Android Lollipop and Beyond-Enterprise Security Redefined

The iOS platform has remained the ‘darling’ of enterprises for a long. But these days, you cannot just ignore Android as this OS has been catching its Apple counterpart in every enterprise-related aspect since the launch of the “Lollipop” version in the year 2014. Google’s OS has adopted a multi-layered security policy keeping data, app, and device safety in mind, but many businesspersons are yet to know about these enterprise-grade security enhancements.

Here you can see how Android beefs up security for enterprises by implementing a host of improvements in security and manageability aspects and becoming a stronger contender than iOS for enterprise mobility solutions:

Android for Work

Google has established a platform, Android for Work, dedicated to enterprise security and management. It allows Android devices to be used in various modes including a work profile. Work profile mode separates and encrypts the company data within the OS. It is useful for both company-given and employees’ own devices along with single-use devices like kiosks. In a way, work profile mode facilitates you to get the most from enterprise mobility and BYOD policies in a more secure manner. 

Android for Work has come up with some significant enhancements for the business including an always-on Virtual Private Network (VPN), the ability for corporate users to switch off the work profile mode that facilitates them to stop work notifications and background sync of work data. Also, a security password can be set for opening apps in the work profile. 

Android for Work has also come up with improved control over the lock screen, and an additional feature to separate location functions in both work and personal profiles. The Android devices used by enterprises have QR code-based provisioning for enhancing security.

Challenges That Android For Work Face

Since its launch in early 2015 for Android Lollipop, Android for Work has gone through a bumpy road. Its barriers included a slow adoption rate for compatible devices and general confusion about overall security. Also, the platform was also got struck due to limited marketing and lack of awareness in spite of several partnerships with leading EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management) providers.

However, the recent enhancements would help the platform to improve its appeal and spread awareness.

Google’s reiteration of raising awareness among enterprise users for its commitment to Android security has compelled it to publish annual reports on Android security along with other moves.

Google highlighted in the second annual report published in the last April that it has done over 400 million scans per day across 1 billion Android devices around the world. Google has also announced the formation of Android for Work DevHub, the developer community to collaborate and share the best practices in the domain of enterprise apps. 

Google’s focus on enterprise cloud and developer capabilities like machine learning, Android Studio development tools, etc. are also going to help the Android platform in boosting the confidence of entrepreneurs. 

Conclusion

Since the launch of the ‘Lollipop’ version, Android has flexed its muscles for strengthening enterprise data security. Together with Google Play which strives for secure app distribution and management, Android is all set to offer data separation and policy control with enhanced security tools for the prevention of data leakage and remote wiping of business data. 

You can count on the latest Android N and other advanced versions of Android for securing valuable company data from any possible cyber attack.