Android Lollipop: A Secure Solution for Enterprise Mobile Apps

In the purview of BYOD (Bring your Own Device) culture, you will see security being one of the main concerns for the enterprises. While it is important to make things accessible, you also need to ensure that your data is not being misused.

Android 5.0 Lollipop is a direct competition to iOS, and offers good security to the users. Till date, the platform fragmentation used to cause obstacles for Android users from security perspective. Enterprises feared compromising security, and hence could not allow Android completely into their systems. This new version comes with features that offer enterprise security. Let’s try and understand why Android Lollipop is one of the most secure platforms for enterprises.

Comes with MDM/EMM APIs

It was very important for Android to offer a standardized security solution. The approach needed to include best practices and suitable methods. This is why Google included MDM/EMM APIs that would offer security. With this approach, the vendors offering enterprise mobility solutions don’t need to create different versions for the different devices working on Lollipop OS. The base operating system is more secure, thus offering enhanced security to the enterprises.

Separate Work & Personal Data Environments

Before Android Lollipop, the one cause of issue for EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management) was maintaining the security and privacy of the data. Nothing specific to this was included in the base operating system. Google has reiterated the container model to include separate work and personal data environments to entrust security. Managed Profiles helps segregate the data and apps for work and personal environment, thus helping you manage them separately.

SELinux: A Secured Version

Android versions have been created using the Linux platform. Security has enhanced with Android Lollipop which is based on SELinux, a more secured version. You get a more fine tuned control over the files and processes with this version of Linux. The security is such that it becomes difficult for malicious software to enter the Lollipop OS.

Default Encryption Included

You get strong encryption for user storage with this platform, which is already available in iOS. While enterprises have encrypted their data in the past, it becomes easy with the inclusion of Android Lollipop.

Smart Lock Feature

When connecting with other Android devices like the wearable or when pairing using Bluetooth or NFC, you don’t need to use the code to unlock. You can easily unlock by bringing the devices closer to each other. Face unlock is another option, which will need face recognition to unlock the device. This smart unlock is a much needed feature for your device.

Conclusion:

Android 5.0 Lollipop possesses more security related features, making it more secure for enterprises than the earlier versions. With the smart lock, and SELinux, you can guarantee privacy and security of the data, while allowing for easy accessibility. Semaphore Software is an Android App Development Company, that offers excellent tailored solutions designed to suit your enterprise mobility needs.

Deepa is a technical writer with Semaphore Software.