29 Aug

Keep Critical Data Secure with Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Smartphone and shield on white, security concept. 3d rendering.

As the use of mobile technology in manufacturing increases, so too does the risk of critical data becoming compromised. With the sheer number of mobile devices in the warehouse and on the shop floor today, mobile device management (MDM) is more necessary than ever.

MDM encompasses the deployment, security, monitoring, and management of mobile devices. IT employs MDM software to control the flow of data between devices in the most secure manner possible. Essentially, companies can finely control the access of corporate information. For example, they can limit which employees have access to certain data, or wipe an employee’s phone in the event that it is stolen.

And make no mistake—the risk of data falling into the wrong hands is real. Take a look at some statistics from the 2016 NowSecure Mobile Security Report: [1]

  • 7 percent of mobile apps include at least one high risk security flaw
  • Business apps are three times more likely to leak login credentials than the average app
  • 35% of communications sent by mobile devices are unencrypted

The statistics are pretty scary, doubly so as you consider just how many unsecured mobile devices are being used in the workplace due to companies increasingly allowing employees to bring their own devices to work. But manufacturers will, and should, continue to embrace mobile technology for the gains in productivity, accuracy, and efficiency that arise when workers have immediate access to data. MDM should be a top priority for these companies.

Mobile device management (MDM) is rising, but there’s a ways to go:

  • In TechTarget’s 2015 IT Priorities survey of 2,212 IT workers, 47% of global respondents plan to roll out MDM, up from 32% of global respondents in the 2014 survey[2]
In TechTarget’s 2015 IT Priorities survey of 2,212 IT workers, 47% of global respondents plan to roll out MDM, up from 32% of global respondents in the 2014 survey Click To Tweet

There are many possible reasons that some companies choose to neglect MDM. These reasons include cost, investments in legacy infrastructure, lack of trained IT staff to run MDM, and lack of policies in place to govern mobile devices. Even when a company is willing to adopt MDM, it can be difficult for IT to choose the right MDM solution. Every business has its own complex needs, and there is no one-size-fits-all option out there. They are also faced with questions like: will we operate MDM in-house or employ a third party? And, what operating systems and devices will it need to support?

Choosing the right MDM is a big decision—but you don’t have to make it alone. The SMS Group can help you get the most out of your mobile technology with Device Management Software recommendations, wireless infrastructure management, activation services, custom app development, and more. Contact The SMS Group to learn more.

 


 

[1] https://info.nowsecure.com/rs/201-XEW-873/images/2016-NowSecure-mobile-security-report.pdf

[2] http://searchcio.techtarget.com/news/2240238740/2015-outlook-in-information-technology-Growth-and-more-cloud-services

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