Mobile device security is critical for organizations seeking to protect their corporate data. We asked industry experts for their approaches to mobile device security. Here are the policies and technologies they’ve implemented to protect corporate data on mobile devices.
- Balance Usability and Data Protection
- Create a Robust Shield Around Corporate Data
- Implement Multi-Layered Mobile Security Approach
- Secure Access First, Then Layer Protections
- Build Comprehensive Mobile Security for Healthcare
- Focus on Containerization and User Cooperation
- Control Access Without Slowing Down Productivity
- Apply Defense-in-Depth Strategy for Mobile Security
8 Mobile Device Security Approaches
Balance Usability and Data Protection
Our approach to mobile device security is rooted in balancing usability with strong data protection. Since many of our team members work remotely or in hybrid environments, securing mobile access to corporate systems is critical.
We implement mobile device management (MDM) tools. These tools allow us to enforce policies such as device encryption, remote wipe capabilities, and mandatory biometric or strong PIN authentication. Corporate email and data access are restricted to managed apps, and sensitive information is sandboxed from personal use.
In addition, we enforce role-based access control and limit the use of mobile devices for sensitive administrative functions. Regular audits and training help ensure everyone understands the risks and best practices. By combining technology, clear policies, and employee awareness, we protect our systems while maintaining the flexibility that our team values.
Sergiy Fitsak
Managing Director, Fintech Expert, Softjourn
Create a Robust Shield Around Corporate Data
Our mobile security approach is simple: protect corporate data at all times. Whether in the office or remote, our team stays secure. While mobile devices boost productivity, they introduce unique security concerns. That’s why we’ve implemented policies and technologies that focus on both the device itself and the data it accesses. We use MDM solutions to remotely manage and secure company data on mobile devices. This lets us enforce strong passwords, require encryption, and keep systems updated with security patches.
In addition to managing the devices, we prioritize secure access. We require multi-factor authentication on mobile devices for secure access to corporate resources. If a device is ever lost or stolen, our MDM solution gives us the ability to remotely wipe all sensitive corporate data, preventing it from falling into the wrong hands. We encourage secure connections, such as VPNs. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi, which is often less secure.
We also invest significant effort in educating our employees about mobile security best practices. It’s not just about the technology; it’s about ensuring everyone understands the risks, such as phishing attempts tailored for mobile screens or the dangers of downloading unapproved applications. We regularly update our security awareness training to keep pace with new threats, ensuring our team is equipped to be the first line of defense. It’s a holistic approach, combining smart technology with a well-informed and vigilant workforce to protect our sensitive information.
Michael Gargiulo
Founder, CEO, VPN.com
Implement Multi-Layered Mobile Security Approach
To secure mobile devices and protect corporate information, we have a multi-layered approach which includes policy, technology, and user training. We use Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to implement security measures like device encryption, remote wipe, and app control. Additionally, we require multi-factor authentication for protected access to company systems and use Virtual Private Networks for secure remote access.
We also have very strict Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, which include requirements for employees to use secure updates, and prohibit out-of-date or unapproved apps. Furthermore, we conduct regular security audits and run user education programs to ensure that our employees are aware of the risks and are able to play their part in upholding data integrity.
Through these measures, we have established a secure mobile environment that is prepared for whatever new threats may arise.
Spencergarret Fernandez
SEO and Smo Specialist, Web Development, Founder & CEO, SEO Echelon
Secure Access First, Then Layer Protections
Our approach to mobile device security is straightforward: we assume every device is a potential breach point and build policies that protect the data, not just the hardware. We focus on securing access first, then layering in protections that are lightweight enough not to hinder productivity.
We’ve implemented MDM (Mobile Device Management) to enforce device-level policies—such as required encryption, automatic lock screens, remote wipe capabilities, and OS version compliance. Beyond that, we heavily rely on zero-trust principles: no app or device gains access simply because it’s “approved.” Everything undergoes identity checks and conditional access policies, especially for apps tied to sensitive client data or internal tools.
Furthermore, all communication and file sharing occur through encrypted channels (like Slack with 2FA and workspace restrictions), and we use VPNs and mobile-friendly endpoint protection tools for devices handling development or admin-level credentials.
In essence, our policy is to protect access and usability. If security impedes productivity, people will find ways to circumvent it. Therefore, we build systems that are robust under the hood, yet seamless enough that the team hardly notices any friction. That’s the only way to ensure adherence.
Daniel Haiem
CEO, App Makers LA
Build Comprehensive Mobile Security for Healthcare
In one of my projects, we built a clinical bed monitoring system where mobile tablets were placed next to hospital beds to display real-time sensor data and alarms. Since it was a critical environment – especially in surgical and ICU settings—we had to secure it thoroughly.
We used Samsung Knox MDM (mobile device management) to manage the tablets. That included enforcing strict policies: locking down the OS, disabling USB debugging, restricting app installs, and ensuring devices stayed on a controlled firmware version. That covered the basics, but we went further.
For communication security, we implemented mutual TLS (mTLS) with X.509 certificates, so that both the device and the backend could authenticate each other. This wasn’t just a good idea—it aligned with international healthcare standards like IHE’s ATNA profile and is widely recognized as a best practice for protecting medical data in transit.
Internally, we used microsegmentation to isolate the devices on the network and reduce the attack surface. We also had a SIEM system in place and pushed telemetry to Grafana, because it’s not enough to set security rules – you also need visibility and monitoring to detect issues early.
We followed the OWASP MASVS Level II guidelines for mobile app security, which included:
- Blocking rooted or emulated (virtual) environments
- Enabling full disk encryption
- Preventing debugging and reverse engineering
- Limiting sensitive data caching
And finally, we conducted a comprehensive penetration test using the OWASP Mobile Security Testing Guide (MSTG) for the mobile app and the OWASP Application Security Testing Guide (WSTG) for network communications and backend services.
In short, we built a layered security model: MDM at the top, strong encryption and cert-based authentication in the middle, and runtime protections plus monitoring underneath. Everything worked together to keep patient data protected—both on the device and in transit.
Dzmitry Romanov
Cybersecurity Team Lead, Vention
Focus on Containerization and User Cooperation
The most critical challenge in mobile device security is maintaining seamless access to corporate data while preventing unauthorized access or data leakage. We’ve observed that effective mobile security requires a fundamentally different approach than traditional endpoint protection due to the personal nature of these devices and their varied usage patterns.
This dual-purpose reality shapes our security strategy, which begins with establishing boundaries between personal and corporate data through containerization approaches. Rather than attempting to control the entire device, we focus on creating secure enclaves for business information that can be managed independently from personal applications and data. This approach addresses the fundamental tension between security needs and employee privacy expectations.
The success of this containerized approach depends heavily on user cooperation, which requires policies that emphasize flexibility over restriction. We’ve found that overly restrictive policies often drive users to find workarounds that create greater security risks than the original problem. Instead, policies emphasizing data classification and appropriate access controls work better than blanket device restrictions because they maintain productivity while protecting sensitive information.
This user-centric approach extends to incident response capabilities as well. While remote wipe capabilities remain essential, selective wiping of corporate data proves more effective than full device wipes in maintaining user trust. When employees know their information remains protected, they’re more likely to report security incidents and comply with corporate policies, creating a positive security culture rather than an adversarial one.
Authentication strategies must reflect these mobile-specific realities. Multi-factor authentication needs adaptation for mobile workflows to prevent both user frustration and security gaps that occur when authentication becomes too cumbersome for frequent mobile access patterns.
For organizations developing mobile security strategies, I recommend starting with visibility before implementing controls. Understanding how mobile devices are actually used within your environment is essential before designing policies that will be both effective and sustainable. Many failed mobile security initiatives result from assumptions about user behavior that don’t reflect reality.
Simon Lewis
Co-Founder, Certo Software
Control Access Without Slowing Down Productivity
I believe that mobile device security is not just about locking devices; it’s about controlling access without slowing down productivity.
We follow a zero-trust model. Every mobile device that accesses company resources is managed through a Mobile Device Management system. We use Microsoft Intune to enforce encryption, remote wipe, and app-level controls. No corporate data is ever stored in personal storage. We also use biometric authentication as a minimum entry point for accessing any work apps.
Our policy blocks access from jailbroken or rooted devices and auto-revokes access if a device fails a compliance check. For teams working with sensitive client environments, access is limited to company-issued devices only.
The focus is on containment and control. If a device is compromised, we don’t just rely on the user to report it. The system shuts it down. That level of control is what keeps data safe.
Vivek Nair
Co-Founder, BotGauge
Apply Defense-in-Depth Strategy for Mobile Security
Securing mobile devices is a core element of our cybersecurity strategy. We follow a defense-in-depth approach that combines technology controls, policy enforcement, and employee awareness to protect corporate data across all endpoints.
We manage all corporate mobile devices through an MDM platform, allowing us to enforce encryption, mandate automatic OS updates, and apply compliance baselines. Only devices that meet our security requirements are granted access to internal systems.
To support secure remote access, we rely on VDI solutions. This enables our teams to work from any location while ensuring that sensitive data remains within isolated, controlled environments—never stored on local devices.
Access to corporate resources is restricted using ZTNA/VPN with built-in device compliance checks. This ensures that only authorized and up-to-date devices can connect to our network.
We actively monitor for data leakage risks through a DLP system that helps us control data flows across devices and cloud applications. In addition, we utilize a corporate password manager, enforce the principle of least privilege, and ensure that all devices have full disk encryption enabled.
We are currently rolling out an EDR solution to strengthen our threat detection and response capabilities across mobile and endpoint environments.
This layered and proactive approach allows us to maintain high standards of security while enabling mobility and flexibility. Even in distributed or high-risk environments, our policies help safeguard sensitive information without compromising user experience.
Vitalii Kushnirenko
Chief Information Security Officer, SupportYourApp
