More than 40% of cyberattacks victimize small businesses, at an average cost of $200,000 per incident, experts say. And yet only 14% of companies are prepared to defend themselves with robust network security, according to Accenture. If your business isn’t addressing network vulnerabilities and mobile device management (MDM) with help from a provider like Hexnode, you could be in big trouble.
Drawbacks of an unsecured network
Network security incorporates a combination of hardware and software to protect your computer network and data from many types of threats. It keeps attackers from entering or spreading malicious code. Examples of defenses include MDM software, firewalls, anti-virus and anti-spyware programs, intrusion-prevention systems and virtual private networks (VPN) that enable employees secure remote access.
The more employees and devices you have, the more complex your layers of security can be, from hardware and software roll-outs to employee training. If you want to avoid data breaches and other damage from spyware, malware and hacks, you must address network security before an attack occurs. Why? Experts estimate 60% of victimized companies go out of business within six months after an attack. Even the survivors tend to suffer financial losses and damaged reputations. That’s not a good look, as they say.
The role of MDM in network security
MDM amounts to security software and protocols that IT departments deploy to monitor, manage and secure mobile devices employees use, such as smartphones, laptops and tablets. The usage can take place across different service providers and operating systems, complicating matters. As such, MDM is central to network security because it controls many possible access points for attacks.
Hexnode MDM and network security features
One of the most effective MDM providers you can turn to for help is San Francisco-based Hexnode, named a Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice for the Unified Endpoint Management tools market in 2019. Both small businesses and Fortune 100 companies trust Hexnode to help secure their networks. Through unified mobile and desktop management, Hexnode enables you to manage and secure all network endpoints (those employee devices we talked about) from one place. Featuring a robust array of features, Hexnode MDM offers much more than simply being able to remotely lock or unlock a user’s smartphone, for example.
Web app and website kiosk
Employees need to use many websites and web-based apps in their work, so it’s crucial to manage network activities in Hexnode’s kiosk mode to protect corporate data. Websites can be added as web apps and web clips. Web clips are shortcuts to the web pages that appear as normal apps in the device launcher. However, web apps will be added as bookmarks in the browser. Hexnode allows you to add web apps in kiosk lock-down mode, restricting access to all other websites, apps and settings. Hexnode’s secure browser allows single-tab or multi-tab browsing. Alternatively, you can use web content filtering to “whitelist” or “blacklist” websites (more on that below) so you don’t have to lock down the device.
Web blacklisting and whitelisting
With Hexnode MDM, you can enable web content filtering. That means you can block or restrict access to certain websites that may pose threats or provide unnecessary distractions (“blacklisting”). You also can enable access to other sites you deem safe and necessary for employees to visit (“whitelisting”).
Wi-Fi connectivity
Hexnode MDM allows you to configure Wi-Fi settings to connect devices to a corporate network. An admin can configure and push Wi-Fi configurations to devices over the air. This allows users to connect to the network without entering (or sharing) a password.
Virtual private network
A VPN enhances security by enabling users to send data over a private and secure network. That keeps it off the public network and away from any prying eyes. That makes a virtual network a potent security measure.
Certificate authentication
You can avoid security threats arising from employees accessing work email, Wi-Fi, VPN, ActiveSync and more via unauthorized devices by authenticating access with digital certificates. A certificate authority issues them. The Simple Certificate Enrollment Protocol (SCEP) standard allows you to securely automate distribution of certificates to many devices and manage it all in one place with Hexnode MDM.
Global HTTP proxy
Global HTTP proxy settings are configured to ensure all HTTP network traffic passes through the proxy server, ensuring data security by controlling exactly where your information goes.
Managed Domain for iOS devices
Hexnode MDM enables you to configure Managed Domain for iOS devices. With it you can list certain email domains. If you send an email to a domain not listed, it will be highlighted in the mail app as out-of-domain. The MDM server also enables you to identify documents downloaded from an unmanaged domain so you can examine them as possible threats.
Hexnode MDM: Strong network security
If you want to keep your business and its bottom line safe in a world full of cyberthreats, you need to deploy Hexnode MDM before concerns about an attack become a grim reality. By enabling you to properly secure devices in the hands of employees across your network, Hexnode MDM allows you to fully enjoy the benefits of strong network security.
