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Enterprise mobile security smackdown: iOS vs. Android vs. Windows
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Article
iOS 7's top eight features
Open in management, per app VPN, enterprise single sign on and an improved MDM protocol are just a few of the management attributes that IT admins can take advantage of in iOS 7. Read Now
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Restricting iCloud
It's easy to manage users' Apple iCloud access with third-party MDM services and Apple's management APIs. Using those tools, IT can control automatic device backups, Photo Stream and document syncing. Read Now
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Apple Configurator: One tool in a box of many
Apple Configurator can help IT manage some aspects of iOS devices, such as configuration profiles, but devices need to be connected to a Mac. Configurator's shortcomings make it more of a supplement to other MDM products than a standalone tool. Read Now
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Apple iOS encryption: You might be doing it wrong
In iOS 7, Data Protection is standard on all App Store apps, which lets IT take advantage of stronger enterprise mobile security features. But if users don't have Data Protection enabled on their devices, the improved security feature doesn't help much. Read Now
Editor's note
As mobile operating systems continue fighting the war for the title of king of the consumer realm, IT administrators have their eyes on the battle for the enterprise throne.
The mobile OSes that have made their way into the workplace are geared toward consumers, but the OSes have begun focusing on the enterprise too. With each new operating system version and device release, iOS, Android and the Windows mobile OSes have more tools and features for enterprise mobile security. The war for consumer hearts continues to rage, but is the battle for the enterprise won?
Read on to find out which management and enterprise mobile security features iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Windows 8 and RT have to offer, plus where the gaps are. Decide for yourself which is the victor.
1Android isn't down for the count
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: Android. Lots of people see the Android OS as being too unsecure for the enterprise, and it definitely has its fair share of problems. A storied history of malware, problems with fragmentation and few or incomplete management tools for IT are just a few of the big-time complaints.
But with each new version of Android, more management features arrive, and some device vendors are even taking it upon themselves to make Android -- or at least certain Android devices -- more secure and manageable. Before you count Android out, consider whether the new and growing management tools can potentially outweigh the risks and headaches.
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Dealing with Android fragmentation
Android fragmentation can make it really tough for IT to manage devices. Even in companies that purchase Android devices for workers, fragmentation poses an issue because each device and OS version has different capabilities, and MDM can't manage them all. Read Now
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Android manufacturers to blame for fragmentation
It's up to device manufacturers to develop OS updates for Android, and then wireless carriers have to deploy those updates to users. Unfortunately, device vendors often don't put in the necessary time and money into customizing new versions of the OS for their devices. Read Now
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Android management tools improve, but still aren't perfect
Android management features such as remote wipe, encryption and password options have improved in newer versions of the OS, but IT still needs third-party apps to cover all the management bases. Read Now
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Improve enterprise mobile security with third-party Android apps
There are built-in security features on some Android devices, but they aren't enough. Users will need to install third-party applications to fight viruses and boost enterprise mobile security. Read Now
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SAFE-certified devices make Android work for IT
If employees use SAFE-certified Android devices for work, IT benefits. The Samsung Approved for Enterprise program adds application programming interfaces (APIs) to certain Android devices to make managing and securing devices easier. Read Now
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Ice Cream Sandwich tries to make Android palatable for IT
There are new enterprise features in Android version 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Full-device encryption and a VPN API make the mobile OS a little more IT-friendly. Read Now
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Why Android MAM isn't enough
Mobile application management can help admins see and control which applications workers are using on their Android devices, but MAM won't help IT lock down devices or limit Wi-Fi access. Read Now
2Windows mobile devices in the enterprise
Windows 8, RT and Windows Phone 8 devices are making their way into the enterprise, and they come with some features that IT will expect from Microsoft operating systems. Tools such as native ActiveSync support and a targeted application distribution program will please admins. But don't forget that the devices are inherently geared toward users, which means they come with SkyDrive integration and other consumer-specific services.
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Confused about Windows 8 vs. RT?
When the operating systems first emerged, the differences between Windows 8 for mobile devices and Windows RT weren't plain to see. There are numerous small differences, but the biggest takeaway is that RT tablets can't be domain-joined, while Windows 8 mobile devices can. Read Now
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How does Windows RT fit in the enterprise?
Windows RT tablets have a place in the enterprise, but IT pros can't treat them like Windows PCs. RT tablets are mobile devices, and locking them down like a desktop takes away some of the things that make them a good device for enterprise workers. Read Now
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Windows 8, SkyDrive integration causes concern
Workers' Microsoft accounts link Windows 8 and SkyDrive, which is great for users trying to be productive. But connecting desktops and the cloud could be a big problem for IT. Read Now
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Don't turn up your nose at native ActiveSync support
Windows RT and Windows 8 mobile devices have native support for ActiveSync, which many admins consider a secondary or even tertiary method for connecting personal devices to users' Exchange mailboxes. In reality, this ActiveSync compatibility could make managing Windows mobile devices easier for admins in BYOD settings. Read Now
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Plan for Windows Phone 8 security
Every company should have a strong enterprise mobile security strategy that includes details on how IT will handle all of the devices that access the network. Don't count Windows Phone 8 devices as secure just because they bear the Microsoft stamp. Read Now
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Windows Phone 7.5 app distribution gives IT control
The targeted application distribution program available in Windows Phone 7.5 helps IT build and deliver applications. But if users don't have Windows Phones, admins don't have devices to distribute apps to. Read Now
3Glossary of mobile device management terms
Learn more about iOS versus Android versus Windows and enterprise mobile security with these definitions.
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Definition
Surface (Microsoft Surface tablet)
Surface is a line of tablet computers from Microsoft. Surface tablets will have a 10.6-inch wide display and come with USB support, dual Wi-Fi antennae, a built-in kick stand and a keyboard that doubles as the tablet’s cover. Read Now
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Definition
Metro apps
Metro apps are touch-screen-friendly apps written especially for Microsoft's WinRT programming interfaces. Read Now
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Windows Phone 7
Windows Phone 7 is a Microsoft operating system for smartphones. Read Now
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Windows RT
Windows RT (for "Runtime") is a version of Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system (OS) designed for mobile devices, particularly tablet PCs. The first installations of RT will be on the lower-end version of Microsoft's Surface tablet; the higher end version of the device runs a full implementation of Windows 8. Read Now
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Windows Store
Windows Store is the online marketplace for Windows 8 and Windows RT users to purchase and download apps. Read Now
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Definition
iCloud
Apple's free iCloud service stores subscribers' photos, videos, documents, apps and more and updates everything across users' synced devices. Read Now
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iOS Erase
iOS Erase is a feature that obliterates everything stored in the iOS encrypted file system’s user partition. All user partition contents – including contacts, calendars, device settings, third-party applications, and associated application data – become cryptographically inaccessible. Read Now
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iPhone 5
The iPhone 5 is the sixth version of Apple's touch-based smartphone. Read Now
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Apple AirPrint
Apple AirPrint is an iOS feature that lets users print documents and other files from their iPhones and iPads. Read Now
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Apple Bonjour
Apple Bonjour is a group of networking technologies designed to help devices and applications discover each other on the same network. Read Now
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Apple Configurator
Apple Configurator is a free Mac OS X tool for configuring and deploying iOS devices in the enterprise by using a physical USB connection. Read Now
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Apple Volume Purchase Program (Apple VPP)
The Apple Volume Purchase Program (VPP) is a service that allows organizations to buy iOS apps for their end users. Read Now
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Apple iOS in the Car
iOS in the Car is Apple technology that integrates the iPhone with an automobile's built-in dashboard display, audio system and controls. Read Now
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iOS 7
iOS 7 is the seventh version of Apple’s proprietary mobile operating system for iPhone, iPad and iPodTouch. Like earlier versions, iOS 7 is based on Macintosh OS X and supports multi-touch gesture recognition for user actions including pinching, tapping and swiping. Read Now
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Definition
mobile device fragmentation
Mobile device fragmentation is a phenomenon that occurs when some mobile users are running older versions of an operating system, while other users are running newer versions. Read Now
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Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Android 3.0 Honeycomb is a mobile operating system owned by Google and designed specifically for tablet PCs. Read Now
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Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS)
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) is a version of Google’s mobile operating system. Read Now
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Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
Android 4.2 Jelly Bean is the version of Google's mobile operating system that follows Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS). Android 4.2 Jelly Bean will run on tablet computers and smartphones. Read Now
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Definition
Android Beam
Android Beam is a Near Field Communication implementation that allows two Android mobile devices to transfer data between each other. Read Now