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Secure Enterprise Content Management with Hexnode

In an enterprise environment managing upwards of 500,000 devices, maintaining the integrity of corporate data is a critical challenge. Hexnode UEM utilizes a Secure Container approach to bridge the gap between high-scale file distribution and stringent Data Loss Prevention (DLP).

This guide covers the setup of Hexnode’s Content Orchestration engine, the implementation of platform-native containers, and the enforcement of kernel-level security policies.

System Architecture: The “Fenced” Environment

Hexnode operates a virtualized environment that isolates corporate binary data from the personal user space. The architecture is divided into four critical layers:

  • The Repository Layer: A Dedicated Cluster serves as the central “Source of Truth” for encrypted files. These files are replicated to regional DAFS Nodes to ensure low-latency access globally.
  • The Delivery Path: Metadata and commands travel via the MQTT Channel, while the heavy data fulfillment occurs over the local LAN, preventing WAN saturation during massive rollouts.
  • The Sandbox Layer: On the device, the Hexnode Agent manages the Secure Container—utilizing Managed Apple Accounts for Apple devices and Work Profiles for Android.
  • The DLP Monitor: A kernel-level monitor that intercepts system calls related to the clipboard, screen capturing, and sharing to prevent data exfiltration.

The Secure Content Container

Hexnode leverages platform-native technology to silo corporate data without compromising the user experience.

Apple Managed Account (iOS/macOS)

Hexnode controls the flow of documents between applications. Work-related documents are restricted to “Managed” apps. This prevents a user from opening a corporate PDF in a personal social media app or a non-approved cloud storage account.

Android Work Profile

On Android, Hexnode creates a physically encrypted partition. Corporate files remain invisible to personal applications, providing a clean “Air-Gap” within the same device.

Managed Content Distribution (DAFS)

Distributing large files (2GB+ manuals or videos) to half a million devices requires an optimized delivery mechanism. Hexnode uses the DAFS Overlay:

  1. Local Fulfillment: Devices prioritize pulling content from regional DAFS nodes via the local network. This preserves bandwidth for other mission-critical operations.
  2. Version Parity: The system enforces version control, ensuring every user across the global fleet has the most recent version of a document while legacy files are automatically purged.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Matrix

Use the following policies to “fence” your corporate data stream:

Constraint Target Outcome
Clipboard Block Prevents Copy/Paste from Work to Personal apps.
Screen Capture Blacks out screenshots and recordings.
Managed Domains Restricts work file uploads to approved corporate cloud environments.
AirDrop/Sharing Disables AirDrop, Bluetooth, and Beam file transfers for work files.

Content Governance: Comparison at a Glance

Capability Standard MDM Hexnode Orchestration
File Delivery Low (Cloud-only bottleneck) High (DAFS Optimized/LAN)
DLP Depth App-level only OS-level + Container Isolation
Wipe Control Full Device Wipe only Selective (Content-only) Wipe
SLA Visibility Variable Real-time Fulfillment Tracking

Implementation Checklist

Before deploying content to your fleet, ensure the following steps are completed:

  • Upload Corporate Root Certificates: Essential for secure document signing and identity verification.
  • Map Document Categories: Assign specific files to the appropriate Organizational Units (OUs) or sub-companies.
  • Define Managed Open-In Rules: Configure your iOS/macOS fleet to restrict data movement between apps.
  • Configure DAFS Cache Warming: Pre-stage large media files on regional nodes to prepare for high-scale distribution.
  • Note:


    The DLP Monitor operates at the kernel level. Ensure that your Hexnode Agent is updated to the latest version across all endpoints to maintain compatibility with recent OS security patches.

    Solution Framework