In a world where organizations have to regularly ward off malware and ransomware attacks, device and data security have become paramount. While hackers are still primarily focused on attacking desktops and laptops, organizations need to think ahead and ensure that they have taken the right security measures to secure all their endpoints, especially now that mobile-first environments are picking up steam.

Many device vendors have recognized the need for better mobile security, including Microsoft. Microsoft has released various mobile device management features that help users tighten the security of their mobile devices and, in turn, the data present on those devices. Read on to see how these features can help you protect your Windows mobile devices from unauthorized access.

Mobile device management solutions handle everything from app management to data security, starting with onboarding devices (aka device enrollment). Every mobile device management solution has various methods for enrolling mobile devices, but some of these methods just aren’t practical for onboarding hundreds of devices. Microsoft Azure has been the perfect solution for the computing, storage, and networking needs of organizations, and now with Windows Azure Enrollment and Windows Autopilot, Microsoft has also answered the enrollment woes of organizations.

With Windows Azure enrollment, organizations can simplify the device enrollment process to a one-time setup. Using Autopilot, these devices can be ready to use with customized branding in just a few clicks. Our own mobile device management solution, Mobile Device Manager Plus, now allows organizations to enroll their Windows desktops, laptops, and mobile devices using just their organization’s Azure account. Learn more about Azure enrollment.

But what about enrolling Windows devices for contract employees that aren’t a part of Active Directory? Mobile Device Manager Plus simplifies the onboarding process for these employees’ devices by sending an SMS enrollment invite to users and letting them complete the enrollment process. Once enrolled, these devices can be managed the same way as all other Windows devices enrolled in Mobile Device Manager Plus. Learn more about the different enrollment methods Mobile Device Manager Plus has on offer.

Aside from enrollment, mobile device management also deals with device security, specifically app restrictions. Recognizing the trend of hackers using third-party apps on mobile devices to gain access to corporate data, many organizations have wisened up to the fact that devices accessing corporate data should only run approved apps.

Using the Kiosk Mode functionality now offered by Mobile Device Manager Plus, IT admins can whitelist apps and prevent users from downloading any other apps on their Windows devices; in other words, users can only access apps selected by IT admins. An additional benefit of this feature is that users can’t change any preconfigured device settings.

Download Mobile Device Manager Plus to give these mobile device management features for Windows a try!