This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

setup profile for android

Hi All

with IOS phones , I can create a config with apple's configurtaion utility and with windows mobile phones there is a template

how do I setup a profile for android? where do a find a list of configuration options, the only options provided with SMC are around password control, how do I create a profile for Activesync, wireless links, VPNs etc.....?

Cheers, steve 

:16767


This thread was automatically locked due to age.
  • Hi,

    Android 2.x offers next to nothing configuration-wise. They are about where Apple was in late 2008. Exchange-Activesync is implemented OEM-specific, so there is no way to configure this reliably. Google has implemented more MDM capabilities in 3.0, but they will not offer the new technology for smartphones until Android 4.0 gets released.

    The security level of Android is - unfortunately - much lower when compared to iOS 4.3.5.

    Best regards,

    Detlev
    :17281
  • The security level of Android is - unfortunately - much lower when compared to iOS 4.3.5.  

    @Detlev

    If we are talking about out of the box configuration then i must agree with you. But there are a lot of 3rd party apps to compensate this and I do believe you can make android more sercured than iOS

    :17331
  • I agree when it comes to details like unencrypted storage for exchange data - users can install third party mail clients which can encrypt mail and contacts while losing integration with other programs.

    Unfortunately, there are some design decisions in Android 2.x that can not be mitigated - like the execution of unsigned code from third parties, and immanent flaws like slow availability of security fixes for the base os.

    The hassle of modifying Android to mitigate the risks from the open architecture would probably take up the full cost advantage of the devices, and you will need to evaluate each new device and each firmware release for compatibility with the software of your choice.

    In photography, there is a saying: you can do it right in 1/125s or in 20 minutes with Photoshop. There should be a similar proverb for mobile device security.

    Best regards,

    Detlev
    :17343
  • Third party apps maybe good, but do they intergrate with SMC? the whole point of SMC is 1 place to maintains our ever growing fleet of smart phones.  it would be a complete waste of time if every time a new Android phone comes out I have to spend 2-3 days trying to secure it.  Sophos really need to address the management of Android devices quickly.   Also how do I manage Android tablets and non 3G tablets. 

    :17875
  • The underlying problem is not new. It is similar to the one we've had a few years ago (and still have) with laptops and their ilk and a little bit later not-yet-smart phones and the supporting synchroniation software. In order to be manageable the devices and software have to conform to certain rules and standards. Laptops with whatever vendor's "solutions" and "experience enhancements", mobile managers requiring administrative rights not only at install time but also for operation. You just can't successfully accommodate every brand and type and it's the same with smart phones.

    Christian

    :17881
  • Since there is the possibility to add parameters and values I wonder if anyone has been able to use this to change a setting on the Android device?

    :18203
  • SMC 2.0, planned to be released by the end of this year, will support both, Android tablets and non-3G tablets

    :18979