From Challenges to Opportunities: 7 Reasons Why Organisations Need Mobile Device Management

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, organisations face countless challenges when it comes to managing mobile devices and ensuring data security. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and transformation. In our latest blog, we explore the compelling reasons why organisations need to embrace mobile device management solutions to overcome these hurdles and thrive in the digital age.

Challenge 1: Fines of €20 Million or 4% of the Company’s Annual Global Turnover

When the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force in 2016 and applied in 2018, hefty fines were anticipated. The fines of up to €20 million or 4% of the company’s annual global turnover set the benchmark for how the EU wanted to ensure that businesses put the right protections in place when processing personal data. Since then, the largest fine of €1.2 billion was issued in 2023.

Protecting data on mobile devices is key to complying with new EU privacy regulations. Therefore, businesses require a mobility management solution where you can effortlessly apply policies to restrict application use, reduce exposure to GDPR issues, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

Challenge 2: 46% of All Cyber Breaches Impact Businesses with Fewer Than 1,000 Employees

According to a report by Verizon, 46% of all cyber breaches impact businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees – illustrating that device security and the threat of cyber-attacks is not solely a risk that large enterprises need to protect themselves from.

Instead, businesses of all sizes should invest in an Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solution with enhanced security measures. Key security features of EMM include the ability to track the current whereabouts of lost or stolen mobile devices and enable swift action, such as remote device wipe, to safeguard sensitive data.

Challenge 3: 16% of Devices are Typically Lost Each Year.

Replacing lost mobile devices has a significant financial and operational impact. According to the Ponemon Institute ^[1], 16% of devices are lost each year, costing companies over $5M per year and 203 hours to replace.

To mitigate this challenge, businesses need an EMM that streamlines inventory management. With location-tracking features, EMMs can simplify inventory control and efficiently track and manage all mobile devices across your organisation.

Challenge 4: Phishing Attacks Increased 1,265% in 2023

According to a recent report, between Q4 2022 and Q3 2023, phishing attacks increased by 1,265%, while credential phishing attacks rose by 967% over the same period. Phishing comes in all shapes and sizes, using common forms of communication such as email, SMS, voice, HTTPs, pop-ups, and website spoofing to trick people into sharing personal information or downloading malicious apps. With the advancement of generative AI and deepfakes, phishing attacks are becoming even harder to detect with the naked eye.

To reduce security risks, such as phishing, businesses should seek an EMM that enables them to implement policies and controls so that only authorised applications and websites are accessed on company devices.

Challenge 5: 1,062 Hours are Spent Each Week Managing Devices.

According to the aforementioned report by the Ponemon Institute, it’s estimated that 1,062 hours are spent each week managing, maintaining, tracking, and monitoring mobile devices, as well as the downtime caused by lost devices.

Businesses can significantly reduce the time spent managing their devices with an EMM that enables them to automate their configurations and installations. By eliminating manual configurations and app installations with automation capabilities, an EMM not only saves time and resources but also ensures consistency and reliability across all devices.

Challenge 6: $1.4 Million Impact from Lost Devices.

According to Imprivata, the additional cost from lost devices for IT security, help desk support, idle time, and lost productivity is $1.4M.

By leveraging an EMM, businesses can gain greater visibility into their device fleet via detailed insights with real-time monitoring of device location, memory storage, battery remaining, and usage statistics. With an EMM that centralises device management, businesses overcome the challenge of managing multiple devices, which not only streamlines operations but also improves efficiency.

Challenge 7: 60% of Users are Hamstrung by Repetitive, Manual Authentication

The Ponemon Institute’s report also found interesting data on how easy businesses make it for employees to access approved mobile applications. The report found that only 40% of respondents say their programs enable quick access to mobile applications without repetitive, manual authentication.

Businesses can boost user productivity by investing in an EMM that provides seamless access to necessary resources and applications while maintaining control of data consumption, device network permissions, security, and compliance standards.