What is an MDM?
Seeking to better understand and define what Mobile Device Management (MDM) software is, I came across some definitions that large companies give to the terms. I found that, according to Google , MDM (Mobile Device Management) is the management of mobile devices , focusing on the application of security policies, configurations and monitoring of these devices, while EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management) expands this concept to also include the management of applications, identities and content, providing an integrated and comprehensive approach to ensuring the security and efficiency of corporate mobility.
According to Microsoft , MDM is management focused on mobile devices – allowing organizations to configure, monitor and protect smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices – while UDM (Unified Device Management) represents a broader approach that unifies the administration of different types of devices, integrating the management of mobile devices, desktops, laptops and other endpoints in a single platform, facilitating the application of security policies and the maintenance of the corporate environment in a consistent and centralized way.
In short, MDM , EMM or UDM are solutions for complete management of mobile devices , making it possible to monitor general information about devices in a consolidated, summarized or detailed way, giving the administrator the power to impose security rules, governance, general settings and applications that will be available on devices, whether they are from the company itself or in work profiles on personal devices used for work (BYOD). The major differences between the types of solutions will be detailed in another article. In this article, I want to explore in more detail the questions about whether an MDM really brings benefits to a company, not answering them directly, but rather providing you with information so that you can reach your answer.
How does an MDM really help with security?
The standardization and control of devices alone already guarantees more security in the environment, controlling what applications each profile needs to perform its productive function within the company and preventing insecure applications or applications from insecure sources from being installed on devices, drastically reducing the main entry point for cyber threats and malware. MDM also acts by ensuring that protection solutions are correctly installed and configured via remote management of the settings of these applications.
Another positive aspect of standardizing mobile device settings is the determination of security rules, forcing the user to use strong passwords, connect to secure Wi-Fi, encrypt data in transit and at rest, and make hardware functions available and controlled only when necessary for functional use.
A good MDM allows management of application access and permissions , whether individually or in bulk, allowing you to impose general permission rules for applications, which will be used if there is no individual permission configuration for the application, controlling what each application can access and what resources will be available for that specific application.
But what happens in a crisis? When a device is lost, stolen or poses a threat?
Some incidents do not depend on device standardization or the installation of security applications to be mitigated. In some cases, specific and even more drastic actions must be taken on the devices. These actions may include blocking the device, changing password, deleting the data from an application's settings, or even completely deleting all data from the device. This provides the means to protect the data contained on the device and protects against the expansion of the security crisis. The MDM must provide you with more information and alerts to recognize the deviation and ways to act specifically on the device.
Why centralize mobile device management on one platform?
Managing centrally, in addition to what has already been mentioned, increases security, and allows us to analyze the environment, its characteristics, and make more informed decisions when defining security policies and making applications available on devices. Furthermore, during decisions, all summarized and consolidated information is determined, but this allows us to navigate to a greater level of detail and makes it easier to assess the impact of problems or better support decisions.
By defining usage and security policies on devices centrally, we reduce the possibility for use outside the intended scope for that device and/or in a way that poses risks to the corporation, drastically reducing the need for specific interventions or costs not mapped in advance.
Another advantage of centralized management is visibility over assets, whether software or hardware, allowing you to know where all the devices are, what they consist of, what applications are installed and whether or not they are up to date, allowing you to take massive action in case of any deviation detected. Quickly answering questions about the environment, such as 'where are the devices?', 'How many devices do I have?', 'Are they up to date?', etc.
Does an MDM really increase productivity?
To better understand and answer this question, we will have to divide the answer into some parts depending on how the device is used, which could be:
- Individual use devices:
Devices that are being used directly, that is, they are kept by the user and are for individual use. In these cases, the MDM acts by managing the available applications, previously configured and with ensuring they have the necessary access, keeping all applications that are used in the day-to-day work of the employee available. As it allows remote and massive actions, improvements requested and done to a user with a specific usage profile can be replicated to all others, distributing ideas that improve their performance more quickly. As it is limited to work applications, it avoids distractions and misuse. - Shared use devices:
Devices that are being used by multiple users , whether self-service kiosks, electronic menus, etc. In these cases, MDM is used to protect the device, limiting what can be accessed so that only the application used can be viewed and interacted with. Once configured, only the administrator can change what is being displayed, thus avoiding downtime and improper use (which reduces the unavailability of the asset for other users). - Support actions on devices:
For support and field, having centralized control that allows remote distribution and configuration, in addition to remote access to the device, allows meeting the demands passed on by the user, without having to travel to the device. Furthermore, having standardization in the environment, massive preventive or proactive actions are easier to be tested, executed and massified in the environment. - Security area actions:
For information security, as I have stressed before, for the security team it is necessary to have centralized and massive control, allowing them to impose applications, configurations, permissions, etc. Returning to information security the possibility of avoiding serious problems, without having to review all devices or rely on the goodwill of the user.
All these simplified points are reflected directly or indirectly in increased operational efficiency, freeing up time to be dedicated to other tasks or planning and testing instead of putting out fires.
Does MDM reduce costs?
All centralized information management to support decisions generates cost reduction, and in the case of an MDM it is no different. By having more information about the environment, all decisions become better founded , thus bringing cost reduction or at least better control over the devices.
MDM also affects the perception of dishonest individuals, acting as a demotivating agent for deviations, thefts or misuse, which ultimately directly reduces the replacement cost of these devices, precisely because agents know that all assets are being monitored, quantified and controlled, discouraging misconduct and misuse.
One point where there are some divergent claims among experts is cost reduction due to automated actions, which, on paper, would reduce support costs due to increased support efficiency, however, in my opinion, this only applies to companies that want to give up people in support.
The greatest form of cost reduction that asset management and MDM solutions bring is in the predictability and adequacy of new investments, providing the necessary information so that the right equipment profile can be acquired and when it will be needed, giving time for better research, study and negotiation.
Does an MDM help with corporate Governance and Compliance?
An MDM (Mobile Device Management) helps with governance by ensuring that all mobile devices in the company follow established policies, reducing operational risks and strengthening IT management. With it, the company can define usage rules, reflecting them in policies that impose such as which applications can or cannot be installed, which Wi-Fi networks can be accessed and which security settings are mandatory. This ensures control over devices, ensuring that they are always in compliance with internal guidelines and aligned with the strategic objectives of the business.
In terms of compliance, an MDM facilitates adherence to regulations such as LGPD, GDPR, ISO 27001 and SOC 2, which require strict control over the processing of sensitive data. It allows the application of encryption and data segmentation into work and personal profiles, essential for companies operating in regulated sectors. In addition, MDM generates detailed reports, facilitating accountability in internal and external audits.
Another key benefit is risk management. If a device is lost or stolen, MDM allows for remote wiping of corporate data, reducing the impact of potential leaks. It also enables automatic application of security updates and patches, ensuring that all devices are protected against vulnerabilities.
Finally, MDM helps with business continuity by keeping devices operational, protected, and within the standards required by the company and regulatory agencies. It reduces human error in the application of security policies, improves the efficiency of the IT team, and ensures that corporate devices are used safely and productively.
Conclusion
Adopting an MDM solution is not only a strategic measure for the security and management of mobile devices, but a necessity for companies seeking operational efficiency, data protection, and regulatory compliance. Throughout this article, we explore the main questions that managers may have about the use of an MDM and how it can positively impact the corporate environment.
- Does MDM really improve device security? Yes, by preventing the installation of unauthorized apps, enforcing security policies, and enabling remote actions such as locking or wiping data in case of loss or theft.
- Is it worth centralizing device management? Yes, because centralized administration facilitates monitoring, reduces risks, improves decision-making and speeds up large-scale actions.
- Can MDM increase team productivity? Yes, by ensuring that devices only have the apps they need for work, avoiding distractions, and improving remote technical support.
- Does implementing an MDM reduce costs? Yes, because it prevents device losses, optimizes technical support and provides better control over technology investments.
- Does MDM help ensure compliance with regulations such as LGPD and GDPR? Yes, by providing control over data usage, enforcing encryption, and enabling detailed audits to ensure company policies are being followed.
Unlike traditional solutions, but inspired by them, Nomid MDM focuses on simplifying this management, offering the same functionalities and level of control in an intuitive and efficient interface. Our goal is to deliver a powerful solution that provides all the information necessary for decision-making and allows the execution of actions on mobile devices individually or in bulk, without complex operations.
Our goal is to deliver a powerful solution that provides all the information needed for decision-making and allows actions to be taken on mobile devices individually or in bulk, without the need for complex or time-consuming operations. We are currently focused on Android devices for tablets and smartphones, but who knows what the future holds? Perhaps we will soon expand to become a UDM.
If your company is looking for an MDM that combines security, efficiency and ease of use, Nomid MDM is the right choice. Request a demo and find out how we can transform the management of your mobile devices.
FAQ
- Security
1. How does an MDM protect devices from cyberattacks?
MDM prevents the installation of unauthorized apps, enforces the use of strong passwords, encrypts data, and allows remote actions such as locking or wiping the device in case of loss or theft.
2. What happens if a device is lost or stolen?
The administrator can remotely lock the device, erase sensitive data, or reset passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Can an MDM prevent employees from installing personal apps?
Yes, it is possible to restrict which apps can be installed or accessed on the device, preventing apps that could compromise security.
- Control and Management
4. What is the difference between an MDM and an EMM?
MDM focuses on managing mobile devices, while EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management) also manages applications, content and identities, providing a broader solution.
5. Can MDM be used on employee-owned devices (BYOD)?
Yes, it can separate corporate and personal data, ensuring that the company has control over work applications and information without invading employee privacy.
6. How does an MDM help with remote device management?
It allows you to configure devices in bulk, update software, distribute applications, and apply security policies without needing physical access to the device.
- Productivity
7. How does an MDM improve employee productivity?
It ensures that devices only have the apps they need for work, preventing distractions, facilitating technical support, and ensuring that updates are applied correctly.
8. Can MDM help with quick setup of new devices?
Yes, it allows you to automatically configure new devices with all company policies, apps, and permissions, reducing deployment time.
- Cost Reduction
9. Does MDM help reduce operational costs?
Yes, it minimizes device losses, reduces technical support time and optimizes the purchase of new equipment, ensuring that resources are used efficiently.
10. Does implementing an MDM require a large investment?
Although there are initial costs, the return on investment comes from reduced security risks, optimized resources and reduced need for technical support.
- Compliance and Governance
11. Does using an MDM help comply with regulations such as LGPD and GDPR?
Yes, it ensures that corporate data is protected, encrypted and accessible only by authorized users, facilitating compliance with standards such as LGPD and GDPR.
12. How can an MDM help with security audits?
It generates detailed reports on device usage, access, updates and applied policies, facilitating internal and external audits.
Request a demo
If your company is looking for an MDM that combines security, efficiency and ease of use, Nomid MDM is the right choice. Request a demo and find out how we can transform the management of your mobile devices.
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