With the shift to digital workspaces, businesses have increasingly been using smartphones and tablets to manage day-to-day tasks. But while using mobile devices for work offers greater convenience and increases efficiency, failing to effectively manage these can cause a plethora of security risks and other complications.
Mobile device management (MDM) solutions solve such problems by enabling businesses to keep track of and manage all the devices within their network, enforce security requirements, and troubleshoot issues remotely. And because MDM solutions are automated, IT staff will have less to do with the time-consuming and labor-intensive processes involved in managing several mobile devices across an entire network.
Bear in mind, however, that there are a number of challenges that come with managing mobile devices. Here are four common MDM challenges that businesses face today and how to overcome them.
1. Security
Connecting more devices to your business network means increasing the entry points for cybercriminals to infiltrate your IT systems. And because anti-malware software for smartphones and tablets are generally less comprehensive than those for laptop and desktop computers, mobile devices are more likely to put your business data at risk.
Implementing MDM solutions can help you plug vulnerable gaps. For instance, MDM software helps you secure your mobile environment by encrypting confidential corporate information as well as separating personal information and company data on employees’ personal mobile devices. It can also be set up to lock and erase data from lost, stolen, or compromised devices.
Related reading: Tips for keeping company mobile devices secure
2. Network access control
Remote and hybrid working have increased the use of company-issued and personal mobile devices, making regulating access to business networks more challenging. It’s crucial that you ensure your employees always have access to corporate apps, systems, and data they need for work while keeping network security top of mind.
Network access control (NAC) is a key aspect of MDM, checking and verifying devices seeking access to your network. With NAC tools, you can define the security policies that decide which devices comply with endpoint security requirements (e.g., if they have the required security patches and anti-intrusion software) and will be granted network access.
3. Migration
Eventually, you will want or need to replace your MDM software. Whether it’s because you’re looking to cut down on costs or your current solution just isn’t cutting it, there are certain challenges you can expect with any software migration. For the most part, it takes time and resources to set up new systems. Additionally, business mobility solutions often come with a steep learning curve.
The key to a successful migration is to prepare your employees beforehand. Create a migration plan that communicates the reasons for as well as the benefits of adopting the new software. Don’t forget to detail the specifics of the migration, including process steps and a clear schedule or time frame. It’s also important to provide answers to employees’ questions to smooth out any confusion with the migration.
4. User experience
One of the main considerations when it comes to managing mobility is the end-user experience. Some MDM solutions may limit certain device functionality, which your employees might find annoying and frustrating. For instance, some software doesn’t allow users to install certain apps that employees use for work but are known to be vulnerable or harmful. Employees might try to circumvent this by rooting or jailbreaking their device just so they can gain access to unvetted apps.
It’s therefore crucial that your MDM strategy takes into account how employees will interact with the solution and how it will affect their performance and production. At the same time, it’s important to develop and strictly enforce a set of rules governing what business systems and resources your employees can and cannot access with their mobile devices.
With MDM, your Las Vegas business can control and protect mobile devices while minimizing risks and costs. If you’d like to know more about MDM or other IT solutions, get in touch with one of Kortek Solutions’ experts today.