Master Your Android Fleet: A Guide to Android Enterprise and Device Administrator

 

Effectively managing Android devices is crucial for organizations seeking to protect sensitive data, enhance security, and optimize productivity.

This guide explores the intricacies of Android Enterprise and Android Device Administrator (ADA), empowering you to establish robust control over your Android fleet.  

Understanding Android Enterprise and ADA

Android Enterprise represents the modern approach to managing Android devices, offering granular control and enhanced security. It encompasses three primary modes:  

• Fully managed devices: Complete control over the device, ideal for corporate-owned devices.  
• Work profile: Creates a separate work container on personal devices, protecting corporate data.  
• Dedicated devices: Optimized for specific use cases, such as kiosks or shared devices.  

ADA, while still usable, is being phased out in favor of Android Enterprise due to its limitations.  

Setting Up Android Enterprise

1. Choose a Management Platform: Select a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution like Microsoft Intune, Google Workspace, or other compatible platforms.
2. Configure Enrollment: Determine the enrollment method (user-driven, self-deploying, or pre-provisioned) based on your organization's needs.
3. Create Deployment Profiles: Define configurations for different device groups, including app installations, Wi-Fi settings, and security policies.
4. Enroll Devices: Enrol devices into your MDM solution using the chosen enrollment method.

Managing Android Devices

• Configuration Profiles: Apply granular settings to devices, such as Wi-Fi, VPN, and email configurations.  
• App Management: Deploy and manage apps, including corporate-owned apps, public apps, and app restrictions.
• Security Policies: Enforce strong security measures, including password complexity, encryption, and data loss prevention (DLP).
• Compliance Policies: Assess device compliance with security standards and take corrective actions.
• Conditional Access: Control access to resources based on device compliance and user identity.

Best Practices

• Leverage Groups: Organize devices into groups for targeted management.
• Test Thoroughly: Create test devices to validate configurations before deploying to production.
• Monitor Device Health: Track device compliance and identify potential issues.
• Stay Updated: Keep your MDM solution and Android devices up-to-date with the latest security patches.
• Consider User Experience: Balance security with user productivity.

Transitioning from ADA to Android Enterprise

If you're currently using ADA, consider migrating to Android Enterprise for enhanced capabilities. Evaluate your existing configuration, create a migration plan, and gradually transition devices.

By effectively implementing Android Enterprise, you can strengthen your organization's security posture, improve device management efficiency, and optimize employee productivity.