CURE8 BLOG

Best Mobile Device Management Solutions For Your Cannabis Dispensary

Technical advancement has helped the world step into an era of sleek handheld mobile devices from hefty personal computers. However, closely following good tech is the dark world of cyberattacks. Unsecured communication devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and more are vulnerable to phishing and hacking attempts. Sensitive information such as client data, financial info, and much more can be compromised and misused in a cyberattack in addition to losing your clientele’s confidence in your business. 

Whilst mobile devices have changed the way businesses work, IT needs a new and fresh approach to security be it any business.

Also, with BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) gaining momentum, there is a need for corporate and personal devices to be managed and integrated into the company’s IT management systems without compromising security or privacy.

Mobile Devices And Cannabis Industry

The cannabis industry is growing at a very high pace, and now employees are being allowed to use their personal mobile devices for work exposing the industry to a serious cyber threat. That is precisely why mobile devices need to be managed and secured.

How To Do It?

The best way to secure your mobile devices is by implementing MDM software as it is essential to the modern workplace.

MDM focuses on improving the security and functionality of mobile devices used by your company’s employees while also protecting the corporate network.

What Is MDM?

The process of controlling mobile devices, primarily in terms of usage and security, is known as mobile device management (MDM). A strategy for managing mobile devices keeps track of each device’s crucial data, determines which applications can be installed, and remotely secures mobile devices in case they are lost or stolen. MDM can track the location of mobile devices by user and location.

Mobile devices have completely supplanted computers in some workplace settings, a major shift made possible by cloud computing. Employees may access data, applications, and company networks from almost anywhere there is an internet connection when a company manages everything from the cloud. Because of this convenience, mobile device management is essential.

Mobile Device Management Best Practices

Identify The Requirement

Selecting the right MDM platform is the first step toward effective mobile device management. The biggest mistake businesses make when implementing MDM is selecting a software program before evaluating the overall mobility needs, applications, and preferences of their team. 

For example, say the Marketing Director is adamant that having access to a mobile-friendly digital marketing app would increase productivity for his team. The IT department then works fast to comply with their request, selecting an MDM program based solely on that app.

Use Secure Passcodes 

You should always expect employees to use passwords on devices used in the office. It’s a vital step in protecting the information stored in their system. This is also true for mobile devices, which may be much more vulnerable given that your employees may use them while traveling or in other unprotected settings. Here are some recommendations regarding password management on mobile devices:

  • Educate employees to use secure passwords that only they would know. 
  • Ensure that each device requires a code before signing in, especially for accessing phones and applications.
  • Whenever possible, use options such as face authenticators and two-step authentication passwords. 

Update Operating System Often

A hacker is more likely to exploit network vulnerabilities. Therefore, employees must not put off updating the operating systems on their mobile devices. Consider this: behind every security patch release are hundreds of devices that have been compromised due to code flaws. 

Mobile developers work on “patching up” errors so that we won’t experience the same security flaws repeatedly! Keeping an updated OS allows access to cutting-edge MDM features that boost end users’ overall productivity.

Hide Bluetooth Or Make It Non-Discoverable

Though still pretty uncommon, it appears to be the most prevalent security concern. To be eligible to use the device for corporate use, your policy must compel users to restore it to non-discoverable mode after they have finished pairing it with their car or a new headset (if they want).

Install Antivirus

Because they are not pre-installed with malware protection, tablets and smartphones are potentially less safe than computers and laptops. For the most modern mobile devices, individual users and IT administrators must look for and install mobile endpoint security management to keep the devices safe. Install antivirus software to keep the devices secure.

Monitoring Devices For Security Threats

Your business must actively monitor for malware and other threats in order to effectively protect itself from mobile security risks. Mobile security solutions must be able to scan devices for suspicious apps or data, and they must also notify your organization of any threats they find so that your staff can immediately take action.

Remotely Wipe Data From Mobile Devices

Your business will need to remotely wipe corporate data from its hardware in the worst-case scenario, such as a lost or stolen device or a hacker infiltrating your network. In order to prevent unwanted users from accessing your company’s data on a mobile device, many business mobility management solutions offer remote wiping capabilities. The data can be erased through the EMM management console, enabling your business to do so as soon as it learns about the missing device.

Does Your Cannabis Business Need A MDM System?

Absolutely, every cannabis business needs it! In case of a data or security breach, not only will your clients start losing confidence in your brand, the financial impact can take years for you to recover from.  

When you have a reliable MDM system in place, it can protect your business from distressing financial loss and can even pave the path to becoming a profitable cannabis business. It can help the safe implementation of BYOD with your business network and keep your mobile devices safe from cyberattacks and theft.

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