Security has always been a priority at IAMOPS. As a DevOps partner to over 20 high growth tech companies, we interact with infrastructure and tools that require the highest standards of access control and data protection. To maintain that trust, we follow strict internal security practices that are continuously assessed and enhanced.
We meet ISO 27001 requirements and enforce controls like MFA, SSO, disk encryption, and secure access policies. But security is not static. We proactively review our systems to identify areas where we can improve real-world enforcement and stay ahead of emerging risks.
As part of this ongoing effort, in 2025, we launched a company-wide initiative to strengthen our endpoint-level controls by introducing centralized device management and conditional access. The goal was to further align our internal systems with zero trust principles and ensure that every system interacting with client environments operates within a more tightly secured framework.
The Risk Assessment That Initiated the Shift
At IAMOPS, regular risk assessments are part of our continuous effort to strengthen internal security and ensure uninterrupted compliance with ISO standards. These evaluations allow us to review how effectively our existing controls perform and identify opportunities to enhance them further.
During one such review, our security team recognized the value of improving centralized oversight across all endpoint devices. While our systems already followed best practices, enhancing visibility and device-level policy control would create an even more resilient foundation. This approach ensures that our clients remain protected by a consistently secure internal environment.
With this objective, we adopted Mobile Device Management (MDM) and conditional access technology to streamline device compliance, automate policy enforcement, and reinforce our zero-trust strategy across the organization.
Why MDM Was the Right Fit for IAMOPS
MDM gave us centralized control over device-level security. It enabled real-time monitoring of endpoint compliance, enforcement of policies like disk encryption and OS updates, and ensured devices stayed aligned with internal security standards.
With conditional access, users could only log in to systems if their device met all compliance requirements. This reduced the risk of unauthorized access and helped us implement Zero Trust across the organization.
Managing updates and security configurations became more efficient. We could push policies to both macOS and Windows systems through a single interface, eliminating the need for manual interventions.
How We Chose the Right Platform
We assessed MDM platforms based on security certifications, integration capabilities, policy control, and vendor transparency. ISO and SOC 2 compliance, support for SSO integration, and strong documentation were key selection factors.
The platform we selected offered real-time enforcement, cross-platform support, and reliable updates. It fit our need for both operational control and long-term security assurance.
Technical Execution of MDM Rollout at IAMOPS
Proof of Concept and Early Testing
We began with a controlled rollout on non-client-facing devices. Testing focused on resource usage, agent behavior, compatibility across OS versions, and local performance. Directory sync was used to bind users to devices securely.
Policy Framework and Rollout Strategy
Policies were introduced in three phases:
- Phase 1: Low-impact changes like wallpaper updates and screen timeout settings
- Phase 2: Usage restrictions including Bluetooth, Airdrop, and control panel access
- Phase 3: Security features like biometric authentication, app blacklisting, and removal of local admin privileges
This phased approach allowed smooth adoption across teams while aligning all configurations with ISO-compliant templates.
Strengthening Access with Conditional Policies
Access was permitted only when the device had the MDM agent installed, disk encryption was enabled, and the OS version met security requirements. These conditions ensured endpoint compliance before system access was granted.
Admin Lockout and SSO Integration
For high-risk endpoints, admin rights were revoked. Devices were integrated with our identity provider, allowing authentication through SSO. IAM policies governed these access flows to ensure traceability and control.
Extending Security to the Network Layer
Secure RADIUS Implementation
RADIUS authentication was deployed for internal network access. Only verified, compliant devices were allowed to connect to IAMOPS-managed Wi-Fi, adding another layer of protection against unauthorized access.
Identity-Aware Access
SSO was integrated across all critical applications, ensuring centralized user management. MDM and identity systems worked together to validate both the user and the device before granting access.
Continuous Monitoring and Optimization
Ongoing Policy Review
Post-deployment, the security team continuously monitored policy compliance and system behavior. Any updates to OS or tools triggered a review of related policies.
Feedback-Driven Improvements
User feedback helped identify edge cases and usability concerns. Where justified, controlled exceptions were applied without compromising security.
Company-Wide Execution and Collaboration
After successful testing and validation, the MDM agent and access controls were deployed across all departments. Devices tied to critical tasks received stricter policies, ensuring consistent enforcement.
This company-wide rollout strengthened IAMOPS’ internal security posture and demonstrated our ongoing commitment to protecting client data through structured, compliant, and proactive security practices.
Key Challenges During Implementation
Implementing MDM and conditional access at scale required careful planning and coordination across departments. While the project was successful, it came with certain challenges that any organization planning a similar adoption should anticipate.
- Device Agent Installation Failures – Some devices faced agent installation failures due to outdated operating systems, active antivirus programs, or network firewalls that blocked the installer. These issues required close collaboration between IT and security teams to troubleshoot and whitelist the agent for seamless deployment.
- SSO Integration Errors – Integrating MDM with Single Sign-On (SSO) presented occasional challenges. Complex SAML and OIDC configurations led to login errors and attribute mapping mismatches, which were resolved through detailed configuration reviews and vendor coordination.
- Conditional Access Policy Lockouts – Early versions of Zero Trust access policies were too restrictive and occasionally blocked legitimate users. The team adjusted policy conditions to maintain strong security without affecting productivity.
- Data Synchronization & Attribute Mismatch – Synchronizing user data across multiple directories such as Google Workspace, Azure AD, and HRIS systems revealed inconsistencies and missing attributes. Custom scripts and data validation checks were implemented to ensure accurate provisioning.
- Change Management Resistance – Introducing new access controls and login flows initially met resistance from some departments. Clear communication, training sessions, and phased rollouts helped users adapt smoothly to the new systems.
Measuring Success: Compliance and Security Outcomes
The successful completion of the MDM implementation strengthened IAMOPS’ compliance posture and reinforced our internal commitment to data protection. The measurable outcomes reflect how structured execution and continuous monitoring drive tangible results.
- 100% audit logs captured and retained for a minimum of two years
- Zero compliance violations or policy breaches since rollout
- Monthly compliance reports generated and reviewed by the security team
- Quarterly access reviews completed and documented
- Zero unauthorized privilege escalations
- Zero credential compromise or data exfiltration incidents
- 100% of security alerts investigated within 24 hours
These results demonstrate IAMOPS’ ability to maintain full compliance and operational transparency while ensuring our clients’ data remains protected in every environment.
Successfully Moving Forward with Device Security at Scale
Our experience with implementing MDM at scale has shown how much of a difference structured device control and conditional access can make in securing internal systems.
If you’re exploring MDM adoption in your own organization or looking to align with zero trust principles, our team can help you navigate the technical, operational, and compliance aspects of the rollout.
Let’s talk about how we can help you implement MDM effectively and securely.
