How to Bulk Block Mobile Devices in Google Workspace

Introduction

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to bulk block mobile devices in Google Workspace. Mobile Device Management (MDM) has become an essential aspect of managing the ever-growing number of mobile devices in the workplace. With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, organizations need a robust system to efficiently manage and secure these devices.

Why is Mobile Device Management important?

Mobile devices have revolutionized the way we work, enabling employees to stay connected and productive on the go. However, this increased mobility also comes with potential security risks and management challenges. Mobile Device Management addresses these concerns by providing a centralized platform to monitor, secure, and control mobile devices:

• Mobile Device Management is vital due to data security. Organizations must protect sensitive corporate data on mobile devices from unauthorized access or loss. MDM enables administrators to enforce security policies like passwords, encryption, and remote wipe capabilities, ensuring data safety.
• Another vital MDM aspect is device setup and app control. IT administrators use MDM to remotely configure devices, install apps, and manage updates. This keeps all devices current and aligned with company rules, simplifying provisioning and sparing IT teams manual work. Approve, block, unblock, or delete a managed device

Benefits of using Mobile Device Management in Google Workspace

Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite, is a popular suite of productivity tools used by businesses worldwide. Integrating Mobile Device Management into Google Workspace offers numerous benefits for organizations:

• Enhanced Security: By implementing Mobile Device Management in Google Workspace, businesses can enforce security policies, such as passcode requirements, encryption, and remote wipe capabilities, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected even if a device is lost or stolen.
• Centralized Management: MDM allows administrators to have a centralized view of all enrolled devices, providing granular control over device configurations, app installations, and updates.
• Increased Productivity: Mobile Device Management enables organizations to push important applications and updates to devices, ensuring that employees have access to the latest tools and resources. 
• Cost Savings: By effectively managing mobile devices, organizations can optimize device usage, reduce downtime, and avoid unnecessary expenses associated with device loss or theft.

Step-by-step guide to bulk block mobile devices in Google Workspace

• Sign in to the Google Admin Console through your Administrator account
• Navigate Menu>Devices>Overview
• Then click on Mobile devices
• Point out the device you want to block.

• Click Block Device. Source

Bulk block mobile devices in Google Workspace with Foresight

In today's speedy digital world, businesses use mobile devices a lot for communication, productivity, and collaboration. However, managing a large number of mobile devices can be a daunting task, especially in the context of Google Workspace. 

That's where Foresight Automation Tool comes into play. Foresight offers a powerful solution for bulk blocking mobile devices in Google Workspace, streamlining the device management process and ensuring maximum security and control.

Google Admin Console enables you to perform this action for up to 50 devices concurrently, Foresight offers the ability to do so for more than 50 devices simultaneously.

Video Demo

From this demo video, you will learn about the Bulk Block Mobile devices in Google Workspace with the help of Foresight.

Instructions

• Rule Creation

First, we need a list of mobile devices to set up the rule. The sheet contains two columns- Device ID and Device User Email. You have to download the sheet in CSV format.

• Please note that for the demo purpose, we are taking only 10 devices. But in real cases, we can block thousands of mobile devices simultaneously.

1. Log into the Foresight account with a Google Admin account. Then go to the Rules page and click on the New Rule button.
2. Select the Data uploaded trigger.
3. Upload the CSV file with updated information.
4. Wait for the file to be parsed and then click on Next.
5. Then select the Block mobile device action. 
6. Follow these sub-steps here.
   • The first step is to grant access to the Foresight account within the Google Workspace account. When access is granted, the status will change to Access granted. In the Device ID field, select the device ID. After that, click on Add Next Action.
   • Select the Get user info action. Then under Primary email field, select the Device User's Email.
7. Then click on Add Next Action. Select the Email action.
8. In this email action, we will notify the users about blocking their mobile devices. So, select User Primary Email as an email variable in the To field.
9. Then enter the subject and email body. Please note you have to add some variables in the email body. So click on the v icon to select the variables. The variables are- first Name, Device ID, and Device User Email.

Again, click on Add Next Action and select the Email action.

Follow these sub-steps here.

• This time you will notify the manager about the blocking of the employees’ devices. Select the Manager Email as the variable in the To field. Then type the email message and type the Device details in the form of a variable.
• Then click on Review.

1. Enter the Rule name ( Block suspicious devices ) and click on Create. You will see that the rule becomes created.

Rule Triggering

Click on the upload icon and upload the same CSV file again. It will take a few seconds to complete.

Rule Verification

1. A notification will appear at the top-right corner of the Rules page. Click on it and then click on View Log to see the devices’ status.
2. You can also check it through the Logs page. The logs show the successful triggering of the rule.
3. Then verify the results from the Admin console. So, go to Devices>Mobile and endpoints. You will find that the statuses for all the devices have been changed to Blocked.
4. Finally, all the employees and managers will get an email about device blocking.
   • The user got the email from the IT Manager.
   • The employees' manager got the email from IT Manager.

Benefits of Foresight Automation Tool

• Efficiency: With Foresight, bulk blocking mobile devices in Google Workspace becomes effortless. The tool allows administrators to manage and block multiple devices simultaneously, saving valuable time and effort.

• Enhanced Security: Foresight provides advanced security features, enabling administrators to block devices that are lost, stolen, or compromised. By preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data, Foresight helps safeguard your organization's valuable information.

• Customizable Blocking Policies: Foresight allows administrators to set customized blocking policies based on specific criteria. Whether it's blocking devices with outdated operating systems or non-compliant security settings, Foresight ensures that only approved devices have access to your organization's resources.

• Comprehensive Reporting: Foresight provides detailed reports on device blocking activities, giving administrators insights into the overall device security landscape.

Best practices for mobile device management in Google Workspace

To maximize the benefits of Mobile Device Management in Google Workspace, it is essential to follow some best practices:

• Establish clear policies: Define and communicate clear mobile device usage policies to employees. This includes guidelines for acceptable use, security protocols, and consequences for non-compliance.

• Regularly update security settings: Keep up to date with the latest security features and settings offered by Google Workspace. Regularly review and update security policies to stay ahead of emerging threats.

• Educate employees: Provide training and awareness programs to educate employees about best practices for mobile device security. 

• Enforce strong authentication: Implement multi-factor authentication across devices and applications to add an extra layer of security. This helps protect against unauthorized access even if a device is lost or stolen.

Troubleshooting common issues with mobile device management

• Device enrollment failure: If devices fail to enroll in Mobile Device Management, ensure that the correct enrollment process is followed.
• App installation issues: If apps fail to install on devices, verify the app compatibility with the device's operating system.
• Device synchronization problems: If devices are not syncing properly with Google Workspace, check the device's internet connectivity and sync settings. Restarting the device or signing out and signing back into the Google account may resolve the issue.
• Security policy conflicts: In case of conflicts between security policies and device settings, review and modify the policies to ensure compatibility. Test the policies on a small group of devices before applying them organization-wide.

Conclusion

Foresight Automation Tool offers a convenient and efficient solution for bulk blocking mobile devices in Google Workspace. Google Workspace offers robust Mobile Device Management capabilities, including the ability to bulk block mobile devices, ensuring the security and integrity of corporate resources.

With Foresight, administrators can confidently enforce device compliance, protect sensitive data, and ensure a secure and productive digital environment.

To learn more about Mobile Device Management in Google Workspace and how it can benefit your organization, kindly reach us: Foresight

Try a 14-day free trial with Foresight and manage your tasks.