Jamf adds zero trust security to the Apple enterprise
Apple security with zero trust
Security continues to be a top priority for the many enterprises that deployed Apple equipment during the COVID-19 period, and as the mobile device management (MDM) services industry becomes more competitive, many providers are attempting to bolster security protections in their offerings.
Jamf, arguably the largest MDM provider focused on Apple, is enhancing its security story with this acquisition. It will enhance its solutions with Wandera's Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) mobile threat defense and data policy features.
Wandera's cloud-hosted protection was built to enable teams to collaborate from any location, at any time, and on any managed platform/device. It is capable of restricting access to sensitive apps and data from untrusted or infected devices and of displaying application access, which aids in identifying the use of unauthorized apps.
In cybersecurity, the term "zero trust" has become a buzzword. The concept is that conventional perimeter security models create an illusion of trust for all users and devices within the fence. That is acceptable in theory, but in practice, anyone who gains access to the network has complete freedom to roam, spreading malware and exfiltrating data.
Zero trust is a security strategy in which each device is verified, critical data and systems are segmented, and network traffic is monitored for anomalous activity. It is a flexible model of security for a remote and distributed era that highlights threats within the permittee.
The addition of ZNTA to the Jamf portfolio aligns with Gartner's ZNTA Market Guide, which predicts that by 2023, 60% of enterprises will phase out VPNs in favor of a ZTNA solution — in part due to remote working.
Security for remote and hybrid workplaces
Of course, we understand why this is occurring. Due to Apple's growing enterprise market share, its devices are an attractive target for financially motivated hackers. According to IDC's 2020 US enterprise survey, average macOS device penetration is around 23%, up from 17% in 2019 – a nearly 30% increase.
It's not just Macs: iPhones account for 49% of the smartphone installed base in businesses, while the majority of businesses that use tablets do so with iPads. While Cupertino's executives celebrate growth in that sector, security and security awareness continue to be major concerns for all parties.
Jamf and Wandera should aid in this effort by enabling IT administrators to more effectively manage devices and ensure that device security adheres to company security policies.
Eldar Tuvey, CEO and co-founder of Wandera, says his company was founded "to simplify security in a zero-trust world," and believes the combined service will provide customers with significantly increased security. “Together, we accelerate our customers' ability to connect their employees seamlessly and securely, regardless of their location,” he said.
Jamf becomes one-stop enterprise shop for security and MDM
Work's future is bleak and bleak. While we can anticipate some reactionary attempts to compel workers to return to work, they will fail.
How come? Because businesses that embrace hybrid workspaces gain a competitive edge through increased productivity, reduced operating costs, and increased employee retention. Additionally, these changes highlight the limitations of perimeter security measures such as VPNs and malware protection.
Security is becoming more intelligent, incorporating network and activity monitoring, and utilizing zero trust models. That is a large part of what Wandera brings to Jamf: network security, data policy enforcement, and mobile threat defense.
“By combining Wandera and Jamf, we will be able to provide our customers with a single source platform that manages deployment, application lifecycle management, policies, filtering, and security capabilities across all Apple devices, while also enabling Zero Trust Network Access for all mobile workers,” said Dean Hager, CEO of Jamf.
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