The mobile threat landscape is constantly evolving, with advanced threats like CryptoChameleon emerging all the time. To effectively combat these challenges, organizations need a comprehensive solution – and that’s where combining Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) and Mobile Device Management (MDM) comes in. 

While MTD can identify potential threats on mobile devices, it often lacks the capability to take proactive measures to address them once they’ve been identified. Organizations still need a way to manage and secure their devices throughout their lifecycle, from initial enrollment to decommissioning.  

Integrating MDM with MTD is key to achieving strategic cybersecurity benefits. This approach goes beyond merely boosting mobile security; it represents a deliberate move toward creating a mobile ecosystem that is not only more secure but also more efficient and compliant. 

By combining MTD and MDM, you gain a unified view of both security threats and device management statuses across your entire mobile fleet. This integration maximizes production efficiency and enhances overall visibility and control.  

Imagine a single dashboard that eliminates the need for switching between separate MTD and MDM consoles. This consolidated management streamlines IT operations by offloading the burden of managing multiple products and consoles. In essence, you get a single pane of glass for both mobile security and device management. 

This ensures that your organization can face the challenges of today's mobile threat landscape, all while maintaining a focus on user experience and operational efficiency. 

The more mobile we are, the greater the risks 

Mobile devices are essential business tools in today’s Everywhere Workplace. By 2025, it’s expected there will be over 18 billion mobile devices worldwide.  

CryptoChameleon has spurred worldwide concern because of its innovative approach to compromising users. This “phishing kit” lets attackers build copies of SSO pages through which they can trick users into sharing usernames, passwords and more. 
 
Every organization must realize the importance of shielding its endpoints and data from the threats that target mobile devices. According to Ivanti’s 2024 State of Cybersecurity Report: 

  • 81% of office workers admitted they are using some type of personal device for work; half of those are logging in to networks and work software on their personal devices. 
  • 40% said their employers don’t know about their activities. 
  • 23% of IT and security professionals said it is high-risk behavior for employees to use personal devices while working.  
  • 63% said their IT asset management solution tracks the practice of bringing your own device. 

Better together: The benefits of MTD with MDM 

In this landscape, traditional security methods aren't up to the task of countering dynamic new threats. What’s needed is a more integrated and comprehensive defense strategy.  

That's where the synergy between MDM security and MTD security is vital. By integrating MDM and MTD, organizations can create a resilient and proactive security posture that does more than manage and secure mobile devices; it also detects and responds to emerging threats in real time. 

Enhanced visibility and control 

By unifying MTD and MDM, security teams gain a single pane of glass for managing their entire mobile fleet. They can view both device security threats and management statuses within the same dashboard.  

Imagine having real-time access to information about potential malware infections alongside details like device compliance with security protocols. This comprehensive view allows for a quicker and more informed risk response. 

Furthermore, this integration streamlines IT operations. Security teams no longer need to juggle separate platforms for monitoring devices and managing threats. This empowers them to quickly analyze and act on the information they see. They can identify and address security issues, enforce policies, and manage devices with greater efficiency, which also allows them to dedicate more time to strategic security initiatives. 

Proactive threat detection and response 

The power of integrating MDM and MTD goes beyond providing a unified view of your mobile environment. They elevate your mobile security posture from passive defense to proactive threat hunting. 

MTD acts as a lookout with omniscient vision, always scanning your mobile fleet for even the slightest sign of trouble. It can detect suspicious app behavior, network anomalies and potential malware infections in real time. When they spot a potential threat, they immediately alert the system. 

This is where MDM steps in as the swift and decisive response force. MDM's automated response capabilities can be preconfigured to take immediate action based on the threat identified by MTD. For example, MDM can automatically quarantine infected devices, block malicious websites or remotely wipe compromised data – effectively neutralizing the threat before it can cause damage. This eliminates the need for manual intervention while reducing the window of opportunity for cyber criminals. 

Comprehensive security policies 

Enforcing comprehensive corporate security policies across a mobile fleet can be a complex challenge. MDM's robust policy enforcement tools, combined with MTD's threat detection, can make this far easier. 

This includes ensuring conditional access based on device compliance, ensuring that only squeaky-clean and secure policy-adhering devices can access corporate resources, enhancing overall security posture. 

Other policies they can automatically enforce include: requiring strong passwords; device encryption; restriction of unauthorized applications from unknown sources; allowing approved applications for work purposes; and remote application and data wiping for lost or compromised devices. 

Streamlined compliance and reporting 

Cyber threats are complex enough, but organizations must also deal with a labyrinth of regulation. MDM and MTD can work hand in hand to streamline compliance, as their robust reporting functionalities generate detailed insights into both device management and security.  

These reports can detail device configurations, access controls and security threats so organizations can easily demonstrate adherence to industry regulations and data privacy laws. These reports are a lifesaver during audits and compliance checks.  

Beyond this, insights from MTD can reveal patterns of risky behavior on mobile devices, informing data-driven security decisions. By knowing where weaknesses lie, you can prioritize resources and implement targeted security measures to plug gaps before they turn into compliance issues. 

User-centric security 

Finding the right balance between robust protection and a seamless user experience is crucial. Overly stringent security measures can frustrate users and hinder productivity, while lax controls leave devices vulnerable.  

MDM and MTD integration let an organization prioritize user experience without undermining protection. MDM allows for the creation of security policies that are transparent and less disruptive, while MTD's focus on real-time threat detection powers targeted interventions, minimizing disruption.  

This goes beyond mitigation into empowering user education. MDM can be configured to send alerts to users highlighting potential security risks associated with specific apps or websites, and MTD can trigger notifications explaining the dangers of any suspicious activities detected on the device. These instructional nudges encourage a culture of security awareness among users – a win-win situation where you’re enhancing both security posture and user satisfaction. 

Other benefits 

  • Ironclad adoption: A best-in-class MDM will automatically push the MTD app to every device, running seamlessly in the background without requiring any user involvement.   
  • Data-loss prevention: Sensitive data is secured against loss or unauthorized access even if a device is compromised. 
  • Scalability: Mobile security can accommodate growth or changing threat landscapes. 
  • Cost efficiency: Significant cost savings come from operational efficiencies, fewer standalone tools and incident prevention. 

Integration considerations

CISOs and other security professionals want to ensure 100% of mobile devices on their network are managed and 100% secured. Integrating MDM and MTD is an important step toward achieving that.  

This integration gives cybersecurity teams a centralized command center from which they can manage devices, enforce security policies and identify threats all in one place.  

To make this integration a success, take these basic considerations into account as you make that move: 

  • Seamless integration: When integrating MDM and MTD, ensure that the solutions communicate seamlessly, sharing data and triggers without manual intervention so they can deliver real-time threat response and policy enforcement.  
  • Vendor collaboration: Choose MDM and MTD solutions that offer native integration capabilities or are known to work well together. You may want to opt for solutions from vendors who provide both MDM and MTD to ensure compatibility.