Sophos touts tighter device and data protection with Mobile Control update

Sophos has released version 2.0 of its Mobile Control handset security platform that allows staff and and administrators to remotely manage Android, iOS, Windows Mobile and BlackBerry devices and enforce management and compliance policies.

Mobile Control was launched in May, and provides a management system for company- and employee-owned handsets and tablets on multiple mobile platforms through a single web-based service.

"We understand that businesses are increasingly mobile and their workforce is adding an extra layer of complexity," said Matthias Pankert, Sophos vice president of mobile data protection product management.

"With the enhancements within Sophos Mobile Control, we are aiming to streamline and simplify device and data protection, while giving employees the flexibility they want, and IT departments the protection they need."

Mobile Control 2.0 adds support for in-house enterprise application stores, which avoid the need to distribute applications through public services such as the Apple App Store.

The update also includes a self-service portal for basic management tasks such as password resets and handset wipes without the need for IT support.

Administrators, meanwhile, can use a new set of compliance and policy enforcement tools to manage device access and flag potentially unsafe behaviour.