Essential Guide
An admin's guide to mobile application security and delivery
Because apps are such a big part of the way employees work, IT pros have to know how to deliver them and mitigate risks to corporate data.
Introduction
Dealing with mobile applications in the BYOD era isn't an easy task, especially because consumer apps don't always have the enterprise in mind and enterprise apps aren't usually the first choice among users.
But IT administrators looking to get a handle on mobile application security and delivery are in luck. With well-built enterprise apps, in-house app stores, mobile application management (MAM), mobile device management (MDM) and more, admins can wrangle, manage and secure workers' mobile app use.
1Lock up your apps-
Mobile application security
Without applications, mobile devices are just expensive paper weights, but many workers don't realize how much data their apps can access. In the bring your own device (BYOD) era, this is a problem for administrators trying to protect corporate data on personal devices. With some best practices, policies and tools such as MDM and MAM, both IT and users can improve mobile application security.
Managing mobile application security
Consumers give applications permission to access the data stored on their devices, which can include pictures from a family vacation as well as sensitive corporate data. Use MDM, MAM and enterprise app stores to improve the security of mobile apps on users' devices. Continue Reading
Mobile application security vulnerabilities
Mobile devices are often the subject of security discussions, but apps are usually the vectors for attacks. Bad data storage practices, malware, unauthorized access and a lack of encryption can shoulder some of the blame for leaked or compromised corporate data. Continue Reading
Best practices for mobile app security
Corporate data leaks are a top concern for many admins, but with good mobile application security practices, including MDM and stored-data encryption, IT can mitigate security and delivery risks. Continue Reading
Android MAM won't solve all security problems
Android MAM helps admins combat some security risks by offering an alternative to Google Play or using a MAM tool to control distribution, but the best bet for controlling Android security is device regulation. Continue Reading
How acceptable use and application control boost BYOD
In BYOD shops, acceptable use policies give admins control over apps and security. Enforce policies with application blacklisting and whitelisting, plus MDM. MAM will help with app delivery and installation. Continue Reading
2Build better apps-
Building and delivering applications
Controlling application delivery is a good way to manage which apps workers use for which tasks. There are lots of delivery options, and if an app to accomplish a specific task doesn't exist, IT can build and deploy it.
Considering mobile app delivery options
A good mobile app delivery strategy can lighten the app-management burden on IT, and it can help workers get more done. Take a look at delivery options such as enterprise mobile app stores, app and desktop virtualization, and Web and cloud apps. Continue Reading
How consumer devices go corporate
Users' mobile devices multitask as phones, MP3 players and garage-door openers, so when workers take their smartphones and tablets to the office, they expect to be able to multitask there as well. With enterprise applications for remote access, collaboration, social networking, security and more, personal devices can pull double duty as consumer toys and business tools. Continue Reading
App stores control consumerization but can't do it all
Enterprise app stores make delivering and managing applications easier, but the stores are difficult to build and secure. Plus, enterprise app stores have to be easy enough for workers to access and use, otherwise they'll turn to consumer alternatives. Continue Reading
Don't rely on device app stores for everything
There are apps for just about everything these days, but not always the ones users need for complex, business-specific processes. When a task needs simplification and there isn’t an app store app that will do, IT can build applications in-house that are more tailored to business and users' needs. Continue Reading
Build it right, or don't bother
When it comes to building enterprise mobile apps, don't pussyfoot around. The app should have a purpose, solve a problem or make a process easier. If it doesn't do one of those things in a format that's easy for workers to use, they're not going to use it, and it will be a waste of IT's time and resources. Continue Reading
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