When it comes to mobile applications, key security controls include:
- Mobile Application Validation (MAV) Ensure applications comply with corporate policies and do not contain known exploitable vulnerabilities.
- Mobile Application Management (MAM) Ensure compliance of deployed applications. However, neither MAV nor his MAM are typically Zero Trust ready to support continuous authentication.
- mobile threat defense Detect and mitigate threats from suspicious user behavior, network activity, and malicious attacks.
- secure container Provide separation technology to prevent organizational and personal data from commingling.
The mobile operating system itself has built-in security features such as:
- Separation of data Technology blocks unauthorized communication between the device and the user data store.
- Platform management APIs allow EMMs and other security management tools to control device security and functionality.
- User and device identificationis a key enabler of Zero Trust compliance, with access via multi-factor authentication.
3 mobile security measures to take now
The mobile security technologies discussed above go a long way in implementing Zero Trust in the mobile environment. However, to fully implement Mobile Zero Trust, enterprises must take three more steps.
First, mobile application development and application security checks need to be more scrutinized to ensure zero trust alignment for access to enterprise resources. Applications should be carefully evaluated to ensure that they support continuous authentication. Applications developed in-house should be reworked to include continuous authentication if not currently deployed. MAV must ensure that all applications (both internally developed and obtained from the operating system vendor’s app store) are compliant with their policies.
The mobile device then implements the application and data segmentationWhile mobile operating systems have built-in security controls to enforce segmentation and can sandbox apps and data, enterprises often rely on custom-developed enterprise applications for segmentation at the app and data level. should be scrutinized. Continuous multi-factor authentication practices are also required to ensure consistency with Zero Trust principles.
Third, by taking steps to more closely integrate EMM and mobile threat defense, Timely threat mitigationMany vendors align their systems with a Zero Trust approach, including continuous certification assessments and device health reporting.
read more: Learn how to simplify device management in a hybrid work environment.
Improved security with intelligent authentication
Some EMM systems include “intelligent” device authentication that combines biometrics and individual user behavior.Using advanced rule sets Artificial intelligence, these systems can enable adaptive authentication to drive precise security for each user’s actions. Enterprises can also enhance the integration of their EMM and mobile threat prevention systems with their existing logging, monitoring, diagnostics and mitigation systems.
Every business is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for implementing Mobile Zero Trust. Each organization should create its own roadmap and timeline aligned with its goals. Businesses can develop strategies based on an assessment of the risks they face, with detailed policies for mitigating risks.
Similarly, each organization should determine the granularity of continuous authentication to balance security and usability. Related changes should be integrated into that infrastructure as needed.
Finally, as with any security approach, technology is only part of the solution. Businesses should review their mobile usage policies to ensure processes and human factors are aligned with their Zero Trust goals.
