[Ultimate Guide] Everything to Know about APN Settings for Android
With the proliferation of remote and hybrid work, most organizations issue some of their employees with mobile devices. These devices offer tremendous convenience, but they also come with enormous risks. When employees connect to public Wi-Fi, such as at a cafe or coworking space, they expose themselves to cybersecurity threats.
A more appropriate solution for enterprises is a private access point name. When an organization sets up a private APN, employees can connect through it to access the internet. It has often been analogized to a gateway, offering greater security, privacy, and even efficiency for professionals on the go. It can even enhance efficiency because some APN settings offered by carriers enable faster internet speeds, whether for 3G, 4G, GSM, or GPRS.
Unfortunately, many enterprises do not set up a private APN. Android APN settings can be confusing, and IT teams may need to gain background or expertise in this area. Continuing without a private APN magnifies danger: The longer the organization goes without one, the greater the chances of incurring various cybersecurity risks.
1 The risks of not configuring Android APN settings
Failure to set up a private APN and customize its settings heightens exposure to several risks.
Malware
Organizations can customize the security and authentication settings on a private APN. Because public networks offer no such protection, employees are more likely to access malware accidentally by downloading a file with a malicious payload or clicking on a suspicious link. Malware may compromise the person’s mobile device and their colleagues.
Data loss
In contrast to private APNs, which offer encrypted communications, public connections do not. As a result, employees using their mobile devices are susceptible to data interception, such as through man-in-the-middle attacks or sniffing. In these attacks, hackers gain access to the traffic sent back and forth over the internet, including sensitive company information, such as trade secrets, planned business activities, and even login credentials.
Business interruption
A private APN helps ensure that business goes on as usual. With public networks, companies run the risk of having their operations interrupted. For example, if an employee accidentally clicks on malware or has credentials stolen through data interception, attackers may place ransomware on their mobile device. Ransomware will either lock the phone or encrypt data so that it is unusable until the victim pays a ransom, often via cryptocurrency. These attacks waste the precious time and money of an organization.
2 How to determine APN type
When opening a mobile device out of the box, the access point name is associated with the mobile network operator (MNO) who issued the SIM card. For example, the access point name is “wholesale” in the United States. There are advantages to setting up a private APN network with tighter controls, and there are four major options.
Generic
Generic is the most basic APN: It allows users to connect to the internet and typically requires an access point name. The MNO usually provides instructions on configuring the generic through documentation or customer support.
SUPL
Short for secure user plane location, SUPL is a type of geo-location: It enables the MNO to determine the location of your mobile device. Because internet data usually covers SUPL data, businesses do not usually need to specify this value. SUPL data will still be provided by the generic or default settings.
MMS
Texting is powered by short message service (SMS). MMS, or multimedia messaging service, is the evolution of SMS: It enables users to send media-rich text messages, such as those with GIFs, animations, photos, and video.
For MMS, the MMSC is the server address, specific to the MNO. In the United States, for example, T-Mobile uses the address “http://216.155.174.84/servlets/mms” for its MMSC and has its own proxy and port function.
WAP
WAP stands for wireless application protocol. It enables mobile devices to access the internet through a WAP browser, which converts websites to wireless markup language (WML).
3 How to maximize Android APN settings for security?
While there are many Android APN settings, several are crucial to security.
- Username APN settings for Android: The username functions as the credential needed to access the APN network. Usernames should be unique; organizations may want to create a convention system for setting them.
- Password APN settings for Android: While the password is optional, enterprises are strongly encouraged to set one. The best practices for all passwords apply: They should not be simple, guessable words or contain too many repeating characters. They should also have a mixture of numbers, special characters, and letters across uppercase and lowercase.
- Authentication type APN settings for Android: There are several types of authentication, each with its strengths. The first is the Password Authentication Protocol. While PAP is the easiest to set up because passwords are sent in plain text, it is also the least secure. Businesses where information security is paramount may want to avoid PAP. The other authentication type has two variations: Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP), a challenge and response authentication method. A challenge packet is sent to the remote user, who can verify their identity without exposing their password through a cryptographic hash. If the user is validated, access is granted, and they are periodically challenged to reauthenticate continuously. CHAP is more secure because it better protects against password guessing that PAP is susceptible to. CHAP is ideal for businesses prioritizing security, such as those in sensitive industries like finance or healthcare.
- APN Protocol and APN Roaming Protocol: Most cell phone users may be familiar with roaming due to the high fees they may have experienced. Roaming is when a cell phone user is outside a carrier’s coverage area. The APN Roaming Protocol determines how to connect to the internet while roaming. Conversely, the APN Protocol defines the method of connecting to the internet within the carrier’s coverage area. There are two general options here: IPv4 and IPv6. While IPv4 is widely used and compatible with most devices, enterprises are encouraged to choose IPv6 when available. IPv6 has numerous benefits from its predecessor, including lower latency, faster speed, larger address space, and, most importantly, improved security.
4 The risks of manually configuring APN settings
Businesses can individually configure the APN name through the settings on their phone. This option, however, is impractical for most enterprises. There are also three risks involved.
Internet interruption
Incorrectly configuring APN settings can lead to a loss of connectivity. This situation is a bad one for any modern business.
Employees need regular access to the internet to access documents, communicate with coworkers and clients, and use cloud-based software. Even a slight interruption from inaccurate APN settings can negatively impact business operations.
Network interruption
In addition to potentially losing internet access, misaligned APN settings may also affect other forms of communication. Employees may be unable to make or receive calls and texts.
Miscellaneous charges
Some mobile network operators may charge businesses for incorrectly configuring their APN settings. These fees can quickly add up because IT professionals may duplicate the error on multiple devices. These charges create two types of costs: There is the direct cost of fees as well as the opportunity cost due to interrupted connectivity.
5 How an MDM can help with APN settings Android?
Businesses can individually configure the APN name through the settings on their phone. This option, however, is impractical for most enterprises. Companies should instead choose an MDM like AirDroid Business, which allows them several advantages when configuring their Android APN settings.
Scale with APN settings
A company may have hundreds or even thousands of mobile devices. With an MDM, businesses can create a standard set of Android APN settings for the entire company. These Android APN settings can also be applied to every phone issued to new hires. In addition, the company can schedule updates to the Android operating system, the last of which is Android 14. Regular updates will ensure that the APN has the latest features and patches.
Granularity with APN settings
Businesses do not need a one-size-fits-all approach to their Android APN settings with an MDM. Companies may naturally want to have different APN settings for Android for other teams. For example, a company may want stricter Android APN settings for an overseas office than the official headquarters. Businesses can achieve this granularity with an MDM. They can enroll different device groups into Policy configuration with unique APN settings for Android.
Value-add with APN settings
Configuring Android APN settings is essential in setting up mobile devices and internet connections. There is much more to managing corporate mobile devices, however. An MDM gives businesses a full feature suite that enables seamless control of their mobile devices. These features include remote support, even for unattended devices; full-device visibility and monitoring; geo-fencing with alerts; and device lockdown in the event of theft or other scenarios. With an MDM, businesses can efficiently set their APN settings for Android and manage their mobile device’s entire life cycle.
Beginner's Guide for AirDroid Business
This is a comprehensive guide for AirDroid Business mobile device management (MDM) solution. Learn how you can simplify IT operations with device monitoring, provisioning, alerting, remote control, Kiosk Mode, automatica app update, and more.
6 The final words about APN settings Android
Android APN settings may be confusing and even intimidating to some IT professionals. As a result, businesses may put off customizing their own APN settings for Android. This mistake may be costly, leading to severe problems such as hacks, data breaches, and business interruptions from using public networks.
Businesses should instead take the time to configure their Android APN settings. This process will involve choosing the correct APN type between the four main options: generic, SUPL, MMS, and WAP. Enterprises must also configure their APN settings with an emphasis on security, such as by selecting a risk-appropriate authentication protocol, following best practices for implementing a username and password and opting for the IPv6 for both the APN Protocol and APN Roaming Protocol.
These best practices will strengthen the organization’s security, privacy, and data protection. Unfortunately, individually configuring APN settings for Android for every mobile device is impractical, and some risks come with doing so.
If IT professionals incorrectly configure the settings, the device can lose internet connectivity and the ability to make calls and send texts. The carrier may also charge the business additional fees for the incorrect settings.
An MDM is a much more efficient solution, enabling businesses to set, customize, and change their Android APN settings as needed efficiently and accurately. These features afford enterprises what is needed the most in modern business: Now, mobile workers can connect to the internet and do so within the safety of a private APN network. It is the world wide web made secure for the corporate enterprise.
Leave a Reply.