Key Points
- Enterprises employ company-issued mobile devices over BYODs for benefits such as centralized management, security, and uniformity.
- Introducing enterprise-managed mobile endpoints comes with challenges, including procurement procedures, user preferences, and privacy issues.
- A strong mobile device lifecycle governance plan should implement standardized procedures for provisioning, security, identity tracking, and risk management.
- Common enterprise mobile device management mistakes include a lack of human supervision, poor ownership tracking, leaving inactive units unattended, and exclusion of security measures.
The integration of mobile devices in enterprise environments has enabled the flexibility for employees to work anywhere, whether in a hybrid or remote work arrangement. Whether these organizations adopt a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy or provide company-issued units can vary depending on numerous factors: costs, security, and management, among others.
Larger companies that can afford to acquire their own mobile devices tend to adopt the latter option. However, having the privilege to do so means holding a much bigger responsibility to manage these devices properly throughout their lifetime of use.
In this blog article, we focus on how enterprises should govern each phase of the mobile device lifecycle management process for company-issued units, from the challenges that come with it to the best practices to overcome them.
Why enterprises choose company-issued devices over BYOD
For some businesses, especially small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), a BYOD policy is most preferable, as it allows work flexibility while saving costs.
But, for organizations with larger and more complex IT ecosystems, acquiring and issuing mobile devices themselves isn’t just an option; it is a necessity.
Here are a few of the advantages that company-issued mobile units can offer in contrast to BYODs:
Centralized management
With a mobile device management (MDM) software, IT administrators have a centralized platform to monitor and maintain all mobile endpoints under their control.
Security
Under a unified MDM system, MSPs and IT technicians can safeguard mobile devices, especially those containing sensitive data, more efficiently.
Standardization of devices
Enterprises can dictate the models and operating systems employees will be using, as well as implement other company-specified configurations, to ensure a standard and unified workflow.
While costs have been a commonly cited drawback, many would argue that the benefits greatly outweigh the disadvantages, making them a worthwhile, long-term investment.
The challenges of enterprise-issued mobile devices
Despite the perks that come with them, managing company-issued mobile devices still comes with its own set of challenges outside of high costs.
Procurement procedures
Businesses need to thoroughly choose the right vendor that can provide them with the devices and their respective specifications for their use. Stakeholders also need to be convinced of the benefits and necessity of procuring mobile devices for the company.
User preferences
Mobile device provision should not be viewed as a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Providers also need to consider matching device specifications with a user’s work requirements and preferences. For instance, an enterprise’s creative department may prefer units with high-resolution displays and high graphics performance, while on-site field service technicians may require units that are damage-resistant to outdoor elements.
Privacy issues
Company-issued devices may be perceived negatively by employees, as their use implicates heavy surveillance and a stringent “always-at-work” culture. IT teams need to ensure that their MDM system does not put too much pressure or create an air of distrust with end-users.
Building lifecycle governance for company-issued devices
Governing and managing enterprise-owned mobile devices requires comprehensive policies and practices to ensure their optimal health and function throughout each phase of their lifecycle.
Here are some mobile device lifecycle management best practices for company-issued endpoints.
Standardize device provisioning
Good operational visibility begins with a standard procedure for each step of provisioning. Enroll the device in your MDM, and document the identity of its assigned user. Add configurations to its security measures and applications, and limit access to both the user and the admins-in-charge. Enforce policies strictly throughout their use.
Track ownership continuously
Admins must be able to survey all devices within the environment to ensure their proper usage and ownership. Enforce strong authentication procedures to make sure a mobile device is utilized only by its assigned end-users. Lock down devices when suspicious access attempts are detected. Document and track the device’s status before and after assignment or re-assignment.
Operationalize reassignment and decommissioning
IT technicians must also track and take charge of devices to be reassigned to a new user or decommissioned from the enterprise system. Once a device is returned to the IT team, perform a reset and back up any essential data before erasure. Validate any reapplied policies and compliance before handing down the device to its new end-user. For endpoints to be decommissioned, assess and take inventory of their contents before wiping off any residual data.
Secure company-issued phones
Security protocols should be in place for any situation that can compromise the device’s safety, especially for data breaches and theft. Implement zero-trust principles, including strong identity verification (such as MFA), device compliance checks, least-privilege access, and encryption of data in transit and at rest. Leverage automation to install patches and updates to all devices under the enterprise environment. Employ swift data wipe capabilities and emergency lock features in case a device is reported to be stolen or lost.
Manage risks from unmanaged devices
Mobile devices whose existence may not be known to administrators pose a risk, as they can be potential vectors for undetectable threats. Even shadow IT, such as unpermitted applications and software, can become pathways for cyberattacks. Always ensure to keep an inventory of all devices and authorized applications, ownership records, configuration state, and security posture. Inquire and coordinate with users about any inclusion of new apps and software, and the reason for their installation.
Common enterprise mobility governance mistakes
Even with a mobile device governance plan in place, lapses in execution can lead to increased vulnerabilities and render policies and protocols ineffective. Here are some of the most common mistakes IT teams need to avoid when managing company-issued mobile units.
Treating MDM deployment as complete governance
While deploying a mobile device management software can positively assist in mobile device governance, constant human supervision is still a necessity to ensure that every part of a device’s lifecycle is supervised and executed correctly.
Failing to track ownership changes
During the transition process of switching endpoint owners, residual data may be unintentionally left behind, including sensitive and confidential information. This leaves the unit exposed to data breaches. Ensure that all data is erased completely and systems are reset before handing it over to the new end-user.
Maintaining inconsistent reassignment workflows
As mobile devices are used for various purposes by different departments, it is essential to have a standardized reassignment workflow for each device type and its use, past and present.
Overlooking inactive devices
Mobile device management tends to focus mostly on endpoints currently in use and neglects those with no owners. But inactive devices, too, are vulnerable to cyber threats, and even if they are secured, leaving them unmaintained can leave the device in poor condition before it can be used. Ensure that mobile devices are protected and in good health, even when they are inactive.
Separating mobility governance from security operations
Mobile device governance isn’t just for inventory and documentation purposes. In fact, cybersecurity is the most essential aspect of MDM. Thus, security measures such as passwords and data encryption should be included in your management workflows.
Quick-Start Guide
NinjaOne Can Help Govern Company-Issued Mobile Devices. NinjaOne includes Mobile Device Management (MDM) capabilities specifically designed for enterprise mobile device governance.
Android Device Management
- Zero-Touch Enrollment — Automatically enroll Android devices into NinjaOne MDM without manual intervention
- Enrollment Profiles — Create custom configurations for device setup and enrollment
- Google Integration — Seamless connection to Google’s zero-touch enrollment system via Android Device Policy Controller (DPC)
- Support Information — Display company support contact details during device setup
Device Governance Features
- Policy Management — Create and apply policies to managed devices
- Device Lifecycle Tracking — Track devices from provisioning through decommissioning
- Asset Management — Integrate with NinjaOne ITAM for complete device lifecycle visibility
- Device Registration & Approval — Control which devices can be managed with approval workflows
- Organization & Location Assignment — Organize devices by organizational structure
Mobile device management starts with strong governance
Choosing to integrate company-issued mobile devices into your enterprise environment may come with its advantages, but they can only be attained with proper governance and management in place.
Implement standard procedures throughout its lifecycle, from enrollment to role assignment to decommissioning. Apply strong data security measures and procedures to protect data contained in these devices. Leverage tools such as automation and MDM software for easier and more efficient monitoring.
A comprehensive mobile device management plan should uphold accountability, vigilance, and care for technicians and administrators to follow.
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