Chances are, your staff uses personal mobile devices to access your company’s network. Maybe it’s minimal – checking email on a sick day or sending a quick note to a coworker on a project – or maybe it’s significant – using their device to complete a majority of their daily tasks.
So what? Think about it: If multiple unprotected devices are accessing the internal network, they could open the door to malicious attacks or software, risking the organization’s safety. That’s why IT departments rely on mobile device management.
Mobile device management (MDM) software allows organizations to manage employees’ network-connected mobile devices, from tablets and smartphones to desktop computers. Originally, MDM-focused on securing mobile, but more tablets and other hand-held gadgets enter the workforce, it has evolved into solid device management.
Fortunately, MDM is a customizable product, allowing you to adjust to meet the demands of your mobile workforce. To fully protect your organization, there are a few basics you need know:
Turn off autocomplete
Autocomplete remembers and automatically fills in your login credentials on certain browsers and devices. While this may seem handy, it is potentially devastating to your organization. Why? If a thief or hacker manages to gain access, the saved corporate credentials provide an easy in to the company network.
Encrypt your data
Encryption acts as a code, protecting vital company information from prying eyes. Use MDM to ensure that each device enrolled in the corporate mobility program uses an encrypted email exchange and other selected software to protect confidential data.
Use the cloud
Release employees from the cube! Utilizing the cloud allows employees to access documents, data, reports or other necessary data remotely. Using the cloud to store documents ensures that no confidential documents are saved on the device’s drive, protecting sensitive data if the device is lost or stolen.
Add remote wipe and location services
Your staff is human. Humans lose things: keys, wallets, grocery lists and mobile devices. Adding remote wipe and location services to all devices enrolled in eliminates the fear of hacking and provides peace of mind.
Ban jailbreaking
Jailbreaking, or hacking a device’s operating system to add and run unauthorized software, is a dangerous practice when it comes to enterprise mobility. It opens the door to potentially unsafe software to access the network. Ban the practice in your policy and explain the consequences to defer any unconvinced employees.
Set password standards
Too many people use simple phrases, like ‘password123’ or ‘passw0rd’, or the same credentials over and over again to secure their accounts. Setting strict password standards negates this danger, ensuring employees select powerful credentials to lock their gadgets.
Protecting the organization from outside threats is a daunting task, especially with the additional potential risk of allowing multiple devices to access the network. MDM is key to protecting your company from the risks posed by enterprise mobility. After all, isn’t your organization worth it?