Why Device Lifecycle Security Matters
As more industries, from logistics and manufacturing to retail and healthcare, adopt increasingly more enterprise mobile computers (EMC), organizations face growing attack surfaces—not from the devices themselves, but from gaps in security and a lack of lifecycle management. Therefore, it is more important than ever to have a robust digital defense in place.
A robust security posture requires a holistic approach that accounts for the multitude of potential threats and attack surfaces. Crucially, this defense must integrate device lifecycle security to apply processes and tools throughout the entire journey of an EMC—from acquisition and deployment through active management and decommissioning. This is essential because it moves beyond fixing problems after they occur and instead proactively integrates security into every stage.
Understanding the Risks & Role of Device Lifecycle Security
Given the dynamic environments and sensitive data they handle, EMCs face diverse risks, including malware, unauthorized app installations, physical loss, man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, and risks from outdated software. To counter them, operators need more than comprehensive measures; they must apply security as a continuous process. Device lifecycle security provides a basis for proactively addressing vulnerabilities at every stage of an EMC's lifespan.
To illustrate the end-to-end nature of device lifecycle security, the process may start with selecting devices that have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they are secure by design. After deployment, maintaining a disciplined approach to security patches and vulnerability monitoring is crucial. This not only counters ever-evolving threats but also supports organizations in complying with shifting regulations such as HIPAA and CMMC. At the end of life, secure decommissioning of devices prevents cybercriminals from recovering and stealing sensitive data. This start-to-finish approach ensures continuous data protection and significantly reduces the long-term risks and costs associated with mobile device security.
Our Stance on Mobile Security
To provide a holistic and robust digital defense, our devices and solutions are designed with a Defense-in-Depth approach, the Principle of Least Privilege, and device lifecycle management in mind. We integrate multiple layers of protection across hardware, OS, and the entire device lifecycle with our Business Optimizing Solution (BOS™) suite.
Leveraging decades of R&D and insights from innumerable enterprise use cases, the BOS™ suite provides a comprehensive set of tools that streamline mobile device lifecycle management and enhance security. These include, among others, BOS™ NEST, a cloud-based lifecycle management platform that securely orchestrates OS updates, policy enforcement, and vulnerability remediation across the enterprise fleet; BOS™ Kiosk to control application execution and manage user access, providing a secure and customized enterprise workspace; and BOS™ SecureCare for extended OS and security update support throughout the device lifecycle. These tools are designed to help organizations reduce IT complexities and costs, achieve security regulatory alignment, and maximize mobile user productivity.
To learn how we go beyond standard device security and maximize the entire lifecycle with the BOS™ suite, complete the form below and download our security white paper.