Help CenterAs organizations continue to embrace Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, managing and securing mobile devices that are not owned by the organization has become a significant challenge. Mobile Application Management (MAM) in Microsoft Intune offers a valuable solution for managing and securing corporate data on personal devices without requiring full device management. Here’s an exploration of the value MAM brings to BYOD scenarios, along with recommended settings and requirements for optimal configuration.
The Value of Mobile Application Management (MAM) in BYOD Scenarios
1. Enhanced Data Security
MAM provides granular control over corporate applications and data, allowing organizations to apply security policies specifically to the apps that handle sensitive information. This approach ensures that corporate data remains secure even on personal devices, without having to manage the entire device.
2. User Privacy
With MAM, organizations can safeguard corporate data while respecting user privacy. Since MAM doesn’t require full device management, personal apps and data remain unaffected, allowing employees to use their personal devices for work without compromising their privacy.
3. Flexibility and User Empowerment
MAM supports a range of scenarios, from fully managed devices to BYOD. It offers flexibility by enabling organizations to apply policies only to corporate apps and data. This flexibility is particularly useful in BYOD environments where employees use their personal devices for both work and personal purposes.
4. Simplified Deployment
MAM policies can be deployed quickly and easily through Intune, without the need for extensive setup or device enrollment. This streamlined approach reduces administrative overhead and accelerates the deployment of security measures across a diverse range of devices.
5. Improved Compliance
By using MAM, organizations can enforce data protection policies such as encryption, data loss prevention, and app configuration management. These measures help ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal data protection standards, even on devices not owned by the organization.
Recommended Important Settings to Configure
1. App Protection Policies
- Data Encryption: Configure policies to encrypt data at rest and in transit within corporate apps. This ensures that sensitive information remains secure even if the device itself is compromised.
- Copy/Paste Restrictions: Set restrictions on copying and pasting data between corporate apps and personal apps to prevent data leakage.
- Data Backup: Ensure that data within corporate apps is backed up securely to prevent loss in case of device issues or data corruption.
2. Conditional Access
- Compliance Requirements: Configure conditional access policies to ensure that only compliant devices can access corporate resources. This can include requirements for app protection policies to be applied before access is granted.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require MFA for accessing corporate apps to enhance security and protect against unauthorized access.
3. App Configuration Policies
- Application Settings: Define and enforce configuration settings for corporate apps, such as VPN settings or Wi-Fi configurations, to ensure secure and consistent access to corporate resources.
- App Updates: Ensure that corporate apps are regularly updated with the latest security patches and features. Configure policies to prompt users to update apps as necessary.
4. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
- Restricted Actions: Implement DLP policies to restrict actions such as saving or sharing corporate data to unauthorized locations or apps. This helps prevent data leakage and ensures that sensitive information remains protected.
- Audit and Reporting: Enable auditing and reporting features to monitor and track data access and usage within corporate apps. This provides visibility into potential security risks and compliance issues.
5. Remote Wipe
- Selective Wipe: Configure policies to allow selective wiping of corporate data from the device if it is lost or stolen. This ensures that corporate information is removed without affecting personal data.
Requirements for MAM Deployment
1. Microsoft Intune Subscription
- A valid Microsoft Intune subscription is required to deploy and manage MAM policies. Ensure that your organization has the appropriate licensing in place for Intune.
2. Supported Platforms
- Verify that the mobile operating systems and versions used by employees are supported by Intune MAM. This includes iOS, Android, and Windows platforms although windows MAM is not recommended
3. Corporate Applications
- Ensure that corporate apps are compatible with Intune MAM policies. Apps must be designed to work with Intune's app protection and configuration policies.
4. User Training
- Provide training and support to users to ensure they understand how to use corporate apps securely and comply with MAM policies. This includes guidance on how to handle corporate data and respond to security prompts.
5. Compliance and Governance
- Establish and document compliance and governance policies to ensure that MAM settings align with organizational requirements and regulatory standards.
Conclusion
Mobile Application Management (MAM) in Microsoft Intune offers a robust solution for managing and securing corporate data on BYOD mobile devices. By focusing on app-level protection and respecting user privacy, MAM provides a balanced approach to data security. Implementing recommended settings and meeting deployment requirements will help organizations maximize the benefits of MAM, ensuring that corporate information remains secure while maintaining a seamless user experience.