Mobile device management (MDM) is more critical to businesses than ever before. Mobile devices are convenient and affordable, making them a must-have for many organizations. However, as mobile device usage grows, so do the associated security risks.
According to Verizon’s recent Mobile Security Index Report, 64% of respondents are at significant or extreme risk from mobile devices, while 51% have experienced security incidents from mobile malware or unpatched device vulnerabilities.
And technology innovations make cyber adversaries more powerful. Nearly 47% of businesses believe that recent advancements in GenAI have enabled more sophisticated and scalable cyberattacks, according to the World Economic Forum Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025.
The threat of intellectual property loss and reputational damage is real. But as the use of these devices skyrockets thanks to remote learning and working, the benefits of mobile device management and security can no longer be ignored.
And having a strategy for this modern work environment is no longer an option. It’s a necessity. Here’s what organizations need to know.
Key takeaways
- Effective MDM requires core technical controls such as MFA, encryption, updates, and remote wipe.
- Physical security is a critical, yet often overlooked, component of MDM, as stolen devices are a leading cause of data breaches.
- A layered defense combining digital policies with physical safeguards directly prevents device theft.
- Smart lockers provide the essential physical layer, securing devices against theft and automating inventory tracking and access control.
What is mobile device management security?
What is mobile device management security? It’s the framework of policies, tools, and processes used to protect, monitor, and manage an organization’s endpoints, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
A key component of this framework is mobile device management, which is an organization’s strategy to monitor and secure devices to reduce theft, loss, and device misuse. Common cybersecurity device management best practices include:
- Disk encryption
- Strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Limited log-in time and automatic logout
- Use of anti-virus software
- Automatically blocking or disabling unapproved apps
- Keeping all device software up to date and performing regular backups
- Establishing clear cybersecurity policies and incident-response plans
- Enabling the ability to wipe data remotely for lost or stolen devices
The best mobile security device management strategies also integrate smart locker remote management functionalities, such as tracking inventory, implementing secure check-in/check-out, and providing training that keeps everyone on the same page. That’s how organizations can realize the biggest benefits of mobile device control.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional cybersecurity advice. Organizations should consult with qualified security and legal professionals to implement measures tailored to their specific needs, risks, and regulatory requirements.
Mobile device management security best practices & benefits
The following mobile device management and data security practices are grounded in official guidance from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), specifically:
- SP 800-124 Rev. 2, which outlines security strategies for enterprise mobile device use
- SP 800-63-4, which defines digital identity and authentication standards.
1. Enforce strong authentication (MFA) on devices and admin consoles
Enforce a screen lock and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for access to corporate applications and the mobile device management (MDM) / enterprise mobility management (EMM) console.
Favor authenticator apps or FIDO2 (Fast IDentity Online) security keys over SMS to avoid SIM swap and signaling-network risks. Apply the same policies to admin accounts and everyday device access.
2. Encrypt data in transit and at rest
Use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect device-to-enterprise traffic. Approve only apps and services that use HTTPS/TLS by default, configure managed browsers to block unsecured HTTP traffic, and require TLS on reverse proxies and enterprise Wi-Fi.
You can also provision TLS certificates, including mutual TLS where needed, through your mobile device management (MDM) or enterprise mobility management (EMM) system.
To protect data at rest, enable full-disk encryption using the operating system’s native tools, such as FileVault (macOS), BitLocker (Windows), Android file-based encryption, or iOS Data Protection.
It’s advisable to pair these controls with remote-wipe capabilities so sensitive data can be erased if a device is lost or compromised. Together, they form a foundational layer for strong security device management.
3. Keep operating system (OS) and apps updated and enforce a secure baseline
Block access from outdated OS versions and disable developer or debug modes on endpoints. Use your enterprise mobility management (EMM) system to automatically check OS versions, app versions, and security settings. Quarantine any device that falls out of policy until it’s updated.
This will necessitate endpoint users to update their devices to access corporate apps. Staying current with patches helps close known vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them.
4. Vet apps and allowlist what’s trusted
Before deployment, screen all apps for weak encryption, poor data handling practices, or malicious behavior. Restrict access to unofficial app stores wherever possible, and rely on allowlists to approve only trusted applications.
Also, limit app permissions, such as camera, location, or microphone, to what’s truly necessary. Use mobile application management (MAM) tools to maintain an up-to-date app inventory and automate updates or removals. These steps reduce the risks associated with using shadow IT and unvetted software.
5. Block rooted/jailbroken and misconfigured devices
Use your EMM system to block access from rooted or jailbroken devices and unapproved device models. A good practice is to revoke enterprise access when security policies are violated. Preventing compromised or poorly configured devices from connecting to corporate systems is one of the most effective ways to reduce your organization’s attack surface.
6. Prefer certificate-based access (and derived Personal Identity Verification (PIV) where applicable)
Require digital certificates or device-bound cryptographic keys for user and device authentication to enterprise services. This approach, known as certificate-based authentication, uses cryptographically signed credentials issued by a trusted authority to prove identity. It replaces passwords, which are vulnerable to phishing, with a more secure and seamless login process.
In regulated environments (such as finance, healthcare, government, and IT), it’s advisable to implement derived PIV (Personal Identity Verification) credentials. This is a critical component of MDM for improving security in IT firms that develop applications and process sensitive data within these industries.
7. Separate work and personal data with containers and per-app VPN
Use secure containers to isolate corporate apps and data from personal content, especially in bring your own device (BYOD) environments. This ensures that work and personal use remain completely separate.
8. Monitor continuously and audit your mobile device environment
Continuously monitor device posture using your MDM or EMM platform, along with mobile threat defense and app-vetting tools. Review this data regularly to identify risks, fine-tune policies, and confirm that security controls are functioning as intended.
Physical device security as part of a mobile secure device management strategy
MDM solutions alone might no longer be enough to meet today’s business security needs. In fact, stolen devices and drives containing sensitive data were linked to 41% of data breaches, outpacing weak or stolen credentials (36%) and ransomware incidents (32%), in a 2025 report published by Blancco Technology Group.
To effectively reduce breach risks, digital controls must accompany physical security measures that protect devices in real-world environments. This is why many businesses are turning to mobile device charging stations and the FUYL Smart Locker System as a part of their MDM security strategy.
Smart lockers are more than just a place to store a device. They can help protect your devices against security breaches and compromised data, and can save time and resources spent tracking down, fixing, and replacing devices. Their benefits include:
- Theft prevention. Devices can be locked and protected in an ultra-secure, high-quality smart locker to help prevent physical theft. That can help mitigate the risk of a data breach and reduce the costs associated with replacing stolen devices.
- Improved productivity. With power outlets and USB ports that can charge a variety of devices and inform when devices are available for use, smart lockers help ensure that employees have access to fully charged devices for every shift.
- Reduced downtime. When devices are properly stored, charged, and secured in smart lockers or charging stations, employees and students can self-service a replacement whenever needed, reducing interruptions and downtime.
- Increased efficiency. Smart lockers or charging stations automate processes for check-in/out, break/fix, and shared or loaner devices, allowing skilled IT teams to focus on more important strategic projects and saving you labor costs.
Additional reading: How do smart lockers work? Check our simple guide for IT teams.
How the FUYL Smart Locker System helps support your mobile device management strategy
Secure remote mobile device management might sound complex, but FUYL Smart Locker System makes it surprisingly easy to implement at scale. Here is how:
- Remote policy enforcement. FUYL lockers enable IT admins to assign, restrict, or revoke access to individual bays without being on-site.
- Automated asset tracking. Each transaction (who accessed what, when, and for how long) is automatically logged. That audit trail supports device recovery, compliance reporting, and accountability without the need for manual tracking.
- Workflows that support the future of IT and operations. Cloud-connected workflows can be updated to support new device programs, deployment models, or service structures, future-proofing your investment.
- Responsive, locally based customer support. Our in-house Customer Support Team is ready to assist with any issue, and a self-serve support hub gives your team fast answers to commonly asked questions.
Final thoughts
- Proactive mobile remote secure device management is no longer optional as new technologies, such as GenAI, exponentially amplify mobile threats.
- A corporate mobile device strategy that integrates both digital and physical controls is the most effective way to mitigate the leading causes of data breaches.
- Leveraging automated systems such as smart lockers is key to scaling your device management efficiently while maintaining a strong security posture.