Mobile device management in government: a necessity or an option?

Mobile devices have become a permanent fixture in the work of many public institutions. They allow employees to access data and applications from anywhere, which significantly increases efficiency and flexibility at work. According to the Central Statistical Office, in 2022. 95.9% of public administration units in Poland provided employees with remote access to resources outside the unit's headquarters, while the percentage of employees equipped by offices with mobile devices with Internet access was 29.9%.[1]

However, this increased mobility brings with it a number of challenges. Mobile devices are inherently more vulnerable to security threats compared to traditional desktop computers. They are more likely to be lost or stolen, and their connectivity to multiple networks increases the risk of cyberattacks.

Managing mobile devices in government

The widespread availability of mobile devices has revolutionized the way we communicate, work and manage tasks. Public institutions such as government agencies, educational institutions and other public services are also taking advantage of these technologies. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the use of mobile devices in various applications, such as field operations, data collection, communications and service delivery. These mobiles offer unparalleled convenience, flexibility and efficiency, allowing employees to access critical information remotely. As dependence on these technologies increases in daily operations, implementing robust management systems such as Mobile Device Management (MDM), is becoming a priority.

What is MDM?

Mobile Device Management is a system for managing mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops to ensure their security and compliance with organizational policies. MDM solutions track devices and manage their inventory by maintaining an up-to-date record of all devices and their locations. Security policies such as password requirements, encryption and remote wipe capabilities are also implemented. MDM can control the installation and use of applications on devices, ensure secure connections to organizational networks, and monitor unauthorized access. In addition, MDM monitors device compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with applicable standards. MDM can be applied to organizations in any industry, including government, enabling effective mobile device management and data protection across sectors.

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MDM as a security tool

Security is a key consideration for public sector organizations that process vast amounts of sensitive data, such as citizens' personal information, sensitive government documents and critical infrastructure information. Breaches of this data can lead to serious consequences, such as identity theft, loss of public trust and threats to national security. MDM solutions help protect this information by implementing encryption, secure access protocols and the ability to remotely wipe data from lost or stolen devices. In addition, public sector organizations must comply with strict regulatory requirements for data protection and privacy. MDM supports compliance with these regulations by offering tools to monitor and enforce security policies, generate compliance reports and maintain audit trails.

With cyber threats on the rise, MDM provides a multi-layered defense against cyber attacks, enabling regular security updates, monitoring for suspicious activity and enforcing security policies across all devices. Additionally, the public sector often struggles with managing a variety of mobile devices, including different brands, operating systems and configurations. MDM offers a centralized platform to manage this diversity, providing consistent security policies and configurations, making it easier for IT administrators to manage.

Antumo MDM streamlines Ambro Group's operations.

Implement an MDM strategy

To implement an effective Mobile Device Management (MDM) strategy in public sector organizations, it is first necessary to conduct a risk assessment, identifying specific threats and vulnerabilities associated with the use of mobile devices. It is important to understand the types of data being accessed, the potential impact of security breaches and the current state of device security. Next, organizations should define security policies, establishing clear rules for passwords, encryption standards, acceptable use policies, and procedures for reporting lost or stolen devices, and enforce them consistently.

The right solution is the right one.

Choosing the right MDM solution that meets the organization's specific needs is key. Consideration should be given to ease of use, scalability, compatibility with existing systems and the range of security features offered. Once MDM is implemented, the system should be regularly monitored for compliance, security policies updated and audits conducted to identify and eliminate potential vulnerabilities. Educating and training employees on best practices for using mobile devices securely, such as recognizing phishing attempts, avoiding unsecured networks and reporting suspicious activity, is also key.

The use of mobile devices in the public sector has brought numerous benefits, including increased flexibility, efficiency and productivity. However, it has also introduced new security challenges that must be addressed to protect sensitive data, ensure regulatory compliance and minimize the risk of cyber attacks. Implementing a robust MDM security system is key to securing the public sector's mobile infrastructure and maintaining citizens' trust.

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