See below for frequent questions and answers about the mobile device management program.

 

What is MDM or mobile device management?


Mobile device management is a combined software and service program that provides device management, security, and monitoring so a smart device can securely connect with an employer’s computer network remotely. The software is installed as an app on a personal smart device (phone, tablet, etc.) and enables the user of the device to access the employer’s network, data, and business applications in a secure manner. It also provides a way to delete company data from the user's smart device if it is lost or stolen.

 

What is the Company Portal App?


Company Portal is the app that is required on your phone to help manage secure access to company resources. To enroll your phone in Vera’s mobile device management program you must first download this app from your phone’s app store.

 

Why are we launching Company Portal?


Company Portal allows us to secure Vera-owned data that is accessed from staff’s personal devices. It is an important way we can protect our data. Clients, potential clients and vendors often ask (and prefer that) we have a mobile device management program in place.

 

Which business applications will be available through Company Portal?


At this time, only Microsoft Office apps (Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, Excel and Word), RingCentral and OneLogin will be available through Company Portal. Microsoft Authenticator is built in as well and is required for you to access your Office 365 account. You do not need to do anything with Microsoft Authenticator; it works in the background to ensure you have secure access.

 

After you enroll your device with Company Portal and install (or re-install) all the apps, you do not need to access them via Company Portal. You can simply access them from your home screen. If and when additional apps are made available, you will need to sign into Company Portal in order to access them.

 

Can I access MS Outlook and Teams without downloading Company Portal? 


No, you must have Company Portal installed to access MS Office applications on your device; this includes Outlook and Teams.

 


If I already use Company Portal or another mobile device management, can I still sign up for access through Company Portal?


No, you won’t be able to install Vera’s mobile device management if you have other mobile device management installed for another job or employer.


Who will use Company Portal?


This change applies to all Vera Whole Health staff who use their personal smart devices to do Vera business on or access Vera data through MS Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, and other Office 365 apps. Exempt employees can continue to have access once they download and enroll their device with Company Portal. Non-exempt employees who would like access based on a business need should contact their managers to request access.  

 

Do I need to have a certain type of phone to use Company Portal?


Only mobile phones with an Android or iOS operating system are compatible with Company Portal. For example, Windows phones are not compatible. Older devices may not be supported and may be incompatible with Company Portal. 

 

What data can Vera access from my device through Company Portal?


Vera Whole Health can see your device model, serial number, operating system, work apps and any information collected by corporate apps and networks, device name, owner, and manufacturer. 

 

Vera Whole Health cannot see your call history, web browsing history, device location, email or text messages, contacts, passwords, calendar, camera role, or any personal apps.

 

Company Portal gives Vera Whole Health the ability to reset your lost or stolen iOS device to factory settings. However,[KS1]  Vera’s policy is to never restore any personal devices to factory settings, even when requested by the employee. It is best practice to keep your data backed up to the cloud. Consider doing so regularly if you haven’t already.

 

What other security protections are required by the Company Portal program?

  • You will need to have a 6-digit passcode on your device to install Company Portal. When you download the app and enroll your device, you will be guided with how and when to do this.
  • Your device will also need to be encrypted. Nearly all iPhones are now encrypted, and many Android devices are as well. Android devices often refer to encryption as “secure startup.” See the Android troubleshooting Guide for tips on encrypting your device or setting up secure startup.
  • Company Portal will require you to re-enter your passcode (or whatever unlocking option you utilize) after 5 minutes of inactivity.

 

Do I have to use Company Portal?


No, you are not required to use your personal device for work purposes. You can continue to access Outlook, Teams and OneDrive from your work-issued laptop.

 

How will my Outlook and Teams access be different with Company Portal?


After you have downloaded Company Portal and installed the apps, your access will be the same as before. You will get to your Outlook and Teams apps by opening them from the home screen. There is virtually no difference in the user experience of Teams and Outlook with Company Portal installed.

 

Can I still copy, paste, and share information from Outlook and other Office apps?


Yes, you can copy and paste between apps in Company Portal, for example from Outlook into Teams. You cannot copy, paste or share any information from Outlook, Teams, or OneDrive to any apps outside Company Portal. 

 

If I forget my passcode or have other issues with my phone, can Vera’s helpdesk help me?


Yes. The Vera helpdesk can only help to temporarily disable your passcode if you forget it, which will force you to create a new passcode. The helpdesk CANNOT assist with recovering personal pictures, documents, or troubleshoot phone reception issues. For those issues, you will need to reach out to your mobile phone carrier. 

 

Can I still receive the mobile device stipend if I opt of out enrolling in Company Portal?


Yes, if you’re eligible for the mobile device stipend, your eligibility is not impacted by your decision to utilize Company Portal on your personal device.

 

What if I change my mind and want to stop using my smart device for work?


You can unenroll your device and delete the Company Portal app if you decide you no longer want to use it to access Vera data (via email, Teams, etc.).