Unified Endpoint Management: Simplify IT Management

Part 1: What Is Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)

Endpoint management is a crucial IT and cybersecurity process. It involves two main tasks: ensuring the right devices have access and applying security measures to prevent attacks.

Usually, a cross-functional team comprising network administrators and information security (infosec) experts oversees endpoint management. A good endpoint management server does the following things:

• Check if only the right devices can get into your network.
• Put special security software on the approved devices to keep them safe.
• Give the cybersecurity team a dashboard to watch over all the devices and what they're doing.

It would be best to use an endpoint management tool to keep your network and important stuff like company data, customer information, and secrets safe. In fact, personal devices, which you use at home and work, can be riskier than company-owned devices. That's because they might not have strong security. The way they connect to the network might not be very safe either.

Meanwhile, Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) empowers the infosec team to secure and control all endpoints through a centralized dashboard. Using the UEM dashboard, network administrators can:

• Update operating systems (OS) and applications on all relevant devices.
• Enforce security policies on registered devices.
• Remotely access devices for tasks like password resets or device wiping in case of loss or theft.
• Establish a process for employees to register their personal devices for network access.

Using UEM offers several advantages. First, it helps spot security threats and respond faster if there's a breach. UEM also makes updating devices with the latest software and security patches easy. Plus, it saves money by making things more efficient.

Part 2: What Are Endpoint Management Policies

Now, you might be curious about how UEM manages your data. Every organization should have clear endpoint management policies and enforce them by centrally controlling all connected devices.

An IT or a specialized DevSecOps team handles network security, including:

• Activating firewalls
• Using antivirus software
• Encrypting data
• Checking networked devices for weaknesses

An IT needs to oversee the entire technology setup. Then, it also ensures patches, updates, applications, and peripherals are properly maintained. Users should not have administrative control over their devices. They should follow best practices in endpoint management.

Even without admin control, individual users can introduce vulnerabilities. They can be through weak passwords, risky online behavior, and oversharing on social media. Hackers can exploit these vulnerabilities using social engineering tactics to breach the organization's networks and data.

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Part 3: Endpoint Management Example

For the Endpoint Management example, Microsoft Endpoint Management Intune is a popular one. It's a comprehensive suite of products and services designed to provide a cloud-based UEM solution.

Microsoft Intune simplifies the management of various endpoints. They include those running different operating systems and spanning cloud, on-premises, mobile, desktop, and virtualized environments. It offers several key advantages:

• Data Protection

Intune enables data protection on company-owned and bring-your-own devices (BYOD) through non-intrusive mobile application management. It will ensure that sensitive company data remains secure, even on personal devices.

• Zero Trust Security

Intune empowers organizations to establish robust data protection and endpoint compliance measures that align with the Zero Trust security model. This means that security is enforced at every level of access.

• Enhanced IT Efficiency

Intune improves IT efficiency by bringing together device visibility, endpoint security, and data-driven insights, especially in hybrid work environments. Administrative tasks become more streamlined. End-user experiences are also enhanced.

• Integration Capabilities

Endpoint Manager Intune integrates with various services. They include Azure Active Directory (AD), on-premises Configuration Manager, mobile threat defense (MTD) apps and services, Win32 applications, custom Line-of-Business (LOB) apps, and more. This integration ensures a cohesive and adaptable UEM solution.

For organizations transitioning to the cloud or adopting more cloud-based services, Microsoft Intune endpoint manager can be a good starting point. It provides a robust and versatile UEM solution that can manage and secure diverse endpoints.

Part 4: What Are the Differences Between UEM, MDM, and EMM

In addition to UEM, two other terms are also often mentioned in IT management: Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM). While people sometimes use these terms interchangeably, it's crucial to recognize that each has distinct meanings within the information security community.

1) Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)

As discussed, UEM encompasses endpoint management software and associated tools that authenticate and regulate all types of endpoints. Endpoints refer to physical devices connecting with and exchanging data within a computer network. They can be computers, mobile devices, and emerging technologies.

So, UEM provides a centralized console for overseeing and managing all activities related to these endpoints. UEM ensures a unified and streamlined approach to IT management.

2) Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM)

Meanwhile, EMM centers around managing and monitoring mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. But it also encompasses mobile infrastructure components like wireless networks, routers, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices. This comprehensive approach offers robust control and security measures for mobile and IoT endpoints.

3) Mobile Device Management (MDM)

MDM specifically pertains to the management and monitoring of mobile devices. It is particularly valuable for businesses and organizations. It allows them to control any computers they own and distribute them to their employees. MDM helps ensure the security of sensitive files and documents on these devices.

However, companies must remove the MDM profile first if they sell these devices. Otherwise, customers won't be able to use the device. They'll need to figure out how to get past it.

This is why the users might see a "Remote Management" prompt when using such devices. Many people buy iPhones or iPads with MDM profiles and then have to remove them to use the device.

How to Remove MDM on your iPhone/iPad:

To remove MDM on your devices, you can try using Dr. Fone's MDM Unlock feature. This process is user-friendly and requires no advanced technical skills.

Here are the steps:

Start by launching Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer. Navigate to Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS.

safe & secure

Once you've entered the Unlock MDM iPhone function, pick the Remove MDM option.

On the next screen, you'll find the option to remove the MDM lock from your iPhone. Begin the process by clicking "Start to Remove."

You'll encounter a prompt that asks you to disable the Find My feature. After disabling it, click "OK" on the screen to proceed with the removal.

Keep an eye on the progress bar to track how far along the removal process has come.

Once you have removed the lock, a message will appear on the next screen. Click "Done" to conclude the entire process of eliminating the local MDM.

Please note that after bypassing the MDM lock, the device may get locked again if it's reset or if its firmware is flashed. But, it's worth noting that this doesn't apply to devices locked with local MDM.