Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) Guide for Company Networks

Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) is software that enables IT networking and security teams to monitor, manage, and secure all of an organization’s end-user devices from one central portal. These ‘endpoints’ may include desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, wearables, and other devices that connect to the company network.

UEM provides a consistent device management approach, regardless of the operating system or user’s location. Essentially, UEM streamlines endpoint security by simplifying management, which allows teams to effectively protect devices and significantly reduce the attack surface for malicious actors.

What problems does UEM solve?

Back in the day, managing desktops and laptops was the primary networking focus. IT teams used tools like Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) for Windows devices or JAMF for Macs. 

These tools were great for their time, but they were siloed. Each platform had its own set of management tools, which made the whole process cumbersome and time-consuming. For instance, when they first appeared, mobile devices needed separate solutions. 

If you wanted to manage iPhones or Android devices, you would have to use Mobile Device Management (MDM) software like MobileIron or AirWatch. This meant juggling multiple platforms and interfaces, making it hard to get a unified view of all endpoints. It also led to gaps in security and compliance because not all tools had the same capabilities or integration levels.

User experience was another pain point. Traditional endpoint management often required manual configuration and updates. So, rolling out a software update involved scripting, testing, and deploying across different systems, each with its unique quirks. The process was error-prone and slow, often leading to downtime and frustrated employees.

Enter Unified Endpoint Management (UEM). With UEM, everything feels more streamlined and efficient. Instead of juggling multiple tools, UEM provides a single dashboard to manage all devices—be it desktops, laptops, smartphones, or even IoT devices. 

Take VMware's Workspace ONE, for example. It allows IT to manage all endpoints from a single console. This means you can push a security update to every device in your organization, regardless of the platform, with just a few clicks.

Enhanced security

Traditional methods made it easy for devices to slip through the cracks, especially with the rise of remote work. With UEM, you can enforce consistent security policies across all devices. 

If someone tries to connect a non-compliant device to the network, you can block it or quarantine it instantly. This level of control was nearly impossible with older systems.

Improved user experience

With UEM, employees can enroll their devices into the UEM system with minimal fuss. Automatic configurations, application installations, and updates run in the background, reducing downtime. 

For example, Microsoft Endpoint Manager (a combination of Intune and SCCM) allows for seamless policy updates and app deployments. Users get the tools they need without the constant interruptions that were so common before.

Therefore, moving from traditional endpoint management to UEM is like trading in a clunky old typewriter for a sleek, modern computer. The improvements in efficiency, security, and user experience are hard to ignore. UEM is a unified, holistic approach that solves many of the problems we used to face.

Other factors driving the adoption of UEM

Widening exposure to cybersecurity risks 

Cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, and managing endpoint security across diverse devices is a nightmare without the right tools. With UEM, you can enforce security policies universally. 

For example, you can ensure that all devices have up-to-date antivirus software, encrypt sensitive data, and even remotely wipe a lost or stolen device to prevent data breaches. It feels like the security net we have all been waiting for.

Increasing regulation

Regulations like GDPR and HIPAA have serious implications for how data should be handled. UEM helps in enforcing these compliance requirements consistently across all endpoints. 

For example, if you need to ensure that all devices adhere to data encryption standards, you can set up these policies centrally and push them out across the fleet. It makes staying compliant far less nerve-wracking.

Cost savings

Managing various endpoints with different solutions can be incredibly expensive and time-consuming. UEM consolidates these efforts into one platform, reducing the need for multiple tools and support contracts. 

For instance, before adopting UEM, your IT team could have been using different software for mobile device management, desktop management, and security. It’s costly and inefficient. UEM allows you to cut down on these expenses and manage everything under one roof.

Dynamic tech landscape

The need for agility in adapting to changing tech landscapes is a big driver for UEM adoption. Technology evolves fast, and businesses that can’t keep up risk falling behind. 

UEM platforms are designed to be future-proof, accommodating new device types and management requirements as they arise. So when the next big tech trend hits, you know your UEM solution will be ready to support it, keeping you ahead of the curve.

Streamlining device management with UEM

Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) takes device management to a whole new level. It's not just about mobile devices; it's about managing everything from smartphones and tablets to PCs, IoT devices, wearable tech, and even rugged devices from a single console.

With UEM, you can handle a variety of devices, which makes it perfect for organizations that utilize multiple types of endpoints. For instance, you can manage company-issued laptops used by remote workers, ensure security on wearable health devices for employees, and even oversee IoT devices in your smart offices. This level of control is integrated, meaning you don’t have to juggle multiple systems or platforms.

Inclusive approach to device management

UEM incorporates Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) functions. This means you can manage mobile devices and also extend those capabilities to other platforms and operating systems. Whether your team uses Android, iOS, Windows, or macOS, UEM has you covered.

Let's say you need to deploy a security update across all devices. With UEM, it's as simple as a few clicks. You can push updates to all managed endpoints, whether they're smartphones, desktops, or even IoT sensors. This keeps your network secure and devices compliant without needing manual interventions on each device.

Moreover, UEM offers great flexibility. Imagine you are rolling out a new application for project management. You can deploy this app across all employee devices, ensuring everyone has access without manual installations. 

If someone leaves the company, you can also quickly revoke access and wipe company data remotely. This is crucial for maintaining data security and compliance.

So, UEM isn’t just about managing devices; it’s about creating a seamless, secure, and efficient ecosystem. The convenience of handling diverse endpoints from a single console saves time and reduces complexity, letting you focus on more strategic tasks.

Managing applications with UEM

UEM gives you control and visibility over the apps running on all your devices. Your team likely uses various devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Each device might have different operating systems and, of course, different apps. Managing these applications is easy with UEM.

For example, think about deploying a critical business app across all employee devices. With traditional methods, this could mean manually installing the app on each device. Tedious, right? 

But with UEM, you can push this app to everyone's device from a single dashboard. It's efficient and ensures everyone has what they need right away.

Whitelisting and blacklisting

Ever had an employee download an app that compromised security? With UEM, you can specify which apps are allowed and which aren't. For instance, if an app isn't appropriate for office devices, you can blacklist it. Conversely, you can ensure essential apps like Microsoft Teams or Slack are always available and updated to their latest versions.

Speaking of updates, UEM really shines with application patch management. You don’t have to remind your team members to update their software. UEM handles that automatically. You can schedule updates, ensuring that all apps are up-to-date without interrupting the workflow. 

App data management

With UEM, you can control how data within the apps is handled. For example, if you have a sensitive document on Google Drive, you can enforce policies that prevent it from being shared outside your network. It's a secure way to manage data without stifling productivity.

UEM also makes it easy to remove applications from devices, which is super handy when someone leaves the company. You can remotely uninstall apps and wipe corporate data, ensuring that your information stays secure.

How UEM handles Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a crucial component of Unified Endpoint Management (UEM). With IAM, you can ensure that the right users have the right access to resources. UEM platforms integrate seamlessly with IAM solutions to manage who can do what within an organization's network.

Let's say you have an employee named Sarah who needs access to the company's financial software. Using UEM, you can integrate with an Identity Provider (IdP) like Okta or Azure AD to automatically provision Sarah's account with the necessary permissions. She won't need to go through multiple approvals or deal with complex configurations—it's all handled behind the scenes.

Moreover, integrating IAM within UEM ensures that devices themselves are secure. Suppose John, another employee, tries to access sensitive documents on his smartphone. 

If John’s device isn't compliant with company policies—maybe he's using an outdated OS or hasn't installed the latest security patches—UEM can block access until the issues are resolved. This helps us maintain a secure environment without constant manual oversight.

Single Sign-On (SSO) reduces password-related breaches

By allowing users to log in once to access multiple applications, SSO simplifies the user experience and enhances productivity. For instance, when employees use their UEM-managed devices, they can log in just once and get access to email, CRM systems, and internal portals. This eliminates the hassle of remembering multiple passwords and reduces the risk of password-related breaches.

How user authentication and authorization works with UEM

Authentication ensures that only the right people have access to the right data on their devices. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a critical tool for this that adds an extra layer of security. 

With UEM, you can enforce MFA policies across all endpoints. Take a scenario where an employee logs in from a new location. The UEM system can prompt for additional verification, such as a biometric scan or a one-time code sent to their phone. This ensures that even if credentials are compromised, unauthorized people can’t gain access.

Authorization is all about permissions. It’s not just about getting through the door; it’s about what you can do once you're inside. For example, an employee in marketing shouldn't have the same access to financial data as someone in accounting. 

Role-based access control (RBAC) helps here. You assign users to roles, and each role has specific permissions. It's like giving everyone a keycard that only opens certain doors.

A convenient feature of UEM is how it allows you to manage RBAC settings remotely. Say an employee leaves the company, and you need to revoke their access quickly. With UEM, we can do this in just a few clicks without having to physically touch the device. This is especially useful for remote workers.

Another useful feature is conditional access. You can set up rules that only allow access under certain conditions. For instance, you could require that a device be connected to the corporate VPN or have the latest security patches installed. If these conditions aren’t met, access is denied.