Ignoring a Mobile Device Management (MDM) policy for company-provided mobile devices can lead to serious risks. This article will outline common security threats, data loss, and productivity issues, and offer solutions to help companies regain control of their mobile fleet.
1. Not securing physical access to mobile devices
Leaving a mobile device unlocked or poorly secured is a major security risk. Without a strong password, PIN, or biometric authentication, sensitive data like emails and contacts are easily accessible. Many users choose weak passwords, with common examples like “123456” still being prevalent according to a 2024 NordPass study. This is problematic because it is through this kind of password that physical intrusions can easily occur.
Forgetting to lock a device after use is another common mistake, leaving it vulnerable to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
⇒ Implement a strong security policy
- Require employees to use strong passwords on devices accessing professional data.
- Encourage the use of automatic screen lock in device settings.
- Implement a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution to enforce strong passwords and standard screen lock times across all managed devices.
2. Absence of a Mobile Application Management policy
Another common intrusion route is the presence of malware hidden in mobile applications. Even applications downloaded from official platforms can contain them. These applications may seem legitimate and offer useful features, but in the background, they can manage to collect personal data without the user’s knowledge. It is therefore important to restrict the installation of applications on devices containing professional data, to prevent them from being collected illegally.
⇒ Use a Mobile Application Management
- Establish and distribute a company policy on application usage on personal and professional mobile devices.
- Use a Mobile Application Management (MAM) solution to approve and automatically install a list of applications.
- Remotely and massively uninstall unsecured or unnecessary applications via a MAM solution.
3. Allowing connection to unsecured public networks
Another important mistake in the use of mobile devices in a company is allowing connection to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Indeed, public Wi-Fi networks are practical since they are free and open to everyone, however this can lead to a lack of security and the presence of malicious users. In a 2024 study, the company Kaspersky examined more than 25,000 public Wi-Fi networks in Paris and found that 25% of them had security weaknesses, making them vulnerable to attacks.
⇒ Restrict public Wi-Fi access
- Avoid public Wi-Fi networks or use a VPN to secure the connection
- Provide SIM cards with mobile data to bypass the need for public networks
- Use a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution to predefine and restrict Wi-Fi networks to secure connections
4. Not regularly updating the operating system of devices
Neglecting the update of the operating system on mobile devices constitutes yet another vulnerability for the security of the company. By keeping an obsolete operating system, the organization becomes more vulnerable if confidential data is present on mobile devices. It is therefore imperative to establish regular and rigorous update policies for the entire mobile fleet to minimize these risks and ensure an adequate level of security.
⇒ Automate the Operating System updates
- Automate mobile device OS updates using Mobile Device Management (MDM) software
- This ensures devices are always secure with the latest versions
- It saves time by eliminating the need for manual verification and intervention
5. Not securing the use of BYOD
The “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) approach allows employees to use their personal mobile devices to access company data, via messaging or professional applications, for example. Although this practice can offer some flexibility for employees and cost advantages for the company, it also introduces security risks. The installation of malicious applications, whether intentional or accidental, can compromise the confidentiality of company communications and sensitive information, such as the interception of professional emails. Such a scenario can lead to a loss of control over company data and a breach of confidentiality of company information. A poorly managed BYOD policy or the absence of adequate security measures can turn a potentially beneficial initiative into a real nightmare for the organization’s IT security.
⇒ Implement a BYOD policy
- Use a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution with BYOD management features.
- Create a secure, password-protected work profile to contain all professional data: including apps, files, and contacts.
- Remotely wipe the work profile if necessary, deleting company data but not personal data.
You have been able to discover in this article some common practices in companies that can harm the security of professional data and solutions to avoid them. In summary, among all the solutions proposed, one comes back systematically: the implementation of a Mobile Device Management solution (MDM solution). It is the most complete solution to easily manage and frame the use of smartphones and tablets in the company. A French mobile device management solution like TinyMDM, specialized in Android, allows to manage different needs and to have more or less access and control over them:
- Personal device on which professional use is authorized (BYOD mode)
- Professional device on which personal use is authorized (WPCO mode)
- Professional device dedicated to professional use only (100% managed mode or kiosk mode)
You can find on our page dedicated to the comparison of our different management modes, the features they have in common and those that differentiate them.
If you want to know more about TinyMDM, do not hesitate to book a personalized demonstration of the software or start a 30-day free trial.