KIOSK mode is one of the most important features of a mobile device management (MDM) system.

With an MDM, it is possible to manage all of a company's mobile devices - this includes enforcing the company's privacy policies through policies and guidelines.

For mobile devices that are wholly owned by the company, it is possible to restrict the device's user interface to a few apps and thus simplify it.

The resulting screen contains only the apps that are allowed to work according to the company's privacy policy. In this article, we will show you why KIOSK mode is important and how to implement it.

Where does the term KIOSK mode come from?

Everyone is familiar with ATMs, ticket vending machines, and payment terminals at the airport. All these systems have one thing in common: they are called KIOSK systems.

This usually refers to systems that can execute a certain number of predefined applications. The user or customer only has this option to choose from. In the service sector, no one questions the usefulness of these devices, because they only serve a specific purpose - so why should you be able to do more with them?

On mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, on the other hand, few would think of limiting their functions to such an extent. But this can have some advantages, as we will now show.

Mobile devices everywhere – but how secure are they?

Most companies are aware that many processes can be accelerated and simplified if mobile devices are used. In reality, for example, we see that caregivers at mobile care services use smartphones to quickly and easily log medication administration or see where their next care assignment is taking them.

Mobile devices, often with specially reinforced outer shells (rugged devices), are also used on construction sites. In this way, plans can be called up, activities logged or re-orders of materials made quickly and on site. Of course, it is also possible to report directly if accidents occur.

However, mobile devices are Internet-enabled; otherwise, of course, working with apps would not work either. But as we know, unsecured Internet connections can also pose a significant risk to the security of data and to a company's IT infrastructure. Especially in areas where sensitive data is worked with to a particular degree, loss must be prevented at all costs.

Less is more! Increase security in KIOSK mode

The prerequisite for a KIOSK mode is an MDM (Mobile Device Management): This can be used to define which apps should appear in KIOSK mode. An MDM is designed so that different groups can also receive different apps - depending on what is to be used. Accordingly, different KIOSK modes can also be created and assigned to different user groups.

Reducing the screen to just a few apps prevents user errors from creeping in, or apps that aren't actually used from nevertheless requesting permissions from the device, posing a security threat.

KIOSK mode can be used individually, for example for a specific device, but is particularly useful in combination with a security policy.

This can be used to specify which Wi-Fi connections may be used, the blocking of public Wi-Fi connections, a list of numbers that may be called and much more.

Thus, a normal smartphone or tablet can be turned into a pure work device.

Doesn't KIOSK mode contradict the modern working world?

In a way, yes. Because wherever modern work is propagated, it is also always about companies having to be as attractive as possible for applicants, that open and free working should be possible, and so on. Of course, it would make a good impression to provide mobile devices that can also be used freely.
But this attitude collides with reality: companies are required to protect all internal data, as well as the data of their customers or clients, to a particularly high degree. Failure to do so could result in massive fines.

That being said, too much permissiveness can lead to misuse of data: or would you want a caregiver posting 'funny' videos from the nursing home on their private TikTok, perhaps featuring your grandmother? Certainly not.
Of course, this is not a general suspicion for all employees in service, education or care professions, but if you look at US TikTok users who do exactly that, you can be glad that strict German data protection laws are in place.
Mobile device management, and especially KIOSK mode, not only prevents such incidents. It can also prevent even greater damage, because if the use of the device is restricted, attackers also have less chance of accessing the corporate network via the mobile devices.

Conclusion:

The KIOSK mode helps all mobile devices in a company to operate more efficiently, as they are simpler to use. KIOSK mode provides additional security in the company and supports productive work with mobile devices.
Since the KIOSK mode can be individually adapted and flexibly changed, the appropriate KIOSK mode can be created for each user group in the company.
The mobile devices can thus be used purely as work devices.