MAM
Definition
Mobile Application Management (MAM) is the practice of managing and securing mobile applications within an organization. It involves various processes, such as deploying, updating, monitoring, and securing mobile apps on employee devices. The main objective of MAM is to ensure the protection of company data and resources while enabling mobile workers to maintain their productivity and efficiency.
How MAM Works
MAM solutions provide organizations with the following capabilities:
1. App Distribution and Updates Control
MAM enables organizations to have control over the distribution and updates of mobile apps. It ensures that employees have access to the latest versions of apps, which may include necessary security patches. Through centralized management, IT administrators can seamlessly deploy apps to employee devices, making it easier to maintain app consistency and security across the organization.
2. Security Policy Enforcement
One of the key aspects of MAM is enforcing security policies to protect sensitive company data within apps. This can include measures like encryption, data loss prevention, and secure data storage. By implementing these policies, organizations can mitigate the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. MAM allows IT administrators to define and enforce security policies across a fleet of mobile apps, ensuring consistent security standards are upheld throughout the organization.
3. App Usage Monitoring
To identify potential security risks and unauthorized behavior, MAM solutions provide app usage monitoring capabilities. IT administrators can track how employees interact with mobile apps, enabling them to detect any malicious activities or policy violations. Monitoring app usage helps organizations proactively address security concerns, identify areas for improvement, and take necessary actions to mitigate risks.
4. Data Wipe
In situations where an employee leaves the organization or a device is lost or stolen, MAM allows IT administrators to wipe corporate data from devices without affecting personal data. This feature ensures that sensitive company information remains protected and does not fall into the wrong hands. By remotely wiping data from a device, organizations can safeguard their confidential information and maintain data privacy.
Prevention Tips
To enhance mobile application security while utilizing MAM, organizations should consider the following best practices:
Implement Strong Authentication and Access Controls: Require employees to authenticate themselves securely before accessing corporate resources through mobile apps. This can involve multi-factor authentication or the use of secure tokens to verify user identity.
Encourage App Usage from Trusted Sources: Educate employees about the risks associated with downloading and using apps from untrusted sources. Encourage them to only download apps from reputable app stores to minimize the risk of malware or unauthorized access.
Regularly Update and Patch Mobile Apps: Keep mobile apps up to date by regularly applying updates and patches. This helps address any security vulnerabilities that may have been identified and ensures that apps remain secure and reliable.
Related Terms
Here are some related terms that are often mentioned in conjunction with MAM:
Mobile Device Management (MDM): MDM focuses on managing the entire mobile device, including security, app distribution, and device monitoring. It is broader in scope than MAM, as it encompasses device-level management in addition to app management.
Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM): EMM is a comprehensive approach to managing mobile devices, apps, and data within an organization. It combines the capabilities of both MAM and MDM, along with additional features like mobile content management and identity management.
In summary, MAM plays a crucial role in managing and securing mobile applications in organizations. By implementing MAM solutions, organizations can effectively control app distribution, enforce security policies, monitor app usage, and protect corporate data. Following best practices, such as implementing strong authentication, encouraging app usage from trusted sources, and regularly updating mobile apps, further enhances mobile application security.