What are best practices for managing devices used by my business?

In today's digital age, devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets are essential for businesses. However, they can also pose security risks if not managed properly. That's where device management comes in.

What is Device Management? Great question… Device management involves implementing policies and procedures to ensure that company devices are used securely, efficiently, and in compliance with relevant regulations.

Key Best Practices for Device Management:

1. Create a comprehensive device policy

A clear and concise device policy outlines the rules and expectations for employees using company devices. It should cover topics such as:

• Acceptable use: What is and isn't allowed on company devices.
• Data security: How to protect sensitive data.
• Password management: Strong password requirements.
• BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): If applicable, how personal devices can and cannot be used for work.

2. Implement strong security measures

To protect your devices and data, consider the following security measures:

• Antivirus software: Regularly update and scan devices for malware.
• Firewall: Protect your network from unauthorized access.
• Data encryption: Encrypt sensitive data to prevent unauthorized access.
• Regular updates: Keep operating systems and software up-to-date with the latest security patches.

Ideally, all of these security measures are centrally managed with alert systems built in to inform for anything out of date, offline, or suspicious. A good example would be a virus scanner that is out of date. Scanners are only as good as their definition set. Patching is another example, a machine’s security is only as good as its update policy.

3. Use a mobile device management (MDM) solution

An MDM solution can help you manage and secure your mobile devices. It allows you to:

• Remotely wipe data: If a device is lost or stolen.
• Enforce password policies: Ensure strong passwords are used.
• Track device location: If a device is lost or stolen.
• Deploy apps and updates: Distribute necessary software to devices.

As a side note, Apple provides a robust MDM Solution called Apple Business Manager, this will allow an organization to completely manage their OSX and iOS devices.

Microsoft offers its inTune and Defender management platforms to manage Windows-based devices. Microsoft offers this level of management with their M365 Premium and above licenses.

Lastly, there are several third-party tools built for mobile device management (including laptops you might have in the field).

4. Provide employee training

Educate employees about device security best practices. This includes:

• Recognizing phishing scams: How to identify and avoid malicious emails.
• Strong password habits: Creating and remembering secure passwords.
• Data privacy: Understanding the importance of protecting sensitive information.

Training your employees on best cyber security practices will provide an effective line of defense for your devices and data.

5. Regularly review and update your device management practices

As technology evolves and new threats emerge, it's important to review and update your device management practices to ensure they remain effective. By following these best practices, you can help protect your business from device-related security threats and ensure that your devices are used efficiently and effectively.

6. Regular Audits and Monitoring

Overseeing the device management is essential to making sure all policies are being adhered to as well as that all your devices are under the management umbrella

• Perform regular audits: Review physical devices and managed devices to verify all devices are accounted for under management
• Create alerts and notifications: Set up alerts and alert automation to help inform of any potential breaches or breaks of company policies
• Verify Updates: Always make sure all devices are updated with patches and definitions. Make sure nothing has fallen behind making it vulnerable to compromise.

As the world moved to remote work in the pandemic of 2020, the need for robust device management grew and there are now several great options for small businesses to manage their company-owned devices.