Notwithstanding the Apple versus Android debate, the global smartphone market clearly picks a side. Android holds roughly 72% of market share, and it doesn’t stop there. It also powers 68% of the world’s frontline mobile devices. This preference is attributed to affordability, versatility and an open ecosystem that developers swear by. Yet that same openness makes Android vulnerable to quite a few cyber threats.

There’s an app for everything when it comes to Android, and for the most part, they make life easier. But in the hustle to get things done, employees often download applications indiscriminately. Over the past five years, Android app usage by frontline workers has surged by 86%. That's a lot of apps, and not all are well-managed.

The issue isn’t volume; it’s lack of control. Many apps request access to sensitive data such as email accounts, and users unaware of the risks will grant permissions that quietly open the door to vulnerabilities and data misuse.

How, then can these mission-critical endpoints be protected, when attackers are constantly probing for the next weak link?

Whether scanning a barcode or tracking a delivery, mobile apps are woven into nearly every step of the modern supply chain. Yet each unvetted app brings a hidden risk. And when these apps share the same underlying components, the stakes are even higher.

Take web browsers. While Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari look and feel different, they often share the same Chromium base under the hood. A single vulnerability in that shared codebase could compromise all of them.

Many enterprise and supply chain apps use common software development kits, libraries or frameworks. While this approach speeds up innovation, a single flaw in one app can have a domino effect across the ecosystem. Mere app approval isn’t enough — IT needs total clarity on what’s installed, where it came from, and what it can access.

Frontline Android devices are more than just tools; they’re the gears that keep the supply chain moving. When one breaks or misbehaves, it’s not just an IT hiccup; it’s a delay across the entire supply chain. The mindset of “we’ll deal with it if it fails” no longer holds up.

Most of these endpoints are susceptible to breaches and attacks due to their role as entry points into the supply chain’s tech infrastructure. And most breaches aren’t sophisticatedly planned attacks. In fact, the most dangerous threats are often the quietest: an outdated app, an unpatched vulnerability, or an unsolicited installation.

This is where effective endpoint management makes all the difference. It’s not enough to just have visibility; control is necessary without making life harder for users.

It starts with enforcing the principle of least privilege: providing teams only with what they need, and nothing more. Pushing only necessary apps, keeping those apps updated, and blocking any other apps from being installed can substantially reduce app-related vulnerabilities. An even better approach is offering a curated catalog of secure, work-ready apps that employees can trust.

Single-purpose devices, like smartphones dedicated to inventory tracking or tablets for printing labels, don’t need access to settings or app installations. Most unified endpoint management (UEM) comes equipped with a kiosk lockdown feature, restricting the device to a single app or a few necessary ones, hiding everything else behind the scenes and leaving no chance of someone fiddling with the system settings.  

True enterprise-grade device management happens when both software and hardware work together seamlessly. Many UEMs have integrations with OEMs to go beyond standard controls. These partnerships unlock firmware-level security features and a smoother enrolment experience. It’s essential, then, that businesses invest in the right kind of devices for frontline requirements.

Strong security shouldn’t hinder productivity; it should work silently in the background, keeping devices safe without affecting productivity. Password-less authentication is one such solution that’s gaining ground. It offers a seamless way to log in without the need to remember credentials, while eliminating the risk of weak passwords. It’s a win-win for both convenience and security.

Patching is often swept under the rug for being disruptive, or postponed due to concerns of downtime. But delaying security updates, even in a short timeframe, can cause huge damage. This was evident in the 2023 MOVEit Transfer breach. Despite the release of a patch, many organizations were slow to act. This hesitation gave attackers the window they needed. Over 2,500 companies were affected; their sensitive data was exposed, and reputations took a hit. It’s a reminder that when it comes to patching, waiting just a little too long can cost much more than downtime.

Patching doesn't have to be a headache, at least not with the right tools in place. A UEM platform offering dedicated patching capabilities gives IT teams more control without chaos. Admins can test, delay, schedule or even automate patches. 

Finally, let’s not forget the fallout from lost devices. Even if they’re beyond reach, remote security actions such as device lock, wipe and location tracking can protect the data and even help recover it.  Without these capabilities, businesses lose over $5 million annually just replacing devices. 

Hexnode’s survey shows that 40% of organizations still don’t patch regularly, and over a third are skating by with bare minimum password policies. Now pair that with an explosion of unmanaged Android apps, and you’ve got a cyber storm brewing across the supply chain.

If you want to stay ahead of the next exploit, start by getting the fundamentals right. Tighten app access. Enforce strong credentials. Take control of those rogue endpoints before attackers do.

Apu Pavithran is the founder and chief executive officer of Hexnode.