A trusted device is any mobile device authenticated and authorized by an organization’s IT systems to access corporate data and applications. These trusted devices are considered secure and compliant with the organization’s security policies.
What are trusted devices used for?
Trusted devices typically undergo a rigorous authentication process. This may include multi-factor authentication (MFA), certificates, or other security measures to verify the device’s identity.
A robust mobile device management (MDM) solution allows IT teams to manage trusted devices by enforcing policies, deploying updates, and ensuring continued compliance with an organization’s security policies. IT professionals can employ an MDM solution to provision new devices, deploy software, and remotely troubleshoot and support mobile devices. By thoroughly authenticating and continuously monitoring these devices, organizations can ensure secure access to their resources while maintaining compliance and enhancing user experiences.
Advantages of a trusted device
1. Improving IT security
Organizations reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches by ensuring that only trusted devices can access corporate resources. Additionally, having a list of trusted devices allows IT teams to maintain an accurate inventory of all devices with access to sensitive information.
MDM platforms use trusted devices to enforce security policies, such as password requirements, encryption standards, and application usage restrictions. These policies help maintain a consistent security posture across all devices.
2. Compliance
Trusted devices must pass stringent authentication and are subject to continuous policy enforcement. This ensures that mobile devices always comply with regulatory and organizational security standards.
3. Seamless user experience
Users of trusted devices often experience fewer interruptions and smoother access to resources since their devices are pre-approved and authenticated.
4. Remote monitoring and management
Once a device has been authenticated, IT teams can utilize MDM tools to monitor activity, push out patches, update software, and respond quickly to security incidents without requiring physical device access.
Best practices for managing trusted devices
IT teams and managed service providers (MSPs) should consider establishing processes that incorporate trusted devices into their MDM strategies. Properly managing trusted devices helps safeguard sensitive corporate data against vulnerabilities and security threats.
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Regular monitoring
Periodic security audits ensure that devices comply with security policies and identify potential vulnerabilities.
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Automated alerts
Setting up automated alerts for non-compliance or suspicious activities helps manage proactive threats.
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Remote management
MDM solutions often provide capabilities to locate trusted devices to mitigate risks if they are lost or stolen. Features like remote wipe, lock, and data encryption ensure that sensitive information remains protected, even if a device is compromised.
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Patching vulnerabilities
To better protect trusted devices, users can use patch management software to detect missing patches and push out updates. With IT automation tools, these updates can be scheduled in advance and during non-peak hours.
Leverage MDM to manage trusted devices
As flexible work arrangements become more popular and BYOD policies become more common, IT teams and MSPs need to adapt to possible security risks. Incorporating trusted devices into your IT security and MDM strategies significantly improves your organization’s security posture. Trusted devices ensure device authentication, data protection, and regulatory compliance.
