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To meet the complex demands of the MoD’s Defence Cyber Strategy, XMA are developing new alliances to provide safe and pragmatic solutions that will enable military personnel and contractors to access secure systems so they can communicate and collaborate through both fixed and mobile environments. 

In support of this strategy, we are delighted to announce our strategic partnership with Yubico, a pioneer in hardware-based Multi-Factor Authentication.  

Why the Partnership Matters: 

The UK Defence Sector handles a vast amount of highly sensitive information, making it a prime target for cyberattacks by a variety of sophisticated state-sponsored threat actors. Whilst password-based authentication systems are often vulnerable to phishing, and other advanced forms of attack, this partnership addresses this critical vulnerability through the integration of Yubico’s industry-leading hardware security keys into XMA’s Defence solutions. 

By integrating Yubico’s technology, XMA can now offer customers: 

• Hardware-based security: Keys store cryptographic credentials within a secure chip, making them immune to phishing and malware attacks that fundamentally target software vulnerabilities. 
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adding a physical key to the login process creates an extra dimension of security, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access. 
• Ease of use: Keys are user-friendly and simple to setup, promoting wider adoption, therefore promoting compliance. 
• Scalability: Yubico’s solutions can be used anywhere accommodating the diverse needs of the UK Defence Sector, from individual workstations at base to large-scale deployments in theatre.

Benefits for the UK Defence Sector: 

This partnership delivers several key benefits to the UK Defence Sector: 

• Enhances security posture: Hardware keys significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks, safeguarding critical infrastructure and data. 
• Improved operational efficiency: Streamlined authentication processes and reduced security incidents enhance operational efficiency. 
• Enhanced compliance: Adherence to industry standards (e.g. FIPS140) and regulations ensures data privacy and security. 
• Peace of mind: Knowing systems are protected with advanced security solutions allows personnel to focus on their critical missions and fulfilling their core objectives

To learn more out our partnership in Defence, come and visit stand 104a, at the DPRTE 2024, on the 27th of March 2024, and the Farnborough Show centre. 

We look forward to seeing you there! 

Register today to visit us on stand 104A at DPRTE 2024: https://www.dprte.co.uk/book-now/  

In this article, we’ll show you how to switch MDM provider in 10 easy steps. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to a smoother, smarter, and safer MDM experience. 

1. Assess your current MDM solution

First thing’s first, take stock of your current MDM software. Ultimately, if your MDM solution is not fulfilling your needs or requirements, this is the time to make the change. Have a look at what you’re happy with, and what needs improvement. We can help provide a full assessment of your MDM solution. Next, it’s time to do some research! 

2. Do your research

Take your time to thoroughly research potential MDM providers. Remember, put the effort in now to save headaches down the line! Some considerations to be taken are feature sets, compatibility with existing platforms/devices, security measures, scalability, and user-friendliness. It’s always useful to read up on case studies from other companies your size or in your industry. 

3. Backup data, settings, and configurations

Make sure your data is backed up! This way, if any critical data gets lost during the transition, it’s safe and sound in the backup. Key things to back up from your current MDM provider include settings, configurations, apps, and user profiles. By partnering with XMA, we can make sure that it’s all backed up should anything happen! 

4. Inform stakeholders

It should go without saying, but make sure all relevant stakeholders have been informed about the change. Whilst informing them, you can put your well-done research to work and present your case for a new MDM provider. 

5. Initiate a test phase

Test the new MDM solution with a small group of users before rolling it out organisation wide. This allows you to identify and address any issues before full implementation. Our experts should help you breeze through this stage. 

6. Begin deployment

Install the new software, configure settings, and enrol devices as needed. For complete peace of mind, you can leave it in our capable hands. At XMA, we can assist with deployment, support and can even act as a new service team and manage your entire device estate for you. 

7. Training and onboarding

You may have amazing MDM software, but if your team don’t know how to properly utilise it, then efficiency will fall through the floor. We’ll find you the perfect MDM provider that will have onboarding resources and training, including tutorials, FAQs, and support channels. 

8. Monitor and evaluate

So, everyone’s enrolled now. Time to sit back and relax? Not so! You will need to closely monitor how your new MDM solution is performing. Make sure to regularly collect feedback from your users and evaluate if this new MDM software is fulfilling your organisation’s needs. XMA can help keep on top of monitoring and evaluating your new MDM solution. 

9. Keep backups and decommission your previous MDM solution

When you’re sure that your new MDM provider is right for you, start the process of safely decommissioning your previous solution. Keep your backups secure and end your old MDM solution. 

10. The end?

After all that, are we done? As you well know, technology is always changing, so you should make it a point to constantly evaluate whether your MDM is fit for your needs. As your organisation grows, you may find yourself needing functions you didn’t before, or that your current solution no longer does the job. However, fear not! That’s simply the nature of working in an ever-connected, ever-growing world. We simply repeat the cycle again. 

Conclusion 

Switching to a new Mobile Device Management (MDM) software provider seems like a daunting task, but it can also be a rewarding one. By switching to a more advanced and secure MDM solution, you can improve your organisation’s efficiency, security, and productivity. 

At XMA, we specialise in finding the right MDM solutions for the right organisations. Together, we’ll find the best MDM solution for your needs, so you can make the switch with confidence and peace of mind. Find out more today. 

XMA are pleased to announce the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of GBM Digital Technologies Group Holdings Limited (Holdings) which completed on January 5th 2024. The acquisition includes all of GBM Holdings’ subsidiaries, including its two trading subsidiaries GBM Digital Technologies Group Limited and Kingsfield Computer Products Limited.