Some Dos and Don’ts for Smart Implementation of Mobile Device Security
By Philip Mustain, Mobolize | CEO and Co-Founder
Bringing an enterprise’s security software to mobile devices is a different world and requires broader thinking and specialized technology. The definition of mobile devices goes beyond mobile phones to include laptops and tablets used by employees working at home or non-work settings. This means that enterprises need to rethink their best practices to ensure that their security features reach the edge of the network quickly and can easily be managed and updated.
The Mobolize team talks to our clients and potential clients about the mobile landscape and here are a few points we agree upon.
Do: Define what is needed from mobile security as it’s each enterprise’s data that needs protecting
Each enterprise defines their own network security and what is right for them. SASE, cloud security, zero trust, CASB, application security, Wi-Fi security, etc. – just make sure the strategy and technology support mobile devices.
Do: Make delivering the software implementation and maintenance easier by using one code base for all mobile platforms
Software updates are always necessary. They become difficult if there are a variety of code bases to manage. Mobile is a perfect example because each has different operating systems plus iOS and Android are highly complex. Having a development partner that uses one code base for all mobile devices makes maintenance easier and more manageable. The result is faster updates and security performance the way the enterprise wants it.
Do: Look for a partner who will meet each enterprise’s needs
Every enterprise has different requirements for expanding their security throughout their network. It’s important to have a partner who understands how to bring each enterprise partner’s security to all mobile devices. Understanding mobile is important. Smartly bringing a partner’s requirements to mobile is key.
Don’t: Depend on traditional VPNs – they really are not good enough
Traditional VPNs route all data traffic to network servers. That’s costly, time consuming, can be frustrating for the user and a battery-eater for mobile phones. A better way is to use a VPN that reads each piece of data and – based on each enterprise’s rules – routes data appropriately. Good data goes where it needs to go fast. A SmartVPN® saves time, costs and frustration.
Don’t: Think mobile is just about security.
Security is key, but it’s about user satisfaction too. Consider making mobile security easy and seamless for employees to use with no impact on their personal use of mobile devices or in their ability to use devices truly mobile (coffee shop, walking, etc.) situations.
