Want to protect your small business data on mobile devices? Follow these 5 key Mobile Device Management (MDM) practices to secure your operations and reduce risks:

1. Set Device Security Rules: Require passcodes, enable encryption, enforce automatic updates, and block unsafe devices.
2. Use Strong Login Methods: Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and certificate-based authentication for secure access.
3. Simplify User Access Control: Use Single Sign-On (SSO) and automate account setup/removal to manage permissions efficiently.
4. Track Device Security Status: Monitor compliance daily, set alerts for risks, and use tools like Bravas for real-time reporting.
5. Protect Company Data: Secure lost devices with remote wiping, encrypt apps/files, and restrict unauthorized sharing.

Quick Tip: Tools like Bravas can automate these practices, saving time while enhancing security. These steps are especially crucial if your business handles sensitive data or complies with regulations like HIPAA or GDPR. Start small and scale as your business grows!

6 Crucial Mobile Device Management (MDM) Best Practices

Set Device Security Rules

Establish clear rules to protect both company data and employee devices effectively.

Set Basic Security Standards

Make sure all devices meet basic security requirements to avoid unauthorized access and safeguard sensitive information. For starters, require lock screen passcodes, enable device encryption, and configure automatic operating system updates to address vulnerabilities promptly.

Here’s a quick breakdown of essential standards:

Security Requirement	Purpose	How to Implement
Screen Lock	Prevent unauthorized access	Use a 6+ digit PIN or biometric authentication
Device Encryption	Protect stored data	Enable full-disk encryption
Automatic Updates	Keep devices secure	Schedule updates during off-hours
Data Backup	Avoid data loss	Set up daily cloud backups

Devices that don't meet these standards should be blocked from accessing company resources until compliance is achieved.

Block Access from Unsafe Devices

Devices that fail to meet security requirements can put your business data at risk. Use automated compliance checks to verify security settings before granting access. This ensures only secure devices can interact with company systems, simplifying your security management.

Devices should be automatically blocked if they:

• Have disabled security features
• Are running outdated operating systems
• Show signs of being compromised
• Use unsecured networks for connection

Use Bravas for Policy Management

Managing security policies manually can be time-consuming. Bravas simplifies this process with its built-in Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), allowing you to enforce rules automatically across all devices.

Why use Bravas?

• Automates policy deployment for new devices
• Monitors compliance in real time
• Updates policies instantly across your network
• Simplifies managing BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) programs

For BYOD setups, Bravas ensures a balance between security and user privacy by keeping personal and business data separate. Security policies apply only to company resources, making it easier for employees to follow the rules without sacrificing their privacy.

Set Up Strong Login Methods

Protecting business accounts starts with secure login methods. Options like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and certificate-based solutions add extra layers of security to your defenses.

Add Multi-Factor Authentication

According to the FBI, cyberattacks have surged by 400%, with the average breach costing around $3.92 million. MFA strengthens account security by requiring multiple forms of verification, such as:

Authentication Factor	Example	Security Advantage
Something you know	Password or PIN	Basic layer of protection
Something you have	Smartphone or security key	Helps prevent credential theft
Something you are	Fingerprint or face scan	Provides unique biological verification

For even better protection, consider location-based MFA. This method analyzes login patterns and blocks suspicious attempts from unusual locations, adding an extra layer of security.

Use Certificate Authentication

While MFA secures user access, certificate authentication focuses on safeguarding device-server communications. Using EAP-TLS (Extensible Authentication Protocol-Transport Layer Security), this method eliminates password vulnerabilities and protects against man-in-the-middle attacks.

Some benefits of certificate-based authentication include:

• Faster Wi-Fi authentication
• No password-related disconnects
• Stronger defense against network attacks
• More precise access control

"Mathematics is more trustworthy than people or software. Therefore, when designing a system, prefer security that is enforced by cryptography instead of software or personnel policy." - 1password

Set Up Bravas Passwordless Login

Bravas offers a FIDO2-based passwordless login system that replaces traditional passwords with biometric authentication. This modern solution enhances both security and user convenience by providing policy-compliant credentials for quick access. Users can log in using:

• Biometric authentication on desktops
• Mobile device verification
• Browser extension tools
• A secure web interface

This approach reduces help desk requests while maintaining high security standards. Centralized governance ensures consistent enforcement of security policies across all devices and access points, simplifying management at scale.

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Simplify User Access Control

Making user access control more efficient helps improve security and reduces the workload for administrators.

Use Single Sign-On

Single Sign-On (SSO) simplifies password management and boosts security. With employees managing an average of 85 passwords, SSO offers a practical solution by allowing one set of login credentials to access multiple business applications.

Here’s how SSO can help:

Benefit	Impact
Fewer Help Desk Requests	Cuts down on password reset issues
Stronger Security	Protects master account with robust authentication
Compliance Support	Aligns with NIST Cybersecurity Framework standards
Better User Convenience	One login works across all platforms

Additionally, managing user accounts becomes more efficient when provisioning processes are optimized.

Speed Up Account Setup and Removal

Automation in account management offers several advantages:

• Assigns access rights based on roles
• Quickly deactivates accounts for former employees
• Enforces password policies automatically
• Reduces manual administrative tasks

Manage Groups with Bravas

After securing access and streamlining provisioning, group management becomes key. Bravas simplifies this process with SCIM (System for Cross-domain Identity Management) integration, enabling automatic syncing of user groups and permissions across applications.

Key features of Bravas group management:

• Role-based access control for precise permissions
• Automatic updates to group memberships
• Centralized management of permissions
• Real-time monitoring of user activity and status

These strategies ensure access control is seamless, from individual logins to managing group permissions across your organization.

Track Device Security Status

Keeping an eye on device security is crucial, especially with the growing risks tied to remote work. Regular monitoring helps identify and address threats before they escalate.

Check Device Security Daily

Daily checks are essential for maintaining secure devices. Focus on these key areas:

Monitoring Area	Key Checks	Action Items
Device Compliance	OS versions, encryption status	Update non-compliant devices
App Security	Approved vs. unapproved apps	Remove unauthorized apps
Network Access	Connection types, VPN usage	Block unsecured network access
System Updates	Patch status, security fixes	Apply critical updates immediately

Set Up Security Alerts

Automated alerts act as an early warning system for security risks. Configure notifications for events like:

• Unauthorized app installations
• Failed login attempts
• Changes in device encryption status
• Missed operating system updates
• Suspicious network connection attempts

These alerts integrate directly with Bravas reports, offering a comprehensive view of your security landscape.

Use Bravas Device Reports

Bravas provides real-time insights into device security, ensuring compliance and quick response to issues. Here's how it helps:

1. Security Status Tracking
Bravas continuously monitors compliance with your security policies, offering detailed reports on:

• Encryption status
• Screen lock settings
• OS versions
• Installed security tools

2. Compliance Monitoring
The platform checks devices against your security standards, flags violations, and generates audit logs for accountability.

3. Remote Management
When issues arise, Bravas enables immediate action with tools like:

• Remote device locking
• Automatic security patch deployment
• Policy enforcement
• Instant access revocation for compromised devices

Bravas simplifies device security management, ensuring you're always one step ahead of potential threats.

Protect Company Data on Devices

Keeping company data secure on mobile devices is critical for maintaining small business security. Here’s how you can safeguard sensitive information effectively.

Remove Data from Lost Devices

Act quickly if a device is lost to minimize risks. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Action	When	Note
Backup Verification	Immediately	Ensure critical data is backed up
Device Location Check	Within 1 hour	Use tracking tools to locate the device
Remote Lock	Within 1 hour	Block access to prevent misuse
Data Wipe Execution	Within 24 hours	Perform a factory reset if the device is unrecoverable

"Remote wipe is a security measure that allows IT admins to delete sensitive data via a network connection." - Maverick

For BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) setups, inform employees before initiating a data wipe to respect their personal data.

Lock Down Apps and Files

Beyond managing lost devices, it's essential to control how apps and files are accessed:

• Block unauthorized apps and sharing of business data.
• Use encryption for all business-related apps and files.
• Monitor app usage to detect security breaches.
• Set file-sharing permissions to control access.
• Enable automatic backups for critical files.
• Restrict the use of external storage devices.

Use Bravas Data Protection Tools

Bravas offers tools designed to enhance mobile data security. Here's what they provide:

Remote Management:

• Instantly lock devices.
• Monitor compliance in real time.
• Automate responses to security threats.
• Enforce security policies seamlessly.

Data Security Controls:

• Use certificate-based authentication for access.
• Leverage built-in encryption for apps and files.
• Deploy apps securely across devices.
• Apply automated security patches to keep systems updated.

Set up Bravas to automatically monitor compliance and trigger security actions when needed. This ensures your data stays protected at all times.

Conclusion

Putting reliable Mobile Device Management (MDM) practices in place is key to protecting small businesses. The five practices outlined here offer a solid framework for safeguarding business assets while keeping operations running smoothly.

With nearly all U.S. businesses employing fewer than 300 people, scalable mobile device security becomes essential. Using Bravas to implement these practices can help businesses strengthen their security without disrupting daily workflows.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how each practice plays a role in improving your security:

Practice	Business Impact	Security Benefit
Device Security Rules	Reduces risks of unauthorized access	Ensures consistent security measures
Strong Login Methods	Strengthens protection against breaches	Enables modern authentication
User Access Control	Streamlines IT management	Automatically applies proper permissions
Security Status Tracking	Supports ongoing monitoring	Helps detect threats early
Data Protection	Aids in meeting compliance requirements	Reduces chances of data breaches

It’s smart to adopt these measures before managing 75 devices to establish a strong security foundation. Clear communication with your team and regular management are essential to keeping these practices effective. This approach ensures your security measures can scale as your business grows.

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