16 Mobile Device Management Best Practices in 2023

The editors at Solutions Review look at some mobile device management best practices enterprises should consider in 2023.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is the comprehensive approach to securely managing and controlling mobile devices used within an organization. It encompasses a set of policies, procedures, and technologies that enable administrators to monitor, configure, and safeguard mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. MDM plays a crucial role in the modern enterprise landscape, where the proliferation of mobile devices has become an integral part of business operations. MDM is vital for supporting Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, allowing employees to use their personal devices for work purposes while keeping corporate data separate and protected.

Implementing MDM best practices ensures that company data remains protected and that employees can work efficiently and safely on their mobile devices. The editors at Solutions Review map out some best practices to consider implementing in your own MDM strategy.

16 Mobile Device Management Best Practices

Here are some common MDM best practices that enterprises should follow:

1. Establish MDM Policies and Guidelines: Define clear and comprehensive MDM policies that cover device enrollment, security settings, acceptable use, data access, and data handling. Communicate these policies to all employees and ensure they understand the guidelines.
2. Choose the Right MDM Solution: Select an MDM solution that aligns with your organization’s needs, such as supporting multiple device types (iOS, Android, etc.), scalable to accommodate the number of devices, and offering essential security features.
3. Enforce Device Enrollment: Mandate that all company-owned and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) devices used for work purposes must be enrolled in the MDM system. This allows centralized management and control over these devices.
4. Use Strong Authentication Methods: Require strong passcodes, biometrics, or multi-factor authentication to unlock devices. This prevents unauthorized access to sensitive company data.
5. Implement Device Encryption: Ensure that mobile device data is encrypted at rest and in transit. This protects sensitive information in case the device is lost or stolen.
6. Enable Remote Wipe and Lock: Configure the MDM system to enable remote wipe and lock capabilities. This allows administrators to erase data or lock lost or compromised devices remotely.
7. Keep Software and Firmware Updated: Require regular updates for operating systems, firmware, and applications on mobile devices. Outdated software can be vulnerable to security threats.
8. Segment Corporate and Personal Data: Implement containerization or separation of corporate and personal data on BYOD devices. This ensures that company data remains protected even if the personal section of the device is compromised.
9. Use Mobile App Management (MAM): Implement MAM policies to control and secure mobile applications used for work purposes. This includes whitelisting approved apps and blacklisting prohibited ones.
10. Monitor Device Compliance: Continuously monitor devices’ compliance with MDM policies. Alert administrators or take automated actions when devices deviate from the established security standards.
11. Provide Mobile Security Training: Educate employees about mobile security best practices and potential risks. Encourage them to report any suspicious activities or potential security incidents promptly.
12. Regular Security Audits and Assessments: Conduct periodic security audits and assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of your MDM implementation and identify potential vulnerabilities.
13. Prepare for Lost or Stolen Devices: Have a clear process in place for reporting lost or stolen devices promptly. Activate remote wipe or lock measures to safeguard company data.
14. Enable Mobile Device Monitoring and Tracking: If needed, enable device tracking capabilities to locate lost or stolen devices or enforce geographical restrictions.
15. Comply with Privacy Regulations: Ensure that your MDM practices comply with relevant privacy regulations and respect employee privacy rights.
16. Have a Business Continuity Plan: Include MDM-related scenarios in your business continuity plan to address potential disruptions caused by device issues or security incidents.

By following these MDM best practices, enterprises can protect their sensitive data, minimize security risks, and create a secure and productive mobile work environment for their employees. In regulated industries, MDM is instrumental in ensuring compliance with data protection and privacy regulations. By centralizing control and monitoring, enterprises can demonstrate adherence to relevant standards and avoid potential legal and financial repercussions. In today’s technology-forward world, MDM has become vital to modern enterprise management, providing enhanced security, efficiency, and compliance in the mobile-centric business environment.

This article on mobile device management best practices to consider was AI-generated by ChatGPT and edited by Solutions Review editors.