With working from home and flexible working becoming a common concept due to the pandemic, many of us have probably given our employers remote access to our devices.
We usually give access without much thought, however, by doing this you might have actually lost a lot more privacy than you might realise.
There’s an Apple tool called Mobile Device Management, the purpose of which is to provide remote access, but could end up being to access much more private information.
Here’s what you need to know about this sneaky feature, including how to remove it from your device to protect your messages and other personal information.
What is Mobile Device Management?
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a tool that's installed on Apple mobile devices by some schools or workplaces, which allows sensitive and protected content on an employees' personal iPad, iPhone and Mac computers to be accessed remotely.
To do this, the gadgets are placed on a mobile device management system that's controlled by the employer. This means your boss can now access content and features that are normally locked to your work PC system.
While this can mean work-related information like software locked behind a paywall, sensitive company data, or your work email account, it also gives your superiors access to more personal information.
Not only is your privacy at risk, but the system even allows your boss to set up and manage your email account, install apps and manage your settings. They can also even lock your device behind a password and wipe it of all data if they fear it's fallen into the wrong hands.
How to remove MDM from your device?
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If you decide you no longer want your data exposed. You can remove the tool from your device by following these steps:
The tool can be removed from your phone by going into your settings. Open the "Settings" App. Scroll down and then tap on "General" > "VPN and Device Management".
From here, select "MDM Profile" and tap "Remove Management". If it asks for a passcode, enter your passcode.
It's that simple – from now, your will no longer be controlled remotely.
In case your device is locked behind an MDM username and password that you don't know – for example, if you've bought it second-hand – try a factory reset.
If this doesn't work, you also have the option of downloading one of the many apps available on the App Store which will remove the MDM lock for you.
Besides privacy concerns, there might be several scenarios in which you might want to have MDM removed from your phone, including:
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Your workplace required MDM and you’ve left that job
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You bought a used iPhone and it has an MDM lock on it
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You’ve forgotten your MDM password on your own device
In certain cases, you may not be able to do your job properly without giving your employer remote access to your device.
But, if you're still concerned and want permission removed, you can always bring it up with your boss or HR department to see what can be done.
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