Endpoint Management and MDM: Take Control of All Your Business Devices

Endpoint Management and MDM: Take Control of All Your Business Devices

Laptops, smartphones, tablets - modern organisations have more endpoints than ever. Those devices hold company data and connect to business systems. Without central management, you lose control over security, configuration and compliance. In this guide, we explain how endpoint management works and why it is essential for every SME.

Key takeaways (TL;DR)

• 60% of data breaches start at an unmanaged endpoint - central management is essential
• Microsoft Intune is the standard for SMEs: part of Microsoft 365 Business Premium
• Key features: enforce encryption, automate updates, manage apps, remote wipe
• Need a BYOD policy? MDM makes secure use of personal devices possible with a separate work profile
• Zero-touch provisioning: configure new devices automatically without IT intervention

What is endpoint management?

Endpoint management is the central management of all devices that have access to company resources. This includes:

• Windows laptops and desktops
• macOS devices
• iOS smartphones and tablets
• Android devices
• Servers (in some cases)

The goal: consistent configuration, strong security and efficient management from a single console.

Why does it matter?

Security risks

Every unmanaged device is a potential security hole.

• No encryption? Data leaks when a device is stolen
• No updates? Known vulnerabilities stay open
• No antivirus? Malware has free rein
• Weak PIN? Unauthorised people get access

With endpoint management, you enforce security standards.

Hybrid working

Employees work everywhere: in the office, at home, on the move. That makes physical control impossible.

Endpoint management works over the internet. Wherever the device is, you can:

• Apply policies
• Roll out updates
• Monitor status
• Step in when problems arise

Compliance

Regulations such as GDPR, NIS2 and industry-specific standards demand demonstrable device security. Endpoint management provides:

• Audit trails of configuration changes
• Compliance reports
• Proof of encryption and updates
• Incident response capabilities

Efficiency

Managing dozens or hundreds of devices by hand takes an enormous amount of time. Endpoint management automates:

• Software installation
• Updates and patches
• Configuration changes
• Inventory

Mobile Device Management (MDM)

MDM is a subset of endpoint management focused specifically on mobile devices. The terms are often used interchangeably.

MDM functionality:

• Device enrolment and provisioning
• Configuration profiles for settings
• App management (installation, updates, removal)
• Compliance policies
• Remote wipe and lock
• Location tracking (with consent)

Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)

UEM combines MDM with traditional PC management. One platform for every device.

Benefits of UEM:

• One console for everything
• Consistent policies across all platforms
• Fewer tools and less complexity
• More efficient management

Microsoft Intune is an example of a UEM platform integrated into Microsoft 365.

Core functionality

Device enrolment

Registering devices in the management system.

Windows Autopilot: New Windows devices configure themselves automatically. The employee signs in and the device is set up without any IT intervention.

Apple DEP/ABM: The equivalent for Apple devices. Zero-touch deployment for iPhone, iPad and Mac.

Android enrolment: Via QR code, NFC or manual registration.

Compliance policies

Rules that devices must meet:

• Minimum OS version
• Encryption enabled
• PIN or biometrics required
• No jailbreak/root
• Antivirus installed
• Recent check-in

Non-compliant devices get limited or no access to company data.

Configuration profiles

Enforcing standard settings:

• Wi-Fi configuration
• VPN settings
• Email accounts
• Certificates
• Security settings
• Browser policies

Configure once, apply automatically to every device.

App management

Control over applications:

• Required apps: Installed automatically (antivirus, VPN, business apps)
• Available apps: Employees can install them themselves from the company store
• Blocked apps: Certain apps are not allowed
• App configuration: Settings configured in advance
• App protection: Data security within apps (MAM)

Software updates

Managing patches and updates:

• Automatic installation of security updates
• Update rings for a phased rollout
• Patch compliance reporting
• Rollback if problems occur

This is crucial for security. Unpatched systems are the easiest way in for attackers.

Remote actions

Taking action remotely:

• Lock: Lock the device
• Wipe: Erase all data (in case of loss or theft)
• Selective wipe: Erase only company data and keep personal data (BYOD)
• Restart: Restart the device
• Sync: Apply policies immediately

BYOD versus company devices

An important distinction in endpoint management.

Company devices

Fully owned by the organisation. Maximum control.

• All policies can be applied
• Full device management
• App installation fully controllable
• Wiping is not a problem

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

Employees' personal devices. More limited control.

• Manage only business apps and data
• Respect the employee's privacy
• Selective wipe (company data only)
• App protection (MAM) instead of full MDM

The container approach

A middle ground: company data sits in a secure container on the device.

• Work and personal data kept separate
• Encryption of business data
• Wiping the container without touching personal data
• Limited access to the device itself

Implementation approach

Step 1: Inventory

Which devices do you have and what is their current status?

• How many devices per platform?
• Who owns them (company/BYOD)?
• Which apps are needed?
• What is the current security status?

Step 2: Define your policies

What do you want to enforce?

• Compliance requirements
• Configuration standards
• App policy
• BYOD rules

Step 3: Choose a platform

Choose a UEM/MDM platform. For Microsoft 365 environments, Intune is the logical choice.

Step 4: Configure

Set up the platform:

• Enrolment methods
• Compliance policies
• Configuration profiles
• App catalogue

Step 5: Roll out

Enrol devices and communicate with employees:

• Phased rollout (pilot first)
• Clear instructions
• A support channel for questions
• Adoption monitoring

Frequently asked questions

Can employees see what IT does with their device?

On company devices, IT has extensive rights. With BYOD, those rights are more limited. Being transparent about what is and is not visible is essential for trust.

What if a device gets lost?

With MDM, you can lock or wipe the device remotely. The sooner it is reported, the better.

Can we see where employees are?

Location tracking is technically possible, but only with a clear business reason and consent. GDPR sets limits.

Does this also work for contractors and external staff?

Yes. With guest accounts and BYOD policies, you can give external people limited access on your terms.

The role of a partner

Implementing endpoint management requires expertise. A managed IT partner can help with:

• Designing the policy framework
• Implementation and configuration
• 24/7 monitoring and support
• Incident response for lost devices
• Continuous optimisation

Integration with Zero Trust

Endpoint management is a pillar of Zero Trust security. The device is one of the factors that determine whether access is granted.

Conditional Access + MDM:

• Only compliant devices get access
• Risk-based decisions (device compromised? no access)
• Continuous evaluation, not just at sign-in

Measuring and reporting

What should you monitor?

Regular reporting gives you insight and drives improvements.

Getting started

Endpoint management is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. With hybrid working and growing threats, you cannot do without central control over your devices.

Start by taking stock of your current situation. Define what you want to achieve. Choose a platform that fits your environment. And roll out in phases with clear communication.

Your devices are an extension of your organisation. Treat them that way.