Simple Steps to Lockdown Android Devices for Business Use

Latest handheld devices have replaced the traditional large-screen PCs because they are handy and mobile. Businesses can manage routine tasks and keep updated with notifications on various business accounts with mobile devices, which they can carry anywhere easily in their pockets. So, most businesses have adapted these smart mobile devices to run business operations. Android is one of the most popular names in the digital industry, offering its users a flexible OS. Research has revealed that the use of mobile devices has also negatively impacted several businesses worldwide. So, the need arises to effectively manage and control these devices by locking them down for business use only.

What risks will enterprises face in managing devices?

Every organization faces challenges in managing a large fleet of devices. Manually configuring settings and apps, managing and securing data, and enforcing security policies on bulk devices is impossible. Here are a few significant challenges enterprises face while managing devices for controlled usage. 

Data Security Risks

Data security is always a primary concern of every public and private institute as it involves sensitive data. Cybercriminals try to exploit the system and access confidential information. It becomes easy for them if the devices are not managed through a proper channel. Data security risks are always high for organizations with insufficient management tools.

Device Loss or Theft

Devices are always at stake if the management teams lack real-time tracking support. Organizations need a proper backup of the data to prevent loss. Enterprises must ensure continuous tracking of devices to prevent loss, especially for field working employees.  

Software Management

Software management includes promptly updating software and apps installed on Android devices. It is necessary to keep all apps and software updated with the latest versions to enjoy the latest features and ensure the latest security measures to fight against the latest known vulnerabilities.

Employee Misuse

Unnecessary device usage by employees wastes time and resources and reduces productivity. It is crucial for enterprises to efficiently manage and track employee device usage to ensure productivity and manage data costs. 

Dependency and Downtime

While managing devices, it is essential to realize the significant causes of downtime. Instant realization is required to ensure minimum downloads, which can directly impact productivity. Enterprises need effective tools to manage device dependency and downtime in time. 

Compliance Risks

Every industry has laws and regulations that corporations must follow; otherwise, they are charged heavy fines or banned. Device management needs to comply with such regulatory requirements to ensure business continuity.

Understanding what is Kiosk Mode

Kiosk mode is a specialized device limitation feature in which users restrict device usage for specific operations. It helps improve security and prevent devices from exploiting vulnerabilities by blocking unnecessary apps and settings. Here are some essential features of kiosk mode:

Single App Mode

Single-app kiosk mode allows only one application to run on managed devices. Admins are allowed to select an application they want to run at the user’s end. This mode is specifically helpful for creating self-service and interactive kiosks that are used as POS and check-ins at various public spaces. End-users are unable to exit it without the admin’s permission.

Multi-App Mode

Multi-app kiosk mode is significant for enterprises where multiple users can access a single Android device to perform their duties. For example, in call centers, employees are called on shifts, so limited devices are utilized by multiple employees at different times. It helps enterprises limit device usage to business apps only.

Website Whitelist

Website whitelisting is a specialized feature for controlling end-user internet browsing capabilities. It enables admins to create a list of URLs that are only allowed to be accessed on corporate devices while blocking access to all other websites.

How to enable Kiosk Mode on Android Using AirDroid Business?

AirDroid Business is a mobile device management solution for Android that helps enterprises seamlessly enroll large-scale Android devices into a system and remotely manage and control them from a centralized dashboard, providing deep insights into device usage and extensive control over devices. It helps enterprises impose various restrictions to limit device usage and create a controlled and secure working environment. It offers kiosk mode to apply simultaneously on bulk devices and prevent access to all apps other than the selected ones. It also includes a kiosk browser option to ensure safe browsing on official devices.

Steps to enable the kiosk mode

Here are the steps to enable kiosk mode on managed devices: 

Step 1: Login or Sign Up

If you already have an AirDroid Business account, log in or sign up to access the admin console.

Step 2: Open AirDroid’s admin console, select ‘Policy and kiosk’ from the main menu, and then select ‘Policy and kiosk Config files’, and click the ‘Create Config file’ button.

Step 3: Single-app or multi-app kiosk mode

For single-app kiosk mode, select kiosk launcher and choose the ‘Single app’ option. Then, select your target app from the list. Remember to enable the ‘Run Consistently’ option to open the selected app when the device reboots automatically.

To implement multi-app kiosk mode, select the ‘App allowlist for kiosk’ option and add a list of apps you want to configure on managed devices.

Step 4: Select the devices to apply kiosk mode

Choose the ‘Apply Config file to the following devices/groups’ option and select the devices or groups for which you want to configure kiosk mode. Save the settings to implement them on the selected devices.

Note: The BizDaemon app will automatically open and turn the device to kiosk mode. You can check the detailed tutorials here.

Key benefits of lockdown Android devices for business use with AirDroid Business 

Enhanced Security

Comprehensive features of AirDroid Business ensure high-level security for devices and confidential data, which also leads to compliance with industry-specific standards by managing security policies accordingly. The remote wipe and factory reset feature help remove data on devices when they are stolen or lost. AirDroid Business offers real-time location tracking, which helps to find lost devices and track routes to continuously improve productivity. Multi-factor authentication and strong password input policies enhance security. Black screen mode, kiosk mode, app whitelisting, and blocklisting are all supportive of enhancing security.

Centralized Management

The beauty of AirDroid Business is its centralized approach to remotely managing large-scale devices. It provides a user-friendly and intuitive dashboard to enroll bulk devices and get insights into device usage for each enrolled device. Admins can remotely access devices’ front and rear cameras to see what is going on in the workspace without physically visiting there. Centralized management also reduces the effort of troubleshooting device issues by diagnosing and resolving them remotely. 

Customizable User Experience

Businesses can design and create highly interactive interfaces of kiosks and other Android devices using AirDroid Business. It offers multiple options to customize and manage the layout, which suits the brand and improves visibility. Admins can choose colors, themes, logos, notification bars, and other branding elements to enhance user interaction and use them for advertisements and promotions. 

Reduced IT Costs

AirDroid Business adds additional benefits with reduced efforts for device management. Remote monitoring and control help troubleshoot device issues at multiple locations without physical presence, reducing travel costs. Automating various routine tasks helps reduce the number of employees, resulting in low costs. Continuous monitoring and location tracking help optimize data usage and fuel consumption costs.

Application Management

 The app whitelisting and blocklisting feature helps to ensure secure and restricted device usage for official purposes only. The test release feature helps to verify apps before deploying them on official devices so they do not affect routine processes. The formal release is a suitable way to save time when installing private apps that have already been verified.

Improved productivity

Adding limitations on general device settings, network settings, and other significant settings helps secure and limit device usage. Regular app updates help improve the processing and performance of apps and devices, which leads to improved productivity. Focused working by employees with access to only authentic device functions, remote access, bulk file sharing, notifications, and workflows increases work productivity.

Conclusion

Businesses have transformed enough due to mobile technologies because they have provided easy access to online activities. However, with this easy access, many security and productivity issues arise because of employees’ excessive and unnecessary device usage. Businesses can easily lock down all official devices for official activities using an MDM solution like AirDroid Business for Android. Kiosk mode is a valuable feature of MDM that helps restrict device use and ensures employees focus on working, resulting in enhanced productivity and reduced costs. AirDroid Business offers a 14-day free trial for new users and then provides flexible options to choose a package that suits a specific business level perfectly.