MDM Software in 2024: Addressing Challenges of the Near Future in Corporate Devices

Modern workplaces have become a tangle of technology designed to make life easier for employees, managers, and customers. But organizing and managing various devices can be an overwhelming task, especially since each device will occasionally need IT support. As a solution, many businesses have turned to mobile device management (MDM) software.

MDM software lets you manage multiple devices from one interface. And while it’s an invaluable tool in most cases, there are some flaws and difficulties. Still, the technology will continue to grow in 2024. To keep up, business owners must learn the challenges that corporate devices will face. Doing so will help you find the right MDM software for your needs.

Resolving Growing Mobile Privacy Concerns Through MDM Software

By using multiple devices, your business can operate more efficiently. But the downside is that you also open more opportunities for digital vulnerabilities. If you don’t address this issue, you risk leaving your sensitive data exposed to malicious parties. The more devices you have, the more work it takes to monitor them all.

This is why more businesses than ever are turning to MDM software. With this software, you can remotely control your devices, allow IT staff to monitor them, and ensure that security and updates are always up to standard. When selecting the best MDM software for your business, there are a few important concerns to consider.

Maximizing Device Policies on Demand

Depending on your business’s needs, there are several common device policies available. Many businesses opt for a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) system. This popular policy can be beneficial, as most employees already have the technology they need in the workplace, such as laptops and smartphones.

It can also be a money-saver for your business. For instance, one study found that using portable devices for work tasks saves employees nearly an hour each day and increases productivity by 34%. But despite its many advantages, a BYOD policy also leaves you with perhaps the most security risks. This is especially true if you have employees who use personal devices to access corporate resources.

There’s also the company-owned, business-only (COBO) approach. Under this policy, employees receive the devices they need to work, but these devices are restricted to business use only. This approach is more expensive than a BYOD one, but it’s easier to control your cybersecurity when employees are using business-only devices.

Another hurdle to consider: in today’s modern workplaces, there are many technological demands. So, it can be hard to find the right devices to satisfy all employee needs.

A commonly chosen middle ground is the corporate-owned, personally enabled (COPE) policy. With this approach, a business issues devices to its employees that are also authorized for personal use. This gives employees the benefits of BYOD and limits the business’s security vulnerabilities.

Regardless of which policy you choose, strong MDM software makes organizing all your devices easier and less overwhelming.

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Leveraging MDM Software for Data Governance

When your employees use so many different devices, getting all your data in one place becomes a tricky task. To do so, you need clear data governance. This outlines how you bring together and manage all your business’s data. Effective data governance is vital if you want to make fact-based decisions.

You can achieve effective data governance if you have the right MDM software at your fingertips. Look for software that enables you to analyze device, web, and app usage. A cloud-based solution puts all your data in one place.

What’s more, MDM software enables you to assign user permissions based on employee roles. This keeps your data secure by restricting access to only those who need it.

Zero-Trust Architecture Is Growing Amid Tightening Cybersecurity

Cybercrime is becoming an increasing issue for businesses. In fact, in 2022, cybercrime losses topped $10 billion, far exceeding the $6.9 billion in losses recorded in 2021.

To tighten their cybersecurity, many businesses are turning to zero-trust architecture. This approach implements zero-trust principles. Both internal and external access require strict authorization. In short, nothing is trusted automatically, regardless of its source. Access is also segmented based on certain criteria, such as the network, user, or device, to minimize unauthorized access to data.

When selecting MDM software for your business, consider whether it allows you to establish zero-trust architecture. Specifically, you should be able to apply and enforce policies and regulations that suit your needs. This includes segmenting users and encrypting work environments.

Keeping your software up-to-date is also a vital aspect of cybersecurity. So, your MDM software must be able to manage firmware and install applications and updates on all devices over the air (OTA) or remotely. For an additional layer of security, look for software that lets you lock, track, and wipe lost or stolen devices.

Identity Management Becomes a Must

In the ever-evolving technological landscape, one thing that has stayed the same is the need to manage user identities. You must ensure your employees have the appropriate level of access to your data and system. Once you’ve established a user’s identity within your system, the right MDM software will define that user’s access and assign apps to the device.

Similarly, identity management will restrict access, block users, and wipe sensitive data automatically when an employee’s permission level changes. Through MDM software, the changes will impact each device the employee uses at once.

A user’s identity will also dictate what apps they can access and download. This keeps your data secure and eases the burden on your IT team. Robust MDM software manages all user identities in one place.

MDM Software Will Become Increasingly Important in 2024

More devices don’t have to equal more problems. First, decide which device policy you’ll implement, whether it’s BYOD, COBO, COPE, or otherwise. Then, invest in strong MDM software.

Choose software that lets you establish zero-trust architecture, manages your user identities, and supports your data governance practices. In addition, look for MDM software that:

• Simplifies batch tasks and simultaneous workflows
• Takes remote control over devices for assistance
• Groups and tags devices according to predefined criteria

If you can find all these features in a single, easy-to-use platform, you’ll give your business an efficient and secure start to the new year.

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