How to secure and manage mobile devices in healthcare during the COVID 19 pandemic?
Securing mobile devices in healthcare institutions is an arduous task. Check out this blog to learn how you can achieve it.
With the increasing use of mobile devices in healthcare, it’s becoming more important than ever for healthcare organizations to implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to secure, manage and monitor their endpoints. Mobile devices are used in many healthcare settings today, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. These devices also hold sensitive patient data. Therefore, it’s essential to have measures in place to protect this information. This will also prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
In addition, MDM solutions give healthcare businesses the ability to remotely manage and monitor devices, implement security controls and monitor device usage, providing a holistic approach to mobile device security. In this way, MDM solutions can help ensure compliance with privacy regulations and minimize the risk of data breaches, while also improving the efficiency of healthcare delivery.
Benefits of having MDM solutions in healthcare
To make sure we’re all on the same page, let’s have a quick look at the advantages of utilizing MDM solutions in healthcare settings before delving deeper into our topic. Undoubtedly, the significance and benefits are numerous and they can help healthcare organizations in several ways, including:
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Enhanced security:
There is a greater risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks as mobile devices are used more frequently in healthcare. However, MDM solutions can assist in ensuring that all mobile devices are safe and secure and guarded against viruses, data theft, and unauthorized access. Additionally, it helps in enforcing security regulations including password restrictions, encryption and the ability to remotely wipe data in the event of loss or theft.
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Improved regulatory compliance:
To begin with, medical professionals are required to protect the privacy and security of patient data to comply with laws like HIPAA, HITECH, and GDPR. Furthermore, by providing capabilities to enforce security regulations, track device location and monitor and audit mobile device usage, MDM systems can assist healthcare organizations in adhering to these compliance standards.
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Simplified device management:
MDM solutions can also simplify the process of managing mobile devices by offering a central platform to control devices, applications, and content. Moreover, it helps IT managers to remotely configure, update, and troubleshoot devices, saving time and reducing the stress on IT workers.
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Increased productivity:
MDM solutions can increase staff productivity by enabling them to rapidly and securely access important patient data, medical records, and other relevant data, wherever they are. Moreover, better communication and teamwork among healthcare workers may result from this improved mobility, which will benefit patients.
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Cost savings:
Healthcare organizations can save money by using MDM solutions to lower the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks, which can certainly lead to large fines and legal costs. With remote maintenance and troubleshooting, it can also help lower the cost of replacing equipment by extending the lifespan of mobile devices.
Top 10 MDM solutions for healthcare
With the advantages of these solutions in mind, I’m sure that you’re keen to explore the top 10 MDM solutions for healthcare. So, without further delay, let’s dive into the list. These solutions are designed to cater to the requirements of healthcare providers such as ensuring security, complying with regulations, and offering user-friendly interfaces.
1. Hexnode UEM
Hexnode’s Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution provides healthcare organizations with a comprehensive solution to manage and secure their devices. Hexnode also offers various enrollment options to make it easy for healthcare organizations to enroll and manage their devices, regardless of their size or complexity.
Features
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Single console for the Hospital IT inventory:
Hexnode provides a single console to manage all hospital IT inventory, including devices of various platforms such as iOS, macOS, tvOS, Android, Samsung Knox, LG GATE, Kyocera and Windows mobiles, tablets, and PCs.
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Single or multi-app kiosk:
Using kiosk mode, IT admins can restrict device functionalities, enforcing limitations on both hardware and software.
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Patient privacy protection:
Hexnode makes it possible for healthcare facilities to meet HIPAA-required standards. Moreover, access to PHI (Protected Health Information) on the devices is made safe by the secure containers and kiosk mode.
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Compliance management and crisis control:
Hospitals can ensure compliance management and crisis control for their mobile devices containing sensitive patient information. In case of lost devices, features like location tracking and Find my iPad is useful, along with fast security actions like device lock, wipe, and lost mode.
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Patient engagement portal:
A mobile tablet can be utilized to gather patient data and carry out surveys rather than needless paperwork and filling out forms. Online forms at kiosks will also save staff and patients time and effort.
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Restriction policy for health devices:
In addition, Hexnode UEM’s platform-compatible restriction set makes it possible to impose strict control over the device. Furthermore, the device features including the camera, call and messaging, social networks, screenshots, and other features that are inappropriate for a medical setting can be disabled.
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Medical reference repository:
Above all, finding the patient’s case history requires laborious searching through mountains of medical documents. Therefore, the patient’s PHI can be made available to the doctor with Hexnode without worrying about the security of the data.
Datasheet
Hexnode UEM for Healthcare
Hexnode UEM solution efficiently assists in the control of medical equipment and helps healthcare organizations achieve HIPAA compliance. Get started with Hexnode’s device management solution to monitor and maintain medical devices in the healthcare industry.
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Pricing: Hexnode UEM offers a variety of pricing plans to suite different needs, including Express, Pro, Enterprise, Ultimate, and Ultra. The pricing for these plans varies, with the lowest-priced plan, Express, starting at $1.08 per device per month.
Trial-period: 14-day free trial
2. IBM MaaS360
IBM Security MaaS360 with Watson is a unified endpoint management (UEM) solution that is user-friendly and capable of managing and protecting healthcare mobile devices, users and apps. In addition to providing healthcare mobile device security, the purpose-built device management has AI analytics capabilities to assist in identifying and preventing malicious attempts that could jeopardize employees’ and patient data.
The ability to manage devices across centralized and decentralized workforces is made simpler by this UEM solution, which also deals with a variety of OSs, different device ownership policies, and data security to comply with healthcare standards.
Features
- Premium Support for the customers
- Enhanced data security that guards the healthcare sector against misplaced, stolen and compromised devices.
- A user interface that is simple to use and navigate.
- Quick remote control into devices that have significantly reduced downtime.
- Complete assessment of all devices to gain a better idea of how they are doing in the field.
- Facilitate frictionless end-to-end application lifecycle management for distributed workforces, doctors, and nurses.
Pricing: IBM MaaS360 has four plans: Essentials, Deluxe, Premier, and Enterprise, with pricing ranging from $4, $5, $6.25, and $9 per device each month, respectively.
Trial-period: 30 days free trial
3. MobileIron
With the help of MobileIron UEM, healthcare organizations can more easily guarantee the safety and integrity of critical patient data. MobileIron UEM also offers extensive security and administration capabilities for mobile devices.
Features
- Enhanced security with device encryption and secure data containers
- Remote management capabilities, including enforcing policies and wiping devices
- App management to distribute and monitor approved apps
- Telehealth support for secure access to telehealth platforms and applications
- Increased productivity with seamless access to clinical applications and patient data
Pricing: begins at $4.00 per device per month, and customers have the option to sign a 12-month contract.
Trial-period: 30-day free trial
4. Jamf
Jamf MDM provides healthcare organizations with a secure and effective approach to managing Apple devices. It provides a selection of features that are especially suited to satisfy the requirements of healthcare organizations, such as automated device enrollment and configuration and centralized device management. Together with its management and security features, Jamf MDM gives healthcare providers access to communication and collaboration solutions that let them interact securely and effectively with patients and each other.
Features
- Safe access to Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and other healthcare applications on Apple devices
- Ability to remotely wipe devices in case of loss or theft to prevent unwanted access to important data
- Seamless access to patient data through integration with healthcare applications and systems
- Secure communication and collaboration tools for healthcare providers to communicate with each other and patients.
Pricing: They offer two pricing plans: one for business and another for education. The business plan includes three different options: Fundamentals, Business and Enterprise. Pricing starts at $4 per device per month. Meanwhile, the education plan offers two options: Jamf Education Enhanced and Jamf Education Ultimate.
Trial-period: 14-day free trial
5. Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune MDM provides safe management of mobile devices, applications, and data. It offers a full range of functions to manage and secure both privately owned devices and those controlled by organizations. Microsoft Intune is frequently used in the healthcare sector to secure and manage mobile devices used by healthcare professionals because of its strong security features and adaptable administration choices.
Features
- Apps can be deployed, set up and managed per user or device by administrators.
- Safeguard access to patient data and applications using conditional access restrictions
- Advanced data protection that includes data loss prevention, encryption, and selective wiping
- Provision for Single sign-on (SSO) to resources which eliminates the need to memorize multiple passwords
Pricing: The starting price for Microsoft’s Enterprise Mobility+Security E3 bundle is $8.80 per user per month.
Trial-period: 30-day free trial
6. Cisco Meraki
Cisco Meraki is a cloud-based Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution that provides secure control over mobile devices, apps, and data. It is frequently utilized in the healthcare industry to secure and manage mobile devices used by healthcare professionals because of its sophisticated security features, flexible management choices, and user-friendly interface.
Features
- Provide IT infrastructure that enables remote care to medical workers.
- Secure networking for wearables and medical equipment allows for ongoing patient monitoring at home.
- Ensure secure dependable technology to healthcare providers so they can treat patients virtually.
- Optimal IT connectivity and uptime are supported by network visibility and control.
Pricing: Their price range starts from $40.
Trial-period: Free trial is available
7. ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus
The ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus empowers healthcare organizations to leverage the power of mobility. By enhancing employee productivity while maintaining strict security measures, healthcare professionals can safely access critical patient information from a variety of devices, including mobile phones and computers.
Features
- Integrate seamlessly with portals such as Apple Business Manager, Google zero-touch, Knox Mobile Enrollment, and Windows Autopilot to effortlessly enroll and manage devices.
- Set up shared devices with individual employee sessions. Indeed this will enable employees from various shifts to use the same collection of devices.
- Chat with device users, examine and manage devices, and send remote instructions from the MDM server. This will help to resolve technical difficulties while being HIPAA-compliant.
- Adopt strict security policies to ensure HIPAA compliance, such as device passcodes, prohibitions on the use of cameras and microphones, and automatic vulnerability detection and blocking.
Pricing: Standard edition starts at $495 per year for 50 devices.
Trial-period: 30-day free trial
8. VMware Workspace ONE
VMware Workspace ONE MDM platform streamlines user, desktop, and mobile management to create a Digital Clinical Workspace that moves with care providers throughout their day. Moreover, with the ability to securely access patient information from the right device at the right time, care providers can focus on delivering high-quality care, without the worry of navigating complex IT systems.
Features
- Tap Turn Treat clinical workflows are enabled, consequently allowing quick access to clinical applications and patient data on shared workstations.
- Login time is significantly reduced from minutes to seconds.
- Follow-me desktop feature eliminates the wait time for application launches after each login.
- A unified app catalog provides secure managed access to Windows, web and mobile apps.
- Secure content collaboration amongst clinicians is enabled.
Pricing: They offer four pricing plans too. They are categorized such as Employee Essentials, Mobile Essentials, Desktop Essentials, and UEM Essentials. The Employee Essentials plan is the most affordable option, with a monthly subscription cost of $1.66 per device or $3.00 per user.
Trial-period: 30-day free trial
9. SOTI MobiControl
Soti MobiControl provides a robust set of features and tools to manage and secure mobile devices as healthcare organizations continue to utilize mobile technologies to enhance patient care. It also offers healthcare organizations a scalable and secure platform to manage their mobile infrastructure with its complete device management capabilities, strong security features and flexible deployment options.
Features
- Provides tracking capabilities, enabling visibility into the location and status of employees and devices to boost operational effectiveness.
- Offers integration for all mobile/IoT hardware, software, and use cases, including BYOD, COBO, and COPE.
- Grants admin the option to lock devices whenever and wherever they choose. Therefore, it ensures compliance, security, and the protection of sensitive data.
- Enables healthcare providers to remotely manage and set up mobile devices. This will especially ensure that they are constantly running the most recent software patches and security upgrades.
Pricing: ranges from $3.25 to $90 per device each month.
Trial-period: 30-day free trial
10. Esper
Esper’s solution is a flexible Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution for healthcare organizations with a variety of device fleets because it works with numerous devices running Android 6.0 or later. Healthcare organizations may smoothly distribute software upgrades to their mobile devices using Esper’s CI/CD (continuous integration/continuous deployment) pipelines without running the risk of device breakage or customer concerns.
Features
- Provide kiosk mode to lock down mobile devices to a single application. This will limit distractions and also make sure that the users can only use applications that are relevant to their healthcare needs.
- Set location-based limits on mobile devices. Therefore, avoiding loss or theft of the devices or to restrict device use in limited regions.
- Enables data-driven decision-making, the optimization of device performance and better system performance by providing insights into device usage, battery health, network connectivity, and other factors.
Pricing: They provide flexible pricing options, starting from $2 per device per month, with the option for custom pricing tailored to the unique needs of their clients.
Trial-period: Free trial is available
Conclusion
By implementing an MDM solution, healthcare organizations can improve their overall security, productivity, and patient care. But with so many options out there, it’s important to carefully consider which solution is the best fit for your organization’s unique requirements.
Don’t let the pressure of decision-making cause you to rush into a hasty choice. Furthermore, take the time to weigh all the options and choose wisely from our list of top MDM solutions for healthcare organizations to start reaping the benefits. And don’t forget, thinking before you act is always the better choice. Happy healthcare! 🥼🩺
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