Securing communication using Virtual Private Network (VPN) & MDM

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) as the name suggests is used to establish secure connections between devices and networks by using a logical private tunnel. All the device-web resource communication happens on this secure channel. This ensures that all the corporate data is encrypted and secured from unauthenticated access. By using VPN, productivity is boosted since access to corporate resources can be granted to the employees working from anywhere without having to compromise on data security.

What is VPN device management?

VPN device management is the process of setting up and maintaining secure connections to a Virtual Private Network on devices like smartphones and tablets. This ensures that employees can access company resources safely from anywhere. Mobile Device Management (MDM) makes this easier by helping IT administrators configure and manage these VPN connections on mobile devices efficiently.

What is the need for VPN in MDM?

Here are the advantages of having a VPN connection that emphasize the need for admins to configure VPNs on work devices using MDM:

1. Security: A VPN secures data transmission through encrypted tunnels, preventing unauthorized access and cyber threats.
2. Data Privacy: VPNs ensure compliance with data protection regulations by safeguarding sensitive information.
3. Network Control: Authorized devices with proper security configurations can access the network, reducing the risk of breaches.
4. Remote Access: Employees can securely connect to corporate resources from any location, maintaining productivity.
5. BYOD Protection: VPNs extend security to personal devices used for work, maintaining data protection.
6. Data Leak Prevention: VPNs restrict data transfers to secure channels, preventing accidental leaks.
7. Insider Threats: Secure communication channels mitigate risks from compromised devices or insiders.
8. Resource Management: VPNs in MDM grant access based on roles, locations, and compliance.

How to configure VPN on MDM Devices?

Here are the steps to configure VPN on MDM device:

• Log in to your mobile device management (MDM) console.
• Create a VPN profile within the MDM console. Specify connection details, such as server address, authentication method, and encryption settings.
• Set up authentication parameters, like usernames, passwords, or certificates, ensuring secure access to the VPN.
• Apply security policies through the MDM solution to enforce VPN usage, ensuring compliance with organizational security standards.
• Push the VPN profile to target devices via the MDM console, ensuring uniform configuration across devices.

Mobile Device Manager Plus allows you to configure MDM VPN profiles for iOS, Android and Windows devices. The available VPN types are specified as follows:

VPN Type	iOS	Android	Windows	Additional App requirement
L2TP		* L2TP PSK is available for Android
PPTP
IPSec		* IPSec IKEv2 PSK and IPSec XAuth PSK are available for Android
IKEv2
Cisco AnyConnect(Legacy)
Cisco AnyConnect
Juniper SSL
F5 Access Legacy
Pulse Secure
SonicWALL Mobile Connect
Aruba VIA
Check Point Mobile VPN
F5 Access
Global Protect Legacy
Global Protect
Open VPN
Citrix SSO
Citrix VPN
Custom SSL
F5 SSL

If you require additional types of VPN to be supported, specify it here.