standards, ensuring compliance with strict guidelines for handling personal data. This makes Apple’s ecosystem not just user-friendly, but also secure and reliable for professional environments.

The Android operating system is another popular choice for businesses because of its open and adaptable nature. With numerous hardware manufacturers customizing Android for their devices, the range of mobile device management (MDM) software available on android is huge.

Google’s Android Enterprise

Google’s Android Enterprise is designed specifically for businesses. It offers features like:

• Device registration and configuration to streamline onboarding.
• Zero Touch deployment, allowing IT teams to set up devices without manual intervention.
• Fixed user profiles, which enable the separation of work and personal content for improved security and privacy.
• IT administrators can also control which apps are installed and used on devices via Google Play, ensuring a secure and streamlined user experience.

Samsung Knox and Other Custom Solutions

Major manufacturers like Samsung provide tailored MDM solutions such as Knox Manage. Features include:

• The ability to define usage guidelines and monitor compliance.
• A kiosk mode, which restricts device use to specific apps, ideal for retail or customer-facing roles.

In addition to these, many third-party providers offer standalone MDM applications, providing businesses with even more options to suit their unique needs.

With Android’s diverse ecosystem, businesses can find flexible and scalable MDM solutions to meet their specific device management requirements.

Microsoft has embraced the shift to mobile devices and cloud solutions, offering tools that go far beyond their traditional Windows ecosystem. A good option for mobile device management (MDM) is Microsoft Intune, part of the Microsoft Azure suite.

Key Features of Microsoft Intune

Intune is designed to handle more than just PCs as it integrates seamlessly with mobile devices and even IoT devices. It supports multiple operating systems, including iOS and Android, making it an excellent solution for businesses using diverse hardware.

Here’s what Intune offers:

• Device Setup and Management: From initial configuration to ongoing updates, Intune simplifies mobile device administration.
• Software Management: IT teams can centrally manage app installations, updates, and usage guidelines.
• Security Features: Intune enables companies to determine device locations, block lost devices, and ensure compliance with security policies.

Why Intune Stands Out

For businesses looking to streamline their MDM and improve security across all devices, Intune is a tool worth considering.

Managing a modern workplace takes a lot more than just implementing a mobile device management software. While MDM focuses on software, an efficient mobile workplace requires several elements working together, including hardware, accessories, and network needs.

The Bigger Picture

A comprehensive approach to managing IT infrastructure often involves using inventory software to collect all relevant details about both hardware and software.

Timly: A Leader in IT Asset Management

One standout solution in this space is Timly, a cloud-based IT asset management tool. It goes beyond traditional device management by offering:

• Standardised Recording of Hardware and Software: Every device, along with its technical specifications, can be logged systematically.
• Flexible Asset Categories: Add details about accessories, configurations, or other equipment components.
• Mobile-friendly functionality: Assets are tagged with QR codes, and the Timly app allows users to scan codes to view or update details directly.

Timly also includes:

• Integrated Calendar Features: Track warranty periods, software licenses, and other critical deadlines.
• Internal Ticketing System: Streamline communication with IT support.
• REST API Integration: Seamlessly link Timly with MDM tools, eliminating the need for duplicate entries.

Tools for Simplifying Monitoring

Applications like Lansweeper can help you to tackle these challenges by providing a clear overview of your network. Lansweeper works by:

• Scanning the Network: It identifies all active devices using network protocols.
• Recording Detected Components: The findings are automatically transferred to an IT asset management system.
• Monitoring Software: Lansweeper keeps an eye on applications installed across devices.

One of Lansweeper’s top features is its ability to compare applications against a database of known vulnerabilities, the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE). If it detects a vulnerable application, it issues an alert, and predefined countermeasures can be triggered to address the issue.

Seamless Integration with MDM Solutions

IT asset management tools like Timly can integrate with Lansweeper, adding another layer of protection to mobile device management. For example, data collected through Lansweeper can be fed into Timly’s system via an interface, ensuring:

• A unified overview of all devices and software.
• Better coordination between MDM and asset management.
• Elimination of duplicate entries, saving time and reducing errors.

By combining Lansweeper’s monitoring capabilities with Timly’s IT asset management, businesses can stay ahead of security threats and maintain a more secure, efficient network.

Covering the Essentials

MDM handles the logistical side of managing mobile devices, including:

• Hardware and Software Management: Tracking devices, their locations, and their assigned users is simplified through tools like inventory software.
• Version Control: Ensuring that operating systems and applications are up-to-date helps keep devices running smoothly and securely.

MDM solutions also play a critical role in enforcing security settings, such as requiring strong passwords or encrypting sensitive data. These settings help protect both devices and the networks they connect to.

Going the Extra Mile

By adopting MDM, companies can keep their employees connected, protect valuable data, and ensure that their mobile devices are always ready to support business needs.

Managing Devices Made Simple

MDM handles the practical side of device management, including:

• Hardware and Software Tracking: Inventory tools make it easy to know who has which device and where it’s located.
• Software Version Management: Regular updates keep devices functional and secure.

Security First

The Full Package

With MDM, businesses can keep employees connected, data protected, and workflows efficient, no matter how dynamic the work environment becomes.