In response to increasing security concerns around mobile transactions and data privacy in retail environments, SOTI — a leading provider of enterprise mobility management (EMM) solutions — has introduced a built‑in VPN (Virtual Private Network) feature directly within its flagship SOTI MobiControl platform. (VPN for Retail Mobile Security)
This integration reflects a broader trend in enterprise technology: combining endpoint protection and secure connectivity into a unified solution. As mobile devices such as tablets, self‑checkout kiosks, and handheld point‑of‑sale (POS) systems become integral to retail operations, safeguarding data in transit is now essential to protect sensitive customer information and maintain trust in digital retail ecosystems.
Why a Built‑In VPN Matters for Retail Security
Modern retail environments depend heavily on mobile technology to process transactions, manage inventories, and communicate with customers. However, as these devices handle sensitive payment and personal data, they also present attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Traditional security approaches often rely on separate VPN applications installed on devices or third‑party services that are managed independently of core enterprise mobility management tools. This fragmentation can lead to configuration errors, inconsistent enforcement of security policies, and increased complexity for IT teams.
By embedding SOTI VPN directly into the SOTI MobiControl suite, organizations can now ensure consistent encryption and secure connectivity for all managed devices — without the need for standalone VPN apps.
Key Features of SOTI’s Integrated VPN
1. Seamless Connectivity
SOTI VPN uses WireGuard tunneling technology — known for its strong cryptography and high performance — to create always‑on, encrypted connections for devices.
WireGuard is favored in enterprise and consumer VPN solutions for its simplicity and efficiency, often outperforming older protocols like OpenVPN in speed and reliability.
2. Device‑Wide and App‑Specific Protection
The built‑in VPN offers flexible modes:
Device‑Wide Protection: Encrypts all internet traffic from a mobile endpoint, ensuring comprehensive data security.
App‑Specific VPN: Allows precise control over which applications’ traffic is routed through the VPN tunnel — particularly useful for mixed‑use devices in retail settings.
3. Split‑Tunneling Capabilities
Split tunneling gives IT administrators the ability to route specific traffic (e.g., corporate backend access) through the VPN while allowing other internet‑bound traffic to flow normally. This helps improve performance and reduces unnecessary use of encrypted tunnels for non‑sensitive data.
4. Cross‑Platform Support
SOTI VPN is available for Android, iOS, iPadOS, and Windows devices that are managed under the SOTI MobiControl configuration.
This means retailers can protect a wide variety of device types — from checkout tablets to employee handhelds — from a single centralized policy framework.
Advantages for IT and Security Teams
Centralized Policy Enforcement
By including VPN controls within the SOTI MobiControl console, IT administrators gain centralized visibility and governance over mobile device networking policies. This approach eliminates the operational overhead of managing separate VPN tools and simplifies compliance monitoring.
Reduced User Error
Standalone VPN applications often require manual setup or user interaction to activate secure connections — a step that can be forgotten or misconfigured. SOTI’s integrated VPN automates connectivity, reducing the risk of human error that could expose sensitive data.
Enhanced Security Posture
Retailers are under increasing pressure to comply with standards like PCI‑DSS and local data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) that mandate strong controls over payment and personal data. Built‑in VPN ensures encrypted traffic flows and secure access to corporate resources, expanding the security perimeter beyond traditional corporate networks.
Expert Perspectives and Industry Context
Michael Dyson, Vice President of Sales, APAC at SOTI, highlighted the urgency of the need for advanced mobile security in retail:
“Recent retail data breaches highlight the importance of safeguarding customer information. When data is compromised, it can affect customer confidence in a brand. That’s why we developed SOTI VPN — to help retailers secure every channel, including mobile, from end to end.”
Retail IT leaders are increasingly prioritizing security technologies that can adapt to evolving threats without disrupting daily operations. SOTI’s approach — embedding VPN features into a broader EMM platform — showcases how security solutions are becoming more integrated and seamless.
Comparisons With Traditional VPN Approaches
Traditional enterprise VPN solutions typically operate as standalone services that require separate configuration and management. While effective in isolated use cases, this model can create operational silos between security tools and device management systems.
By contrast, integrated VPN solutions within EMM platforms:
Reduce policy fragmentation
Improve device compliance and reporting
Streamline deployment and updates
Lower administration overhead
This unified approach reflects a growing trend among enterprise mobility providers, driven by the need to secure increasingly complex mobile ecosystems — especially in sectors like retail where device sprawl and customer data flows are extensive.
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Conclusion
As mobile device use in retail and other enterprise sectors continues to expand, securing data at every point — from handheld terminals to corporate backends — remains a top priority. SOTI’s introduction of a built‑in VPN within its MobiControl platform is a strategic step forward in securing mobile data and simplifying endpoint protection.
