Did you know that mobile device usage in businesses has surged by over 50% in the past few years? As organizations embrace digital transformation and adapt to remote work, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, and 1:1 programs in education, their IT asset inventories are rapidly evolving. Gone are the days of managing only desktop computers; mobile devices now play a critical role in key business functions.
This shift has brought incredible flexibility but also significant challenges. How do you secure and manage a growing fleet of devices across multiple locations and networks? The answer lies in adopting a scalable mobile device management (MDM) solution. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about MDM—what it is, why it’s essential, and how to implement it effectively for your organization.
What is Mobile Device Management (MDM)?
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a centralized technology solution designed to manage and secure mobile devices. It empowers organizations to maintain control over their mobile IT assets, ensuring they remain secure, compliant, and efficient in their operation. MDM solutions go beyond basic device management by addressing the unique challenges posed by mobile endpoints, particularly in today’s environments shaped by:
- BYOD Policies: Employee-owned devices accessing corporate resources.
- Remote Work: The shift to hybrid or fully remote teams.
- Education Technology: 1:1 device programs in schools.
These evolving workplace and educational needs demand a specialized approach to managing mobile devices, making MDM a cornerstone of modern IT and security strategies.
How does MDM fit into device management?
Managing an organization’s devices—whether physical or virtual—is a critical IT function. Device management involves overseeing the entire lifecycle of IT assets:
- Deployment and Configuration: Setting up devices with the necessary tools and software.
- Lifecycle Maintenance: Ensuring devices are regularly updated and secure.
- Policy Enforcement: Applying security measures like encryption and user access controls.
- Decommissioning: Safely retiring devices at the end of their lifecycle.
While device management provides a broad framework for handling all types of IT assets, mobile device management narrows the focus to the unique needs of mobile endpoints. As mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops become integral to business and educational operations, MDM ensures these devices are managed effectively and securely at scale.
Why mobile device management is important?
Mobile devices are now the backbone of how many businesses and schools operate. They allow teams to stay connected, access critical information, and get work done from virtually anywhere. But as essential as these devices are, they also bring unique challenges—security risks, compliance headaches, and the sheer complexity of keeping everything running smoothly. That’s where MDM steps in to make a difference.
Key benefits of mobile device management
- Protects Sensitive Data Across Devices
Imagine losing a device filled with business-critical data. It’s a nightmare scenario, but MDM helps you avoid it. By enabling features like encryption, secure authentication, and remote wiping, MDM ensures your data stays protected—even if the unexpected happens. - Keeps Your Business Compliant
From data privacy regulations like GDPR to industry-specific rules like HIPAA, staying compliant can feel overwhelming. Mobile device management should be able to enforce security policies, monitor usage, and even generate reports to show you’re following the rules—all from a single dashboard. - Helps Your Team Stay Focused
Nobody wants their day derailed by a tech hiccup. With MDM, IT teams can troubleshoot remotely, deploy updates seamlessly, and handle device provisioning in minutes instead of hours. That means fewer distractions for your team and more time spent doing what they do best.
Why mobile device management should be a priority
At the end of the day, mobile devices are more than just tools—they’re the lifeline of modern organizations. But with that comes responsibility. Mobile device management should be able to address the risks and complexities that come with today’s mobile-first world. Whether it’s protecting data, simplifying compliance, or supporting a growing team, MDM isn’t just important—it’s essential.
MDM vs. EMM vs. UEM vs. MAM
MDM solutions are one of several different types of device management solutions. The main types of endpoint management solutions that impact mobile devices include the following:
- Mobile Device Management (MDM): MDM solutions are focused solely on the management of mobile devices.
- Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM): EMM solutions can manage physical mobile devices but also have visibility into and control over the content and applications hosted on those devices.
- Unified Endpoint Management (UEM): UEM solutions are general endpoint management solutions. They unify management across all business endpoints, providing the ability to manage computers and mobile devices using a single solution.
- Mobile Application Management (MAM): Mobile Application Management (MAM) is a subset of Enterprise Mobility Management that enables organizations to manage, secure and deploy mobile applications on employee-owned and corporate-owned devices, while MDM focuses on managing and securing mobile devices.
MDM solutions are a subset of EMM solutions, which are a subset of UEM solutions. While all provide the same ability to manage mobile devices, solutions at higher levels expand their scope to include other systems as well (applications, content, computers, etc.).
How does mobile device management work?
MDM solutions simplify and secure the management of devices throughout their entire lifecycle—from enrollment to retirement. Let’s break it down into five straightforward stages:
1. Enrollment: setting devices up for success
Enrollment is the first step, where devices are added to the MDM system. This process can vary depending on the type of device:
- Android Devices: Tools like Android Enterprise or Zero Touch Enrollment allow devices to be set up and managed right out of the box, requiring minimal effort.
- Apple Devices: Apple Business Manager (ABM) enables zero-touch deployment, and devices purchased from authorized resellers can be pre-configured remotely. For other cases, tools like Apple Configurator simplify the process.
- Personal Devices (BYOD): Employees working on personal devices can enroll them using Android Work Profiles or Apple’s User Enrollment program, ensuring corporate data remains separate and secure.
- Other Devices: For devices that don’t support these automated methods, alternative options like QR code scanning or manual enrollment can be used, though manual enrollment is less efficient.
With mobile devices forming a significant portion of IT assets, choosing an MDM solution that supports all devices—including BYOD—is essential for scalability.
2. Provisioning: customizing devices to meet business needs
Once enrolled, devices are configured to comply with company policies. Provisioning typically includes:
- Security Settings: Enforcing password requirements, encryption, and app usage policies.
- Preloaded Apps: Using tools like Android’s Managed Google Play Store or Apple ABM to install necessary apps automatically.
- Enterprise App Store: Some companies prefer to set up an internal app store, allowing employees to download pre-approved tools as needed.
- Data Management: Ensuring employees access approved corporate data storage and collaboration platforms to prevent the use of unapproved, risky solutions.
Provisioning ensures that employees have everything they need to work effectively while keeping corporate data secure.
3. Deployment: delivering ready-to-use devices
After configuration, devices are handed off to employees or students. For remote workforces or distributed teams, this often involves shipping devices preloaded with:
- Security Certificates: To connect seamlessly to corporate networks.
- Custom Settings: Personalization for specific users or job roles to ensure productivity from day one.
Location tracking can also be valuable, especially for organizations managing large fleets of mobile devices across multiple locations.
4. Management: keeping devices secure and efficient
Management is the longest phase, covering the device’s active use period. MDM ensures devices remain secure, compliant, and functional by automating:
- Software Updates: Pushing app or OS updates remotely.
- Troubleshooting: Resolving device issues without requiring in-person IT support.
- Data Monitoring: Tracking usage patterns to prevent unauthorized access or excessive data consumption.
With MDM, organizations can scale their device management efficiently while reducing manual IT tasks.
5. Retirement: safe and secure end-of-life
When a device is no longer in use—whether planned or unexpected due to loss or theft—MDM ensures proper retirement. This includes:
- Secure Data Wiping: Erasing sensitive information to protect intellectual property and customer data.
- Decommissioning: Removing the device from the system to prevent unauthorized access.
Mobile device management should be able to simplify these complex tasks while protecting corporate data and ensuring employees can work seamlessly.
Features an effective MDM solution should have
To fully protect and manage mobile devices, an MDM solution needs to go beyond basic functionality. An effective solution provides a suite of tools that address the entire lifecycle of a device—enrollment, provisioning, management, and retirement—while ensuring security and compliance. Let’s explore the core features every Mobile Device Management (MDM) system should have.
1. Device tracking and remote wiping
Mobile devices are prone to being misplaced or stolen. MDM solutions should be able to:
- Track the location of devices in real-time to prevent unauthorized use.
- Remotely lock or wipe devices to protect sensitive information in case of loss or theft.
This feature is critical for maintaining data security and preventing breaches caused by lost devices.
2. Application control and updates
Keeping devices functional and secure often depends on managing the apps employees use. Mobile device management should be able to:
- Control which applications can be installed or accessed on devices.
- Push updates for operating systems and apps automatically, ensuring devices are always running the latest versions.
This eliminates vulnerabilities caused by outdated software and ensures employees have access to the tools they need.
3. Encryption and authentication policies
Data security is at the heart of any MDM strategy. To protect sensitive business information, an MDM solution should include:
- Encryption for all stored and transmitted data, making it unreadable to unauthorized users.
- Strong authentication policies, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), to ensure only authorized users can access devices and corporate resources.
These measures safeguard data, even if devices fall into the wrong hands.
4. Compliance monitoring
Many organizations are required to follow strict regulatory frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA. An effective MDM solution should be able to:
- Monitor devices for compliance with company and regulatory policies.
- Generate detailed reports for audits and accountability.
This helps organizations avoid penalties and ensures peace of mind.
5. Content and data management
To keep employees productive and secure, MDM solutions need to manage how corporate data is accessed and shared. MDM should include:
- Secure data storage options to prevent the use of unauthorized solutions.
- Access controls to ensure only approved users can retrieve sensitive data.
This protects intellectual property while enabling employees to collaborate effectively.
6. Scalability and cross-platform support
As businesses grow and adopt new technologies, their device management needs evolve. MDM should be able to:
- Support a wide range of devices, including iOS, Android, and Windows.
- Scale effortlessly to manage hundreds or thousands of devices as needed.
A scalable solution ensures the MDM system grows alongside the organization.
How these features tie into MDM components?
Every MDM solution is built around the core components of device lifecycle management:
- Enrollment: Streamlining the addition of devices into the system.
- Provisioning: Customizing devices with the right apps and settings.
- Management: Automating updates, enforcing policies, and monitoring compliance.
- Retirement: Safely decommissioning devices when they’re no longer in use.
These features work together to create a comprehensive system for managing and securing mobile devices.
Mobile device management and BYOD
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) allows employees to use their personal devices for work instead of company-provided hardware. While this approach boosts employee satisfaction and productivity, it also introduces security challenges. BYOD increases the risk of data breaches, unauthorized access, and non-compliance with industry regulations.
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is essential for securing BYOD environments. It enables organizations to apply security policies, monitor device usage, and protect sensitive data without compromising user privacy. With MDM, companies can:
- Enforce encryption and secure app use.
- Separate work and personal data.
- Remotely wipe corporate information from lost or stolen devices.
By implementing MDM, businesses can embrace BYOD to improve employee flexibility, reduce hardware costs, and maintain robust data security.
MDM for different business sizes
Every organization has unique needs when it comes to managing mobile devices. Business mobile device management solutions should be tailored to fit the size and scale of operations:
- Small Businesses: Focus on cost-effective solutions with core features like device tracking, remote wiping, and secure app distribution. These tools provide essential protection without overwhelming budgets or IT resources.
- Large Enterprises: Require advanced tools that offer scalability and integration with other IT systems. Features like AI-driven compliance monitoring, cross-platform support, and detailed analytics help enterprises manage thousands of devices while maintaining security and regulatory compliance.
No matter the size of your business, an MDM solution should empower your team to work securely and efficiently.
The future of mobile device management
As technology evolves, so does the scope of mobile device management. The future of MDM is shaped by several emerging trends:
- AI-Driven MDM Solutions: Artificial intelligence will enable smarter, real-time threat detection and predictive analytics to enhance device security and performance.
- Integration with IoT Devices: MDM is expanding to include Internet of Things (IoT) devices, providing unified management for a growing array of connected endpoints.
With these advancements, MDM will become even more critical for businesses looking to stay ahead of security challenges and operational complexities. Prey is at the forefront of this evolution, offering solutions designed to adapt to these emerging trends and help businesses future-proof their mobile device strategies.
What can MDM do for you?
Changes in how companies do business have made mobile devices more common and endpoints a greater target for cybercriminals. As devices move off of the corporate network with their built-in defenses, companies need solutions that enable them to manage these devices and protect them against cyber threats.
This includes the ability to manage each stage of the device lifecycle from initial enrollment through provisioning, deployment, and management to final retirement. Companies need to be able to know what devices they own, where their devices are, ensure that they are compliant with corporate policies, install any required updates, protect against stolen devices, and safely retire assets at the end of their useful lifecycles.
Device management is important because it allows for better control and stronger security when dealing with mobile devices. Managing devices effectively, securely, and scalably requires a device management solution with support for all of an organization’s IT assets, including laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.
