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Blog | 3-minute Read

Better together: Why Unified Endpoint Management needs Mobile Threat Defence

Andy Brown

Product Director

Published: 25 August 2023

Amid rising mobile device use in workplaces, integrating Mobile Threat Defence (MTD) into Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) is vital for safeguarding against mobile security risks.

Updated Aug 2023

The cyber threat landscape has evolved far beyond mere spam emails.

And as more businesses embrace Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platforms to simplify their mobile operations, it’s crucial to remember that mobile adoption within enterprises is at an all-time high.

This means the addition of security solutions like Mobile Threat Defence (MTD) isn’t just an option – it’s a necessity.

With the average enterprise now running approximately 135,000 endpoints, the consequences of not having MTD in place are potentially catastrophic.

A single breach could set off a chain reaction of undetected exploits, leaving your organisation vulnerable to a host of issues, including costly data breaches.

In 2021, Malware was detected on 1 in 50 Android devices, and rose significantly to 1 in 20 in 2022

Zimperium

UEM is not enough against evolving cyber threats

The shift in mobile device usage has transformed work dynamics.

From being email-centric, these devices have now become essential for accessing critical business and social apps, reshaping collaboration.

Yet, this change has also made sensitive data more exposed. While some UEM platforms offer security features, they lack comprehensive protection.

In this mobile-centric world, neglecting security is a risk enterprises can’t take.

Mobile Threat Defence (MTD) stands as the answer to those risks, offering robust endpoint security in a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape.

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Free Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Microsoft Security [New for 2024]

The most comprehensive guide to Microsoft Security. Over 50 pages. Microsoft licensing and pricing simplified.

Discover technologies that:

  • Detect and disrupt advanced attacks at machine-speed
  • Tap into the world’s largest threat intelligence network
  • Protect identities, devices, and data with ease

The cyber threats targeting your devices

Phishing

What is it?

Phishing is a manipulative attack aiming to steal your data or trick you into compromising security. These emails often appear trustworthy, leading you to malicious websites.

According to Slashnext’s State of Phishing Report 76% of all phishing attacks targeted specific individuals – Otherwise known as ‘Spear Phishing’. 

Effect on enterprise

Mobile users face higher risk due to limited screen information. Clicking on malicious links can lead to stolen credentials and unauthorised access to personal and corporate data.

Network Attack

What is it?

Network attacks disrupt or destroy data in computer networks. Rogue Access Points exploit mobile devices’ tendency to connect to familiar networks, putting them at risk.

Effect on enterprise

Sensitive data like usernames and passwords can be gathered. Network attacks can spread malware and manipulate users within a private network. Public network security is often neglected and lacking.

Malicious Apps

What is it?

Harmful apps disguise themselves as legitimate ones, exploiting your device once installed. They can access and redirect your data, even to competitors.

Effect on enterprise

Once on your device, malicious apps steal data and redirect traffic, risking your sensitive information and corporate secrets.

Malicious Configuration Profiles

What is it?

Cyber attackers exploit configuration profiles used in device management, gaining control over your settings and hijacking your activity.

Effect on enterprise

Malicious profiles intercept secure connections, enabling access to your corporate email and apps, compromising your sensitive information.

Device Advanced Compromise

What is it?

Attackers gain remote control over your device, accessing key functions like your microphone and camera, even impersonating you.

Effect on enterprise

Compromised devices allow attackers to manipulate functions without your knowledge, potentially sending messages on your behalf.

By understanding these threats, you can take steps to safeguard your devices and sensitive information.

47% of free Android antivirus programs can’t properly detect malware.

Comparitech

Mobile Threat Defence: A comprehensive solution

Mobile Threat Defence (MTD) is your ultimate ally in the ever-changing landscape of digital threats. With MTD by your side:

  • Immediate Insights: You gain real-time awareness of lurking threats, allowing you to take swift action against any malicious dangers targeting your devices.
  • Phishing Protection: MTD ensures your shield against email, text, and instant messaging phishing attacks. It’s quick to identify and block malicious URLs upon clicking, keeping your sensitive information safe.
  • App Analysis: MTD takes a close look at the apps on your device, readily spotting any risky or malicious ones that could compromise your security.
  • Network Attack Detection: Rogue access points are no match for MTD. It detects them, thwarting MITM attacks from exploiting endpoints for data harvesting. Your confidential information remains secure.
  • Cost Reduction: In a landscape where the average data breach costs around $4.45 million, MTD proves invaluable. It significantly reduces the risk of exposing sensitive corporate data, preserving your business’s reputation.
  • Machine Learning Integration: MTD employs advanced machine learning to diligently analyse and understand evolving threats, ensuring adaptive protection against emerging risks.
  • Seamless Integration: MTD strategies blend seamlessly with UEM clients, offering you a user-friendly experience that’s unobtrusive yet robustly secure.

By embracing MTD, you fortify your mobile security infrastructure, ensuring you’re well-prepared to tackle a range of threats and keep your business resilient in the face of ever-evolving cyber challenges.

Conclusion

As big organisations embrace mobile tech more than ever, it’s evident that security measures like MTD hold immense importance.

While UEM platforms manage mobile estates well, they just can’t keep up with rapidly evolving cyber threats.

And with about one-third of corporate endpoints being mobile devices, ignoring mobile security exposes businesses to grave threats.

Phishing attacks, network breaches, malicious apps, and configuration risks are the norm, and they all surpass UEM capabilities.

This makes integrating MTD with your UEM platform the logical choice for comprehensive endpoint security.

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Free Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Microsoft Security [New for 2024]

The most comprehensive guide to Microsoft Security. Over 50 pages. Microsoft licensing and pricing simplified.

Discover technologies that:

  • Detect and disrupt advanced attacks at machine-speed
  • Tap into the world’s largest threat intelligence network
  • Protect identities, devices, and data with ease
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Author

Andy Brown

Product Director

Former Head of Global Mobile Engineering at HSBC, Andy is incredibly enthusiastic about all of Kocho’s tech solutions – and the problems they can solve for our clients.

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