INTELLIGENT MOBILE TECHNOLOGY their day and work with multiple devices .
With this model , laptops can be given more rights than smartphones based on device type , for example . Policy management takes all those factors into account and dynamically enforces which resources can be accessed .
In addition , today ’ s policy management systems let users configure their own devices for secure Wi-Fi or wired connectivity . Workflows that include mobile device management and enterprise mobility management , makes it easy to detect if a device is company issued or BYOD .
This sort of security management transition cannot be done in a firehose fashion , security professionals agree that a phased approach is the smartest way to move from legacy to centralised policy management . IT departments can then ensure that highly mobile workers get seamless access to the applications , printers and network services they are authorised to use , no matter where they are or what device they are using .
IT professionals have been tested by the BYOD trend with both internal users and network guests . Managing the onboarding process of everyone ’ s personal devices can strain IT and helpdesk resources , and if not properly handled , can also create security problems .
Robust management platforms allow for any Windows , Mac OS X , iOS , Android , Chromebook and Ubuntu devices to be automatically onboarded via a user-driven , self-guided portal . Required SSIDs , 802.1X settings and necessary device certificates are then automatically configured on authorised devices .
By working with unique device certificates , users do not need to enter login credentials repeatedly throughout the day , or worry as much about password theft when connected to guest networks . Menu-driven capabilities ensure the rapid revocation and deletion of certificates for specific mobile devices if a user leaves an organisation or if the device is lost or stolen .
The BYOD challenges do not just apply to internal users . Any visitor , guest , customer , partner or other external third-party , will
They seek security management that is both adaptive to how people work and is easily customised
arrive with at least one device that requires network access – wired or wireless . Good security management requires a simple model that automates and simplifies the provisioning of network access for guests , but also provides expansive security features that keep data , computing resources and other users safe .
Self-registration lets guests create their own log-in credentials , which are delivered via printed badges , SMS text or email . Credentials can be stored for specific periods of time and set to expire automatically . Guest traffic on the network should also be configured to run separately from enterprise traffic .
Today ’ s most robust security management platforms allow guest portals to be customised with options like advertising and local language support . Guest policy management must also include the ability to set bandwidth limitations on guest sessions to maintain service-level agreements and robust throughput for all users .
Network access management systems that integrate with next-generation , applicationaware firewalls for additional protection against non-http traffic and content filtering that prevents access to inappropriate or offensive websites is also recommended .
Prevention is especially good medicine for the security of enterprises and their datacenters . IT must have the means to perform endpoint health checks to ensure that laptops are fully compliant with internal requirements , which checks for the latest patches and updates before they are allowed to connect .
In addition to system-wide , persession protection , enterprises should be able to specify whether to allow or deny capabilities like peer-to-peer applications or USB storage devices . Administrator dashboards make it easy to identify noncompliant devices , users , and the reasons for non-compliance .
Access can be denied if storage is not encrypted - this also gives IT leverage with users to ensure that offending laptops get updated as needed . Endpoints that are not in compliance can be automatically remediated or quarantined with today ’ s security management platforms .
These sorts of security functions are no longer just nice to have , they are essential for today ’ s competitive business . And with the advent of cloud computing and an explosion of IoT devices , robust security management is essential for enterprises . End-users , accustomed to high levels of performance , easy access and self-service , expect the same of business networks .
Security platforms that integrate policy management with authentication , authorisation and accounting will lay the groundwork for more robust computing and IT-fueled productivity . And they will keep networks , devices , data and users safe in the process .
Ahmed Rezk is Channel Systems Engineering Manager , Middle East and Turkey at Aruba
45