In this blog, we’ll highlight the essential MDM security features that can help your business protect data on iOS devices, ensure compliance, and maintain control over corporate information.
Introduction
Whether it’s an iPhone or iPad, employees use these devices to stay connected, access resources remotely, and get work done. But with growing mobile usage, security threats have surged. In 2024, phishing attacks on iOS devices increased significantly, with 18.4% of iPhones targeted compared to 11.4% of Android devices.
For businesses, securing iOS devices isn’t just about preventing unauthorized access; it’s about ensuring compliance with industry regulations, protecting corporate data, and minimizing security risks that could lead to financial losses or reputational damage. This is where Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions play a crucial role.
What is MDM & Why It’s Essential?
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a security solution that gives businesses complete control over iPhones and iPads. IT teams can enforce security policies, configure device settings, and provide remote support—whether the device is company-owned or part of a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program.
But MDM isn’t just about security; it’s also about efficiency. It allows businesses to:
- Track devices in real time
- Manage and update apps remotely
- Troubleshoot technical issues without physical access
By integrating an iOS MDM solution, organizations can safeguard their iOS devices while maintaining compliance and productivity.
Top iOS MDM Security Features
1. Device Security & Access Control
MDM solutions help businesses secure their iOS devices by enforcing security modes and policies, ensuring only authorized users can access corporate data. Here are the different levels of device security and access control.
A. Supervised vs. Unsupervised Modes
Apple devices operate in two modes, each offering different levels of control:
- Supervised Mode (Best for company-owned devices):
IT admins get full control over the device. They can block app installations, prevent factory resets, and enforce strict security policies. - Unsupervised Mode (Best for BYOD setups):
Employees can use their personal devices while admins apply security policies like enforcing strong passcodes, restricting data sharing, and remotely wiping corporate data if needed.
B. Remote Wipe & Lock
Admins can remotely erase lost or stolen devices, either completely or just the corporate data. They can also lock devices to prevent unauthorized access or restart them remotely for troubleshooting.
C. Lost Mode & Location Tracking
This feature helps recover lost devices by locking them and tracking their location. IT admins can also trigger an alert sound to help locate them, even if they're on silent mode.
D. IP Restriction & USB Restriction
- IP Restriction:
MDM can enforce IP-based access controls, ensuring that corporate applications can only be accessed from approved network locations. This prevents unauthorized access from unknown or risky networks. Some MDMs include a built-in VPN for secure communication and unauthorized access prevention. - USB Restriction:
This feature blocks unauthorized USB connections to prevent data theft, unauthorized file transfers, or malware injections through physical access points.
2. Work Data Settings
Managing how data is shared between work and personal apps is essential for security. These settings apply to both supervised and unsupervised iOS devices, ensuring that corporate data stays protected by preventing unmanaged apps from accessing work-related information.
A. Sharing Data Between Managed and Unmanaged Apps
You can control whether employees can copy and paste data between managed (work) and unmanaged (personal) apps. If this setting is restricted, any attempt to paste data from a managed app into an unmanaged one will trigger a message saying, “pasting this content is restricted.”
Work documents can only be opened using managed apps, keeping corporate data secure. When sharing files, only managed apps will appear in the share menu for work data, while personal data will only be shareable through unmanaged apps.
B. Allowing Managed Apps to Save Contacts to Personal Accounts
This setting lets you decide if managed apps can add or edit contacts in unmanaged accounts. If enabled, employees can save work contacts to their personal address book. However, if Share Data Between Managed and Unmanaged Apps is allowed, this setting will automatically be turned on. It works on iOS devices running version 12.0 or later.
C. Allowing Unmanaged Apps to Modify Work Contacts
Just like the previous setting, this one determines whether unmanaged apps can add or edit contacts in managed (work) accounts. If Share Data Between Managed and Unmanaged Apps is enabled, this setting is automatically turned on. It also requires iOS 12.0 or above to function.
D. Using AirDrop as an Unmanaged Drop Point
You can configure if employees can share work files via AirDrop. If you enable this option, files from managed apps cannot be sent through AirDrop. Keep in mind that this setting is automatically activated if you turn on AirDrop as an Unmanaged Drop Point.
E. Restricting Camera and Screenshots
For supervised iOS devices, you can restrict employees from using the camera, FaceTime, or taking screenshots. If the device is part of a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) setup, these restrictions apply at the device level rather than just within managed applications.
F. Forcing Encrypted Backups
To add an extra layer of security, you can enforce encrypted backups. This ensures that users must set a password for their backups, keeping sensitive work data protected during the backup process.
This setup gives you full control over how work data is shared and accessed, helping to maintain a secure environment while still allowing flexibility where needed.
3. Passcode Policy
Managing device passcodes is a critical security measure. MDM allows IT admins to enforce specific passcode requirements to enhance security.
A. Basic Passcode Settings
- Choose between numeric or alphanumeric passcodes.
- Define a minimum length of up to 16 characters to ensure strong authentication.
B. Advanced Passcode Settings
- Specify a minimum number of symbols or special characters required in passcodes.
- Enforce complexity requirements to strengthen security against unauthorized access.
C. Passcode Management Settings
- Passcode Expiry Period: Define how often employees must change their passcodes (ranging from immediate updates to two years).
- Passcode History: Prevent employees from reusing their previous passcodes by maintaining a history of restricted passcodes.
- Failed Attempts Limit: Set the maximum number of incorrect passcode attempts before triggering a factory reset (iOS) or device lock (macOS).
- Inactivity Lock: Automatically lock devices after a defined period of inactivity to prevent unauthorized access.
- Grace Period for Unlocking: Allow users a short grace period to unlock their device without re-entering their passcode, improving convenience while maintaining security.
4. Application Management
MDM can control which applications users can access. On supervised devices, IT admins have the power to allow or block specific apps and even control their visibility.
For unsupervised or BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) setups, it's a little different. Enterprises can only publish required apps on employee devices—blocking apps isn’t an option in this case.
When an app is installed via MDM, it becomes a "managed application." The admin can also prevent data sharing between managed and unmanaged apps, keeping work data secure.
Added Features:
- Single App Mode (Kiosk Mode):
This mode keeps a single application running continuously, perfect for kiosks in banks, schools, or fieldwork environments where employees only need one specific app. - Convert Unmanaged Apps:
If an app was already installed on a BYOD device, you can convert it into a managed app. If the device is supervised, this happens automatically. Otherwise, the user needs to accept the change. (Note: App conversion isn’t available for Account-Driven User Enrollment.) - Configuration Settings for Managed Apps:
IT admins can configure settings for all managed apps. For example, in Outlook or Gmail, they can specify which email addresses can be used. In Slack, they can pre-set which workspaces are accessible. - Device App Settings:
IT admins can manage access to iMessage, iTunes, News, Podcasts, Music Services, Radio Services, Bookstore, and AirDrop. They can also prevent users from deleting system apps on supervised devices.
5. Network & Communication Security
- Wi-Fi Configuration:
You can push a pre-approved list of Wi-Fi connections to your devices, making sure users don’t accidentally connect to risky public Wi-Fi. - VPN Configuration:
Ensure all work data stays secure by enforcing a pre-approved VPN. You can apply this at the device level or on a per-app basis, so sensitive information always flows through a protected network. - Bluetooth & Hotspot Configuration:
You can enable or disable them on supervised devices, keeping your enterprise environment more secure. - AirDrop Configuration:
You can enable or disable AirDrop as needed. Plus, you can classify AirDrop as an unmanaged location to stop data from managed apps from being shared through it.
6. OS Updates
- Block OS Updates: Delay updates for up to 90 days on company-managed devices.
- Prevent Factory Resets & Drive Installations: Stops employees from wiping or reconfiguring company devices.
- Custom Settings: Define unique policies tailored to your organization’s needs.
7. Safari & iCloud Management
- Control Safari Settings: Block pop-ups, cookies, and enable fraud warnings.
- iCloud & Siri Restrictions: Prevent unauthorized backups or keychain syncs.
- Content Filtering: Allow access only to approved websites and block unwanted ones.
8. Device Configuration Policies
Customize passcode policies for better security. MDM lets IT admins manage website access on supervised iOS devices.
- Allow-List Only: Only approved websites can be accessed, keeping distractions and security risks out.
- Blacklist Restricted Sites: Block specific URLs that shouldn’t be accessed on company devices.
- Web-Clips for Quick Access: Easily add shortcuts to approved websites on the home screen for a seamless browsing experience.
Why Choose miniOrange iOS MDM Solution?
miniOrange MDM solution is designed to provide comprehensive security, covering everything from device access control to data encryption, ensuring your iOS devices stay protected. It’s easy to enroll miniOrange MDM with your existing business applications and IT environment.
Its user-friendly dashboard lets IT admins seamlessly enforce security policies and monitor device compliance without complications. Whether you're managing a handful of devices or thousands, miniOrange MDM scales effortlessly to meet your business needs.
Real-World Use Case: Managing Corporate iOS Devices
Scenario
A multinational company provided corporate iPhones to employees for work-related tasks but faced security risks due to uncontrolled data sharing.
Problem Statement
Despite using corporate devices, employees were copying confidential files into personal apps, using AirDrop for unauthorized transfers, and saving work contacts in personal address books. The IT team also had no control over screenshots, screen recordings, or unauthorized data sharing, making it nearly impossible to prevent sensitive information from being misused or leaked.
Solution
To address these challenges, the company implemented miniOrange iOS Mobile Device Management (MDM) to:
- Restrict data sharing between corporate and personal apps.
- Disable AirDrop to prevent unauthorized file transfers.
- Block screenshots and screen recordings.
- Enforce encrypted backups to protect corporate data.
Outcome
miniOrange iOS MDM reduced the risks of data leakage, ensured compliance with security policies, and gave IT full control over corporate devices—all while maintaining employee productivity.
Final Thoughts
Implementing a robust MDM solution is critical for securing corporate iOS devices. With threats like data breaches, unauthorized access, and malware attacks on the rise, businesses must take proactive steps to safeguard sensitive data.
By adopting miniOrange MDM, companies can ensure secure device management, seamless compliance enforcement, and a hassle-free experience for both IT teams and employees.
Take control of your iOS security today with miniOrange MDM and keep your business data safe!
Additional Resources
Author
Leave a Comment