The development of wireless computing over recent years has made mobile devices more vulnerable than before. These computing devices can be smartphones, tablets, or laptops, which constantly store or transfer data over the air. The sensitive data is prone to attacks from hackers and can cause serious security threats. This is why mobile device security is every business’s biggest concern. With most businesses promoting enterprise mobility, the use of mobile devices for work is increasing, and hence, the need for mobile device security.
Having said this, it is also important to understand that the most used mobile devices are Android. Therefore, Android device management is pivotal to mobile device security. Android is the most widely used OS because it is simple, offers a large variety of device options, and is easily customizable to meet different needs. A global report shows that Android maintained its position as the leading mobile OS worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Mobile security is more crucial on Android devices because it is open-source, which makes it highly vulnerable. Android device management software provides rigorous security features that make a strong security infrastructure to secure Android mobile devices from potential threats.
Role of Android Device Management in Device Security
Android device management software offers comprehensive device and app management capabilities for company-owned or employee-owned devices. Android offers a great range of flexibility to manage and secure devices used for work. From locked-down mobile experiences to limited oversight only on business apps and data, Android mobile device management software is used in various applications like kiosk mode and containerization to manage and secure devices against security threats.
At the onset, managing mobile device security manually and individually is an exhaustive task. A mobile device management (MDM) solution is needed for Android device management and mobile security for organizations to have a secure device fleet. Android device management involves some best practices that organizations can follow to ensure mobile device security using an MDM.
Various factors can contribute to mobile device security or risks. It is crucial to know the different methods IT admins of organizations can use with an MDM to protect mobile devices.
Best Practices for Mobile Device Security using Android Device Management
Mobile device security can be ensured on Android devices using various security features of Android device management software. These features help streamline the security of data and devices in the organization such that devices are protected and sensitive business data remains safe. Some best practices for mobile device security using Android device management are briefed below:
Timely OS Updates
An updated OS is fundamental to every device. Outdated software increases its vulnerabilities and is prone to cyberattacks. Missing out on important updates can open ways for hackers to get access to devices. An MDM allows you to manage and schedule security patches for your entire device fleet centrally from a single console. Security patches are the best ways to procure, test, and deploy updates to close security gaps and remove vulnerabilities.
Password Policies
The simplest way to protect devices or apps is to have a screen lock or a passcode with a strong password. IT admins can configure and push passcode policies to user devices remotely through an MDM dashboard. Passwords prevent devices from unauthorized access and thus secure the device from misuse as well as the data on the device from being stolen. However, no matter how complex your passwords are, they can be compromised without proper security measures in place. This is where MFA comes into play.
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication adds a layer of security. Whenever a user enters his password, an OTP is sent to his phone number or email ID that he has to enter to get access. The user is verified two or more times in steps that ensure more layers of security. Even if one source fails, the system does not allow the user to access the device or information.
Secure Wi-Fi Access
Using a public Wi-Fi network is always risky. When connected to an open Wi-Fi network, the susceptibility of information on your device to attackers and hackers increases. Mobile device security is at high risk where there are chances of the device being stolen or tampered with. Using a secure, configured Wi-Fi network with an MDM is the safest environment for your device security.
Remote Lock and Data wipe
Android device management software ensures remote device lock and data wipe options when a device is lost or stolen. This feature in an MDM safeguards corporate data from being misused and the complete device control is with the IT admin. The remote wipe on android option wipes off data and the business apps remotely and protects the device from unauthorized access.
Role-based Access Control (RBAC)
In this security policy, the administrator can grant access based on roles. Only those whose roles are relevant get access to the particular business apps and information. Organizations use role-based access control to manage their Android devices in conjunction with zero-trust security policies to reinforce their mobile device security.
Containerization
In a BYOD policy using Android device management, IT admins can separate corporate and personal profiles on employee-owned devices. Containerization partitions your corporate and personal data in a way that the corporate container remains encrypted and there is no data sharing between the two profiles.
Proxy for Mobile
Using a proxy for mobile is essential for enhanced security. By channeling mobile traffic through a trusted proxy, IT admins can monitor and filter data, block risky content, and mask device IP addresses, making targeting by attackers difficult. In tandem with other security protocols, a proxy offers a formidable defense, especially on insecure networks. With an MDM, admins can uniformly apply trusted proxy configurations across all devices.
Kiosk Mode
IT admins can further tighten device security by locking down devices to pre-configured single or multi-apps using Android management for kiosk lockdown. Kiosk lockdown devices are pre-configured with allowed apps and websites and then deployed for use. Further, restrictions are set for browsers so users can access only authorized websites, thus securing the devices from any cyber threats from malicious websites. Additionally, restrictions are also put on downloading non-enterprise apps.
Mobile malware attacks have been increasing, and hackers and attackers are finding new ways to attack, extract data, and take advantage of devices. With the ever-growing spectrum of security threats, businesses of all sizes need to improve their mobile device security for efficient device management.
