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Today’s IT teams are trapped.
They want to offer bring your own device (BYOD) but don’t know how to implement it without relying on user self-regulation or heavy auditing — both of which build up user resentment. To make matters worse, any solution they choose must be well-integrated with their identity, access, and device management tech stack.
So how can IT teams get the real-time visibility and control they need?
To successfully adopt a BYOD strategy, many companies are turning to Android device management. Below, we’ll clarify what Android MDM is, how it enables a BYOD approach, and the unique features that make it a worthwhile investment.
What Is Android MDM?
Android mobile device management (MDM) enables IT to enroll, provision, track, troubleshoot, and secure BYOD and corporate-owned (COD) Android devices remotely. A company’s MDM server controls Android MDM. In practical terms, this means that any change in policy on an MDM server will automatically apply to the Android devices associated with it — no matter where the device is located.
IT and security teams leverage Android MDM to monitor devices in real time, reducing the chances of data theft and leakage. Companies can apply Android MDM to any type of Android device, from tablets intended for fieldwork to smartphones for sales reps, to Android kiosks in an office setting.
How Does Android MDM Work with BYOD?
As employees continue to work remotely, IT and security teams have to find ways to embrace BYOD policies while maintaining the same level of org-wide security.
Android MDM keeps work data secure and separate from personal data, safeguarding company resources and data. Because of this separation, Android gives IT admins flexibility when managing devices, empowering them to fully lock down a device’s work profile or simply limit its usage.
Some common Android MDM configurations include:
- Turning on kiosk mode
- Enforcing password policies and other compliance-related activity
- Restricting access to business-sanctioned apps in the Google Play Store
- Configuring work app settings and permissions
- Remotely wiping a stolen or compromised device
What Are the Features of an Android MDM?
The best Android MDM solutions come with several distinct features, including remote enrollment, profile and app management, security settings, and audit reports. Referring to this list when evaluating potential Android MDM providers will help ensure that your IT team has a say over how BYOD and COD devices are used, configured, and secured.
Automated Device Enrollment
One benefit to Android MDM is that IT admins can enroll personal or corporate devices remotely. All they have to do is register a device, associate it with the proper owner, and authenticate enrollment with the user’s Active Directory credentials or a one-time passcode. Ideal MDM platforms allow admins to enroll multiple devices per user.
Profile Management
Another key function of Android MDM is profile management. As soon as a device is enrolled, corresponding permissions and settings configured in the MDM server will automatically apply to the device. IT admins can control Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, camera, and browser settings at a profile level, boosting an organization’s overall security.
App Management
Admins also have to pay attention to the types of apps employees use on their corporate or personal devices. With an Android MDM solution in place, IT teams can deploy public or private apps in bulk, manage app permissions, and blacklist certain apps. They can also create recurring reports to alert them of any suspicious activity (more on that below).
Security Management
Probably the single biggest concern with BYOD policies is maintaining security. Android MDM makes installing updates and security software easy while restricting user access to company data. For security purposes, IT admins may use Android MDM to:
- Remotely lock devices
- Wipe repurposed devices clean
- Erase confidential data on devices that are lost or stolen
- Create alerts for questionable activity
- Deploy malware and phishing software
The best MDM platforms have flexible APIs, allowing admins to connect new devices to existing security infrastructure.
Containerization for BYOD
Companies have little to no control over a user’s behavior on their personal profile, and risky behavior could have detrimental consequences to company security. But Android MDM solutions segregate a device’s personal and work data — a process referred to as “containerization.” That way, if the personal profile on a device is compromised, the device’s work profile can still be locked down to preserve company data.
Audits and Reports
Continuous monitoring is an essential component of an airtight security program. But keeping track of multiple devices in multiple locations can present a challenge for IT teams. Android MDM solutions often have built-in auditing capabilities that surface any persistent issues or red flags. In a BYOD-driven environment, organizations can take advantage of these reporting features to assess their device fleet by model, app usage, location, and more.
Cross-Platform MDM Solution with JumpCloud
More and more companies are becoming remote-first, meaning IT and security teams need to think hard about their BYOD and COD implementations. They must be able to monitor and manage risks efficiently with minimal employee disruption, while also ensuring employee personal data is kept separate.
JumpCloud’s cross-platform MDM solution makes this possible, helping IT teams manage app, profile, and security settings from miles away, boosting security and employee satisfaction.
Admins can use the unified cloud-based console to control laptops, mobile phones, and desktops from a single platform, regardless of device OS.
Ready to get started with seamless cross-platform MDM?
NOTE: Once Android product is officially launched, we will update the final CTA section to the following section instead. There will also be another section added to the article on “How to Enable Android Enterprise Work Profile for BYOD,” to be developed.
Android EMM Solutions with JumpCloud
More and more companies are becoming remote-first, meaning IT and security teams need to think hard about their BYOD and COD implementations. They must be able to monitor and manage risks efficiently with minimal employee disruption. Android MDM makes this possible, helping IT teams manage app, profile, and security settings from miles away, boosting security and employee satisfaction.
But MDM can only go so far. Enterprise Mobility Management takes MDM to the next level, securing not just the settings on a phone or tablet but the whole device itself. JumpCloud Android EMM combines identity, access, and device management into one intuitive platform, centralizing and strengthening customers’ security infrastructure.
With JumpCloud Android EMM, IT can quickly configure, test, and distribute Android devices, getting employees the resources they need when they need them — without interfering with personal use.
Check out our recent post to learn more about Android EMM solutions, or try JumpCloud out for free today.
