Protecting critical infrastructures through Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Critical infrastructures are vital facilities and services whose failure or disruption would have severe consequences for public safety, health, or the economy. These include energy, water and food supply, healthcare, telecommunications, as well as finance and transport systems. These sectors form the backbone of modern society and are indispensable to our daily lives and work.

Many of today’s critical infrastructures are highly dependent on information technologies. While increasing connectivity and digitalisation bring numerous advantages, they also introduce new challenges.

Cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructures have become a serious threat. A successful attack can not only cause substantial financial damage but also endanger human lives and undermine public trust.

Employees increasingly use smartphones and tablets to access corporate data on the move. However, this introduces significant IT security and data protection risks that must be carefully addressed to ensure the integrity and security of sensitive information.

Smartphones and tablets are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. The reasons include the large number of installed applications and the constant connection to public networks.

A successful data breach or attack through a mobile device can have devastating consequences, particularly in sensitive KRITIS sectors where data protection is of utmost importance.

KRITIS sectors face specific data protection requirements that go far beyond conventional industry standards. Sensitive data must be protected not only against unauthorised access.

Compliance may involve standards such as ISO 27001 for information security, Germany’s IT Security Act, as well as sector-specific security standards (B3S) and regulatory obligations.

The management of mobile devices and applications in KRITIS organisations is often complex, especially in heterogeneous environments with different operating systems and device types.

Security policies and software updates must be applied across a wide range of devices, which complicates administration and monitoring. This complexity increases the risk of security gaps and calls for a comprehensive solution.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) offers a holistic approach to ensuring data protection and IT security in KRITIS organisations. With its wide range of features, MDM enables companies to control, secure, and manage mobile devices and applications to minimise the risk of data leaks and cyberattacks.

Keeping devices and applications consistently up to date is a fundamental safeguard against attacks. MDM solutions enable administrators to read system and software versions from devices.

Automated reports regularly inform administrators about outdated software versions and potential vulnerabilities. Updates can then be rolled out promptly.

Device protection through password policies is an absolute necessity. In addition, access to sensitive data must be strictly regulated.

MDM distributes and monitors these policies centrally. Corporate data is secured through multi-factor authentication (MFA) or a strict zero trust policy, ensuring that only authorised users with managed devices gain access.

An efficient MDM system does not only report vulnerabilities but also triggers protective measures automatically in case of policy violations.

For example, a removed device lock can be reactivated, forcing the user to unlock the device again. In the event of a security incident, MDM can automatically wipe corporate data from a device or reset it to factory settings.

European MDM providers are subject to strict data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring that data is processed securely and lawfully.

In addition, European MDM cloud solutions are typically hosted in data centres within the EU, offering enhanced security and control over data.

Due to geographical proximity and time zone alignment, European MDM providers can support KRITIS organisations more efficiently than non-EU vendors. This is a decisive advantage for implementation and ongoing system maintenance.

With the upcoming NIS-2 Directive, which aims to improve the security of network and information systems, KRITIS operators must prepare for increasing cyberattacks from outside the EU. Choosing a European MDM solution helps reduce this threat by definition.

By contrast, non-European vendors currently offer MDM only as cloud-based solutions, where the location of data storage, access rights, and the legal security of data transfer are often unclear.

The successful implementation of MDM requires careful planning and execution. Following best practices helps organisations ensure that their MDM solution is effective and tailored to the specific needs of KRITIS operators.

Before implementing MDM, organisations must conduct a thorough risk assessment and identify critical system components.

This includes evaluating potential threats, vulnerabilities, and the impact of security incidents on KRITIS systems. By focusing resources on critical components, organisations can effectively strengthen security where it matters most.

The selection of the right MDM solution is crucial. Organisations should carefully analyse their use cases and requirements before choosing a solution that aligns with them.

Key factors include security features, scalability, usability, data sovereignty, and integration into existing IT systems.

An Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solution designed specifically for KRITIS or offering sector-specific functions can provide additional benefits.

Many KRITIS organisations prefer on-premise or private cloud deployment models for their MDM solution.

On-Premise Installation

Private Cloud

Implementation alone is not enough. Organisations must regularly review and update their MDM policies and procedures to keep pace with evolving threats and compliance requirements.

This includes reviewing security policies, applying software patches, and conducting audits. For companies unwilling to manage these processes internally, MDM cloud solutions can be an attractive option.

Staff training is a critical success factor. Employees must be made aware of the risks associated with mobile devices and learn how to protect themselves.

They should also understand the rationale behind company security policies, how to comply with them, and how to handle corporate data securely.

Implementing Mobile Device Management provides an effective solution for ensuring data protection and information security in KRITIS organisations.

European MDM solutions, in particular, offer distinct advantages, guaranteeing compliance with GDPR and providing local data hosting options such as on-premise or private cloud.

With features such as encryption, access control, and device monitoring, organisations can safeguard sensitive data and maintain compliance.

Looking ahead, the importance of cybersecurity in KRITIS will continue to grow. With the increasing connectivity of devices and the expansion of IoT, new challenges are emerging.

By investing in innovative MDM solutions and adopting a proactive security strategy, KRITIS organisations can sustainably protect their data and ensure the integrity of their systems.