How to remove MDM from a company phone – is it worth it? Does the system affect employees?

Is your company planning to install MDM on company phones and tablets? The official announcement didn’t explain much, and you have many questions?

Your only guess is that there will soon be some safeguards and restrictions on the hardware you work on. Why and on what terms? And what about your privacy? Will your boss be tracking your activities? Maybe you’re even thinking about bypassing the blockade or removing MDM on your own? Remember, in the process of implementing new technological solutions, the most important thing is communication. Find out what the official procedures and your employee rights are.

You have the right to feel insecure, but rest assured – we will dispel your doubts and answer the questions frequently asked online. Let’s start with the basics.

Implementing MDM in a company – what benefits does it bring to your employer?

MDM, or Mobile Device Management, is a system used to manage mobile devices: smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other portable equipment you work on. What does your company gain from implementing such a solution? There are many benefits, and the more important ones are:

• Easier control over resources. With MDM, the company knows how many devices it has, who uses a particular piece of equipment, where it is located, and its technical condition.
• IT department support. For administrators, MDM is a convenient tool that allows them to remotely and efficiently prepare any number of devices for operation. Among other things, the IT department can upload settings and the contact book, install necessary applications, set appropriate security, and effectively manage hardware: monitor its parameters (e.g., memory, battery status) or update software on all devices simultaneously.
• Enhanced security. MDM protects devices and the data stored on them from cyber threats. For example, it allows for detection of security incidents, response to them, and quick removal of sensitive information before it falls into the wrong hands. It also ensures that data is encrypted, suspicious applications are blocked, or the device is protected by a password.

Today, the last aspect in particular is gaining importance. Security for business mobile devices is not just a nice-to-have – it’s a must. Phones, tablets, or laptops are no longer used just for simple tasks and classic communication. Their technological sophistication means they often replace desktops and allow us to work from anywhere. As statistics show:

Mobile devices account for as much as 60% of all devices that access corporate resources, including systems, business applications, and sensitive data.

This is what makes them a very attractive (while poorly protected) target for cybercriminals. There is no shortage of threats in the digital world, and any leak of business information can cost a company dearly – financially or reputationally. MDM is an effective way to reduce this risk.

Well-implemented MDM is a support, not a limitation

So far, we have mentioned the benefits of implementing MDM for your employer and administrators. But did you know that such a system can also simplify your daily work and keep you safe?

It ensures that your business phone doesn’t have to be a nuisance since the IT department will handle the correct configuration of the device, the installation of applications, updates, and security with the help of MDM. Suppose you lose your MDM-protected equipment or it is hacked. In that case, the employer’s (not yours) responsibility is to protect their data adequately.

Don’t want to use company hardware and are afraid to install MDM on your phone? Don’t be. The system will not only not limit your privacy but also allow you to use one phone safely at work and home (BYOD model), dividing the device space into two independent profiles. The administrator can manage only the work one. In contrast, your private data and applications are collected on the personal profile, invisible and inaccessible to the company. This is guaranteed by the rules imposed by mobile device software manufacturers, which the MDM application uses to operate and which it must follow. If you notice any irregularities, report them to your employer.

The MDM system also supports remote and mobile working. Imagine you’re in the middle of an important presentation with a client, and your device starts to jam. Or the app that allows you to review shipping documents on a foreign route stops working. You don’t need to come to the company or service center in such a situation. Thanks to MDM, the IT department can remotely repair your equipment, and you can work without disruption and stress.

MDM removal – what do you need to know?

Do you still want to try to remove MDM from your device? Before you do so, check the possible consequences.

Removing MDM without the permission of your employer (the owner of the equipment) usually causes more harm than benefit. Violating internal regulations can lead to consequences ranging from technical to legal and financial.

What can actually happen to the device and data depends on, among other things, the MDM’s functions, the security policies (rules for using the equipment) set by IT, or the device’s ownership. Remember that an administrator will eventually notice suspicious activity, sooner or later, regardless of its outcome.

How to remove MDM step by step? Can I do it on my own?

You will find plenty of tips and methods on the Internet, but note that they are illegal. The only permissible way is to contact the IT department, and the decision to remove the software always belongs to the company.

Will a factory reset remove MDM?

No, because MDM operates at the device’s OS level. A factory reset will likely lock up the hardware. In this situation, re-registering it with MDM is often necessary to continue using it.

Practical tip

Beware of devices listed on sales portals with information that they are locked. You can recognize this, for example, by the non-standard message that appears after startup. Example: Device managed by XYZ.

These are devices with an active MDM system. Very often, it turns out that they have been lost or even stolen. Such equipment is not only useless – thanks to MDM, its owner (the company) can locate it, exposing the buyer to unpleasantness. Therefore, it is always worth checking whether the phone you are about to buy is not locked with “something unusual”.

What happens to the data on the device if I try to delete MDM?

• On company equipment, such an action will delete your data and business applications and restore factory settings.
• On a private device (BYOD), you are the owner and retain complete control. You can delete the company profile anytime, with all your business data and applications. Your private messages or files on personal profile will remain intact.

Deleting corporate assets from your device can have various consequences, such as incurring the cost of restoring them or losing access to the information and tools you need for your work.

What can you do if you don’t agree to install MDM?

The implementation of MDM in a company is often driven by an obligation to meet legal requirements (RODO, NIS2) or to maintain specific security standards. This means an organization doesn’t have much room for maneuver when opting out of such a tool.

But do you have to agree to all conditions without reservation? Don’t. Carefully review the company’s policy on using MDM before you sign the documents. In doing so, remember that:

What the chosen solution will be used for is up to your employer, not the software manufacturer.

Suppose you feel that MDM interferes too much with your privacy. In that case, it’s best to talk openly with your supervisor or the IT department. Explain your concerns and try to find a compromise. The administrator may suggest other methods to protect your device and data, or explain which information is being collected and for what purpose.

MDM protects the organization, but it also protects you

MDM is a solution that protects corporate mobile devices and helps their users work safely. Instead of treating it as an intruder or a hindrance, it’s worth understanding its benefits and talking to your IT department if you have doubts about using its features.

Working without proper security would expose business devices to attacks and information leaks that could harm the company and you. The overriding task of MDM is not to track or unreasonably restrict employees’ freedom, but to secure valuable data, including personal data, which ultimately serves your interests as well.

FAQ: MDM and employee privacy

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