How to manage your workforce’s remote devices

With the rise of remote work and the proliferation of mobile devices, it’s important to ensure that your organisation’s devices, wherever they are being used, are protected from potential threats and vulnerabilities. User education is important, but implementing remote device management can help troubleshoot and resolve issues faster, regardless of location. 

What is remote device management? 

Remote device management enables your IT support to access, control, configure, update and monitor your business-supplied devices from a central, administrative console, maintaining the security and integrity of devices, data and networks. It’s particularly important for businesses who have employees on-the-road, or flexible or remote employees who use mobile devices such as laptops, mobile phones and tablets. 

Why do you need it? 

Remote device management isn’t about checking up on your employees. While a key purpose is security, there are other benefits that come with a remote device management system. 

• Enhanced protection 
  Remote device management enables businesses to enforce security policies consistently across all devices, reducing the risk of data breaches, malware infections, and unauthorised access. It allows IT teams to implement strong password policies, encrypt sensitive data, and enforce compliance with security updates and patches.  

• Efficient IT support 
  IT administrators can remotely troubleshoot and resolve issues, reducing the need for on-site visits and minimising downtime with physical maintenance. It streamlines asset management, device configuration, software updates, and application deployments, saving time and resources.  

• Centralised Control 
  By centralising device management, organisations gain better visibility over their entire device fleet. IT teams can monitor device usage, enforce compliance, and track inventory, ensuring devices are properly configured and up-to-date with security protocols. 
   

Here are some considerations to keep in mind when implementing remote device management: 

• Security Policies 
  Establish clear company security policies and enforce them consistently across all devices. This includes strong password requirements, regular security updates, encryption protocols, and the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) for remote access. 

• Device Authentication 
  Implement compulsory multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security for accessing sensitive business resources. MFA requires users to provide additional verification, such as a code sent to their mobile device, in addition to their username and password. 

• Remote Data Wiping  
  Prepare for the possibility of device loss or theft by implementing remote data wiping capabilities. This allows you to erase sensitive data from a lost or stolen device to prevent unauthorised access. 

• Employee Education  
  Carry out regular security awareness training for employees to educate them about potential risks, such as phishing attacks and malware. Teach them to recognise and report suspicious activities, avoid connecting to unsecured networks, and exercise caution when downloading or opening attachments. 

Implementing remote device security will ensure a resilient IT infrastructure for remote workforces, enabling both productivity and peace of mind. If you want to find out more about how you can better protect your company devices, reach out to our team for more information.