This curriculum spans the equivalent of a multi-workshop technical advisory engagement, addressing MDM implementation and governance across architecture, identity, provisioning, policy, application management, security operations, support workflows, and continuous improvement, as typically encountered in large-scale, heterogeneous enterprise environments.
Module 1: MDM Architecture and Platform Selection
- Evaluate on-premises versus cloud-hosted MDM solutions based on data residency requirements and internal IT capabilities.
- Compare vendor APIs for integration depth with existing identity providers, email systems, and security information and event management (SIEM) platforms.
- Assess scalability constraints of MDM platforms when managing over 10,000 endpoints across multiple geographic regions.
- Determine support for heterogeneous device ecosystems, including iOS, Android, Windows, and legacy operating systems.
- Negotiate vendor licensing models that align with fluctuating device counts due to BYOD and seasonal workforce changes.
- Validate high-availability configurations and failover procedures during proof-of-concept testing.
Module 2: Identity and Access Integration
- Implement SAML-based single sign-on between the MDM console and enterprise identity providers such as Azure AD or Okta.
- Configure conditional access policies that block device enrollment if endpoint compliance checks fail.
- Map Active Directory security groups to MDM device assignment policies without creating redundant user management workflows.
- Enforce multi-factor authentication for administrative access to the MDM console using hardware tokens or mobile authenticators.
- Manage lifecycle synchronization between HR systems and MDM to automate onboarding and offboarding.
- Handle certificate-based authentication for devices in air-gapped or highly regulated environments.
Module 3: Device Enrollment and Provisioning Strategies
- Deploy Apple Business Manager and Android Enterprise programs to automate zero-touch enrollment for corporate-owned devices.
- Design self-service enrollment workflows for BYOD devices that preserve user privacy while enforcing baseline policies.
- Pre-configure devices with required applications, Wi-Fi profiles, and email settings using automated enrollment profiles.
- Implement kiosk mode provisioning for shared devices in retail or healthcare with restricted app access.
- Manage device ownership transitions, such as converting a BYOD device to corporate-owned status during role changes.
- Handle enrollment failures due to network restrictions, expired certificates, or incompatible device firmware versions.
Module 4: Policy Design and Configuration Management
- Create platform-specific configuration profiles for passcode complexity, biometric enforcement, and screen lock timeouts.
- Balance security requirements with usability by tailoring policies based on device type and user role.
- Version-control configuration profiles to track changes and enable rollback during policy-related incidents.
- Enforce encryption of local storage on devices handling sensitive corporate data, with exceptions for legacy hardware.
- Configure restrictions on camera use, app sideloading, and tethering for high-risk departments such as finance or R&D.
- Test policy conflicts between MDM and native OS updates that may override enterprise settings.
Module 5: Application Lifecycle and Content Distribution
- Distribute internal line-of-business apps via private app stores with version control and digital signing.
- Manage license allocation for commercial apps using volume purchase programs like Apple VPP or Google Play EMM.
- Automate app updates while maintaining compatibility with legacy backend systems accessed through mobile clients.
- Enforce app-level encryption and data loss prevention (DLP) policies for third-party productivity applications.
- Remove corporate applications remotely during offboarding without affecting personal data on BYOD devices.
- Monitor app crash logs and performance metrics collected through MDM for troubleshooting.
Module 6: Security Monitoring, Incident Response, and Compliance
- Integrate MDM telemetry with SIEM systems to detect jailbroken devices or unauthorized configuration changes.
- Define automated response workflows for lost or stolen devices, including location tracking, remote lock, and selective wipe.
- Generate audit reports for regulatory compliance (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR) showing device encryption status and policy enforcement.
- Respond to phishing incidents by revoking device certificates and re-enrolling affected endpoints.
- Assess risks of outdated OS versions and enforce patch compliance with escalation procedures for non-compliant users.
- Coordinate with legal and HR teams during forensic investigations involving mobile device data access.
Module 7: Operational Support and User Experience Management
- Establish tiered support processes for MDM-related issues, defining handoff points between helpdesk and security teams.
- Develop self-help resources for common user issues such as failed enrollments or certificate renewals.
- Measure MDM performance metrics including enrollment success rate, policy push latency, and sync failures.
- Manage user exceptions for policy waivers with documented risk acceptance and expiration dates.
- Optimize network bandwidth usage during large-scale app or OS update deployments.
- Conduct periodic user satisfaction surveys to identify friction points in device management workflows.
Module 8: MDM Governance and Continuous Improvement
- Define ownership roles for MDM policy changes, including change advisory board (CAB) review for high-impact updates.
- Conduct quarterly access reviews to remove administrative privileges for departed or reassigned personnel.
- Update disaster recovery plans to include MDM configuration backups and re-deployment procedures.
- Perform vendor performance evaluations based on uptime, support response times, and feature roadmap alignment.
- Align MDM strategy with broader endpoint management initiatives, including integration with EDR and patch management tools.
- Document lessons learned from MDM-related incidents to refine policies and reduce recurrence.