A lost device. A missed update. A critical system accessed over a public network. These aren’t edge cases. They’re everyday risks for federal teams working in the field.
As agency work moves outside the office, mobile devices have become essential. But they also open the door to new vulnerabilities, especially when IT teams are stretched thin and systems aren’t connected.
Securing the field starts with seeing where those risks are hiding and finding smarter ways to stay ahead of threats. Here’s how mobile-first agencies are staying in control and reducing risks.
Connect the dots before risks spread
Most agencies use multiple systems to manage their mobile environments. But when these tools don’t connect, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s happening. And without a full view, agencies miss billing errors, support gaps, or even unprotected devices. It also becomes harder to flag risks early or respond quickly when something breaks.
That’s why some agencies are turning to platforms that pull it all together. With one place to track devices, usage, and support, teams act faster and catch issues before they grow.
For example, one federal agency worked with DMI to gain control over more than 3,800 mobile devices. The team helped cut costs by identifying unused lines and selecting better carrier plans. More importantly, they helped the agency avoid disruptions by keeping every device visible, secure, and up to date.
Do more without growing the team
Mobile teams are growing, but support teams are not. In many agencies, a few IT staff support hundreds or even thousands of users across the country. This strain can lead to delays, missed updates, and longer recovery times when things go wrong. It also increases risk. An unpatched or unused device is open to threats, and a user who can’t get help quickly may turn to risky workarounds.
To solve this, some federal leaders are working with end-to-end mobility partners like DMI. These partners handle the entire mobile process—from setup and shipping to repairs and help desk support—so IT teams can focus on other critical tasks. This approach reduces confusion, fills gaps, and allows internal teams to focus on more strategic projects.
Provide secure access from anywhere
Federal field teams often need quick access to sensitive systems and data. But it’s not easy to apply the same controls used in an office environment. Agencies need to balance protection with practicality.
Field devices are often the weakest link in the chain. They travel across regions, connect to public or low-trust networks, and may not get critical updates.
That’s why some leaders are taking a closer look at how they configure mobile devices, grant access, and flag and resolve issues. Good support also makes a difference. From secure provisioning to faster response, the right partner can reduce exposure without adding friction for users.
What smart federal IT leaders are doing now
Federal IT teams can’t make sweeping changes overnight. Budgets are fixed and procurement cycles often require multiple layers of approval. But proactive leaders are finding ways to reduce risk by asking better questions, surfacing hidden gaps, and guiding their agencies toward smarter decisions.
They do it by focusing on:
- Clarity over complexity. They’re asking questions like: Do we know where all our mobile devices are? Do we know who supports them and how quickly they get help?
- Fewer gaps, fewer vendors. They’re exploring ways to reduce silos by unifying systems or responsibilities, even if full consolidation isn’t possible yet.
- Support that scales. They’re identifying which tasks—like setup, shipping, or day-to-day troubleshooting—could shift to a trusted partner so internal teams can focus on long-term goals.
A better way to secure the field
Well-run mobile programs take time, tools, and teamwork. But with limited time and staff, federal teams shouldn’t have to manage it all on their own.
DMI helps agencies reduce risk across the full mobile device lifecycle. We’ve supported public sector clients for more than 20 years and understand what field teams need to stay secure, supported, and productive.
With a single view of devices, carriers, and support activity, our MyServe platform helps bring clarity to complex mobile environments. And our people work side-by-side with agency teams to help them manage devices, control costs, and resolve issues before they become problems.
If your mobile environment has grown faster than your ability to support it, let’s talk about how we can help. We’ve helped agencies simplify mobility and reduce risk, and our services are available through multiple contract vehicles.
