When managed properly, government-issued mobile devices enhance daily operations and empower the workforce to collaborate more efficiently. However, these devices pose a massive security risk if compromised by bad actors. Every device increases an agency’s attack surface and has the potential to expose critical data like classified communications and secure authentication credentials.
Most federal agencies are responsible for managing and securing tens of thousands of endpoints. Concerningly, a December 2024 audit by the Inspector General revealed challenges the DOD faces in securing classified information on mobile devices. The surge in devices and telework following the pandemic revealed scaling challenges, while the absence of an approved incident response plan left teams unprepared in the event of a security breach.
Managing and securing these endpoints is often disjointed, with employees navigating multiple disconnected systems without a cohesive mobile management strategy. This lack of integration leads to security and compliance gaps, an especially critical risk for high-stakes environments like defense agencies where protecting sensitive information can mean the difference between life and death.
A practical mobile management approach can improve security and streamline operations through enhanced visibility, centralized device management and built-in security measures.
Driving Efficiency and Savings with Centralized Mobile Management
Traditional mobile management strategies span multiple vendors and disconnected systems. While this approach may have been effective when agencies had fewer devices to manage, the proliferation of smartphones, tablets and other devices following the pandemic has made these strategies inefficient and costly, creating unnecessary complexity and increasing administrative overhead.
A single, cloud-based mobility solution can improve security across all aspects of mobility management, from device deployment to lifecycle management. By integrating management services into a single solution, agencies can configure, secure and oversee their entire infrastructure from one single point.
This centralized approach reduces errors and inconsistencies resulting from siloed processes and provides access to real-time data analytics. This enhanced visibility enables agencies to make informed security decisions based on the location and status of their mobile devices—revoking access if a device displays suspicious behavior or tracking down lost or stolen devices. This is particularly vital for agencies operating in environments where access to real-time data is essential for mission success and safety.
Additionally, a centralized management approach is future-resilient. With agencies managing mobile devices across the globe, efficiently scaling infrastructure management is a constant challenge. By eliminating the difficulties associated with managing multiple mobile ecosystems, such as complex integrations, disjointed data flow and fragmented security, agencies are better equipped to scale with the ever-increasing number of mobile devices.
Greater visibility into mobile infrastructure allows leaders to prioritize critical tasks, from enhancing citizen engagement to tackling more sophisticated security challenges.
Protecting Sensitive Data on Every Device
Mobile devices pose an elevated risk for agencies with personnel outside of the U.S. For example, hostile nation-states can exploit customs enforcement or airport procedures to gain unauthorized access to these devices. Furthermore, many groups have some level of access to public networks, providing them with an avenue for launching remote attacks on connected devices.
To combat this threat, the federal government has prioritized mobile security frameworks over the past few years, with guidance like CISA’s Mobile Communications Best Practice Guidance, GSA’s Securing Mobile Applications and Devices and NIST’s Cybersecurity Framework leading the way.
Despite these efforts, mobile devices remain an overlooked attack vector. An end-to-end managed mobility services model can provide built-in security controls to proactively defend against these threats. Strong security measures—including device encryption, access controls, and real-time threat monitoring—help proactively safeguard valuable data from falling into the wrong hands, even if a device is lost.
Additionally, cloud-based platforms enable agencies to keep pace with emerging threats by automating security updates, eliminating the need for manual system adjustments and helping agencies meet regulatory requirements. Frequent updates aligned with new security guidelines will ensure agencies can efficiently manage security across their entire network.
Embracing end-to-end mobile management infrastructure enhances security and can also help agencies become more efficient. Mobile devices are central to DOD and government operations. Keeping up with evolving threats requires a solution that simplifies the complex task of managing the mobile ecosystem across multiple vendors. With the right approach, the benefits of mobile devices can continue to outweigh security concerns.
About the Author
As President of Managed Services at DMI, DJ leads the Managed Services group, overseeing its operations, growth, and strategic market positioning. His leadership is grounded in a customer-first approach, ensuring that every solution is designed to drive value. With extensive expertise in procurement, telecom expense management, and IT operations, DJ has successfully built high-performing, results driven programs that enhance operational efficiency and business growth.
DJ’s vision is centered on innovation, efficiency, and simplifying managed services in an ever-evolving digital landscape. His expertise in mobile lifecycle management, telecom expense management, IT operations, and vendor strategy, enables him to build programs that empower enterprises to optimize and scale their IT Managed Services. His ability to foster collaboration across teams, streamline processes, and implement forward-thinking strategies has positioned DMI as a trusted partner in the managed services space.
Under DJ’s leadership, DMI has reached industry-leading milestones, earning recognition as a Gartner
Magic Quadrant Leader for Managed Mobility Services for eight consecutive years. DMI has also received awards, including the AOTMP Mobility Vendor of the Year and two Mobile Breakthrough
Awards for Overall Mobility Management Solution Provider of the Year. These achievements
highlight DMI’s commitment to innovation, service excellence, and customer satisfaction.
DJ can be reached online at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dj-oreb-4340914a/ and at our company website https://dminc.com/
