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    HomeBusiness InsightsHolistic Approach to Endpoint Management and Security: Apu Pavithran, Founder and CEO,...

    Holistic Approach to Endpoint Management and Security: Apu Pavithran, Founder and CEO, Hexnode

    The challenges for organizations in the modern world are multifaceted. One of these challenges is caused by the need to manage and protect a variety of devices, such as smartphones, laptops and various IoT endpoints. Hexnode, an industry-leading Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution, finds itself at the forefront of a variety of these challenges. Founded more than ten years ago by Apu Pavithran, it has come a long way from being a mobile device management solution to a complete platform that provides device security and management to businesses of any size. In this interview, Apu Pavithran talks about Hexnode’s history, its guiding principles and innovative security features that help the company stand out in the market.

    TAM: Can you elaborate on the core strategy behind Hexnode UEM and how it addresses the evolving needs of businesses in managing diverse devices such as mobile, desktop, and IoT? 

    Apu Pavithran: When we found Hexnode 11 years ago CMT and SCCM solutions had desktops under control and mobile phones had just started getting popular in the workplace. At the time the industry requirement was for a solution to manage these handheld smartphones which started to blur the workplace perimeters.  However, as organizations adopted diverse platforms, embraced IoT and adapted to remote work, it became evident that a more holistic approach was required. This shift drove us to expand beyond MDM into a full-fledged Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution, capable of managing any endpoint from a single console, regardless of the operating system. We realize that cybersecurity is not just a priority for large enterprises- small and mid-size businesses (SMBs) face their own unique challenges, often with limited resources. 

    To address this, we have designed our platform to be scalable and flexible, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can leverage our device management capabilities without breaking the bank. To meet the evolving needs of businesses, Hexnode streamlines device management by automating routine tasks like device lifecycle monitoring, patch deployment policies and policy enforcement. With more companies embracing BYOD, its containerization feature secures corporate data while allowing flexibility for personal use. Additionally, Hexnode’s seamless integration with existing IT infrastructures and APIs ensures compatibility with third-party applications, and its cross-platform capabilities allow administrators to enforce security policies across all devices regardless of the underlying OS.  Finally, with real-time remote monitoring, IT teams can remotely troubleshoot issues by pushing configurations, and deploying updates, cutting down the need for on-site visits and, therefore, saving time and money. 

    TAM: How does Hexnode’s UEM platform support organizations in maintaining compliance with industry regulations and standards, and what role does governance play in ensuring effective endpoint management? 

    Apu Pavithran: Many nations and industries have established their own sets of data privacy and security regulations such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), or Japan’s Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI). Additionally, industry-specific regulations like Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) govern their respective domains. Organizations are mandated to comply with these regulations to maintain a strong security posture and prevent potential financial repercussions for both the company and its users.  As it happens, to be compliant with the data regulations, organizations must have a solution like Hexnode. And we make it easy for businesses to achieve compliance through pre-configured policy templates that adhere to these regulations. 

    As regulations evolve, Hexnode’s compliance policy templates can be customized, and new versions can be cascaded across all managed devices. Compliance is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. To streamline this process, we have partnered with compliance platforms such as Vanta and Drata. Now, our customers can assess risks, generate reports, and provide evidence during audits.  Governance is critical as it sets the stage for tracking and enforcing policies that protect the company data and ensure regulatory compliance. At Hexnode, we empower organizations to implement robust governance practices using tools like Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Identity and Access Management (IAM). These tools offer precise control over who can access critical data. Coupled with advanced data encryption and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) techniques, they ensure that sensitive information remains secure and accessible only to authorized personnel.

    TAM: How does Hexnode integrate advanced security features into its UEM solution to protect against cyber threats, and what are some key security challenges your clients face that you help mitigate? 

    Apu Pavithran: A significant challenge that clients face today is the complexity of managing multiple windowed attack surfaces that can arise from different endpoints, networks and applications. Many organizations struggle with disjoint security solutions for each part of their infrastructure, leaving gaps in their defenses. Hexnode mitigates this with the provision of a centralized platform, allowing them to manage all security aspects from one interface.  To offer a multi-layered approach, we have integrated advanced security features along with conventional mechanisms such as encryptions, firewalls and password policies.   One of our key features is automated patch management, which ensures that security patches are deployed across all Windows devices in a timely manner. 

    We also offer web content filtering, to block harmful websites, preventing malware and unauthorized access. Additionally, administrators can enforce security measures such as blocking app stores to prevent unauthorized downloads, enhancing email security to protect against phishing, and disabling connections to external devices to safeguard against data breaches. Certificate management is another layer of security built into our platform, automating the distribution of digital certificates to establish encrypted communication and authenticate both users and devices accessing sensitive data.  In addition, if a device is compromised, administrators can remotely wipe or lock the device to contain the damage.

    TAM: What can Hexnode users expect in the coming years in terms of new innovations and product expansion? 

    Apu Pavithran: Hexnode gears up for the automation era, delivering tools to make fleet management more intuitive while expanding platform support to offer a broader spectrum of operating systems. We have recently announced the addition of Linux, ChromeOS, and VisionOS support into our ecosystem. This update significantly enhances Hexnode’s versatility and multi-OS support, making it especially valuable for organizations managing diverse device environments. We are also committed to addressing the growing demands placed on IT teams with tools that reduce the operational burden. 

    Also read: Hexnode Announces Product Updates at HexCon24

    Our new AI-based feature, Hexnode Genie-allows IT admins to effortlessly generate, validate and analyze custom scripts using simple natural language queries, simplifying scripting across Windows, macOS and Linux. Additionally, our Deployments feature allows admins to quickly push actions, files, certificates, or updates to groups of devices with just a few clicks, ensuring that devices stay up to date without disrupting workflows. Following the success of our Gateway for macOS, we are rolling out the Windows version, making it easier for organizations to migrate from their current MDM to Hexnode. We are excited about the road ahead and are constantly evolving in response to our customers’ needs.  

    TAM: Can you share insights on upcoming features or technological advancements that you believe will significantly impact the endpoint management industry? 

    Apu Pavithran: As the endpoint management industry continues to evolve in the face of various technological breakthroughs, I believe the future will bring several significant advancements that will reshape how organizations manage and secure their devices.  One major trend we see is the convergence of endpoint management and security. Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, making it essential to address both management and security in a unified manner. Unified Endpoint Security (UES) solutions are gaining traction for their capability to merge the features of Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) into a central console. UES can layer on top of a UEM solution, adding an additional layer of security by preventing, detecting, and addressing threats across endpoint devices. 

    This consolidation simplifies workflows for security teams, reducing the complexity of managing multiple alert systems and ensuring a stronger overall defense.  Another significant development is the focus on Crafting a harmonious digital employee experience (DEX).  DEX focuses on improving the user experience for employees, and UEMs plays a vital role in this process by monitoring device health and automating updates and patches, preventing issues before they impact the user.   Artificial intelligence (AI) is also set to significantly enhance UEM solutions by making them smarter, more adaptable, and efficient. AI can automate routine IT admin tasks, provide real-time insights, enable predictive analytics, and strengthen security. As businesses navigate the complexities of digital transformation, AI-powered UEM offers a streamlined approach that boosts productivity while ensuring robust security. 

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