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How to write an RFP for mobile security

Requirements, questions, and evaluation criteria specific to mobile security procurement

7 min read

Mobile security RFPs are critical because the modern workforce relies heavily on mobile devices, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. A well-structured RFP ensures that organizations select a solution capable of protecting sensitive data while accommodating diverse mobile environments and evolving threat landscapes.

What makes mobile security RFPs different

Mobile security RFPs differ significantly from other software RFPs due to the unique challenges of securing mobile devices. These challenges include the diversity of mobile operating systems (iOS, Android, macOS, Windows), the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trend, and the increasing sophistication of mobile-specific threats like phishing via SMS and malicious mobile apps.

Furthermore, mobile security solutions must balance robust security with user privacy and productivity, avoiding intrusive controls that lead to employee resistance and Shadow IT.nnRegulatory compliance also plays a crucial role, as organizations must adhere to standards like GDPR and HIPAA when handling sensitive data on mobile devices.

The RFP must address data residency requirements, BAA agreements, and the solution's ability to identify and restrict access from non-compliant or end-of-life devices. Effective mobile security requires a layered approach, integrating device management, threat defense, application security, and identity management, making the RFP process inherently complex.

  • Support for diverse mobile operating systems (iOS, Android, macOS, Windows) and device types.
  • Integration with existing identity providers (Okta, Ping, Microsoft Entra ID) and SIEM/XDR platforms.
  • Balance between security controls and user privacy to avoid employee backlash and Shadow IT.
  • Compliance with industry-specific regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS) and data residency requirements.

RFP vs RFI vs RFQ

Here's when to use each document type when procuring mobile security software.

RFI

Request for Information

Use early in your search to understand what vendors offer and narrow your list. Gather general capabilities, company background, and high-level pricing ranges.

RFP

Request for Proposal

Use when you know your requirements and want detailed vendor solutions and pricing. This is your main evaluation document for shortlisted vendors.

RFQ

Request for Quote

Use when requirements are fixed and you just need final pricing. Often used after RFP when you're ready to negotiate with finalists.

For mobile security, an RFI is useful for initial market research to understand available solutions and vendor capabilities. An RFP is essential for a detailed evaluation of technical requirements, security features, and compliance adherence. An RFQ is less suitable due to the complexity and customization needed for mobile security solutions.

Technical requirements checklist

Use this checklist when defining your RFP scope.

Endpoint Management

  • Multi-platform support (iOS, Android, macOS, Windows)
  • Mobile Device Management (MDM) capabilities (remote wipe, passcode enforcement)
  • Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) integration
  • Automated patching and OS updates

Threat Defense

  • Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) capabilities
  • On-device AI-driven threat detection
  • Mobile-specific anti-phishing (SMS, QR codes, messaging apps)
  • Malware detection and prevention

Application Security

  • Mobile Application Management (MAM) capabilities
  • Application shielding and runtime protection (RASP)
  • Vulnerability scanning and code analysis
  • Secure containerization for BYOD devices

Identity and Access Management

  • Integration with identity providers (Okta, Ping, Microsoft Entra ID)
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) enforcement
  • Conditional access based on device risk score
  • Zero Trust Architecture support

Compliance and Data Protection

  • Data residency controls
  • Compliance monitoring for jailbreaking/rooting
  • BAA agreement support (for HIPAA compliance)
  • Reporting and auditing capabilities

Questions to include in your RFP

Architecture & Deployment

  • Describe your solution's architecture, including deployment options (cloud, on-premise, hybrid) and data storage locations.
    Understanding the architecture helps assess scalability, security, and data residency compliance.
  • How does your solution ensure data isolation and security in a multi-tenant environment?
    Ensures data privacy and prevents unauthorized access.
  • What is your disaster recovery and business continuity plan for the mobile security solution?
    Guarantees minimal downtime and data loss in case of a disaster.
  • Describe your solution's support for zero-touch deployment and automated configuration.
    Simplifies device enrollment and reduces IT overhead.

Threat Detection & Prevention

  • How does your solution detect and prevent mobile-specific threats, such as phishing, malware, and network attacks?
    Ensures comprehensive protection against evolving mobile threats.
  • Describe your on-device AI-driven threat detection capabilities and how they function offline.
    Provides continuous protection even without network connectivity.
  • How does your solution analyze links within SMS, QR codes, and messaging apps to prevent phishing attacks?
    Addresses the growing threat of mobile-first phishing.
  • What remediation actions does your solution take upon detecting a threat?
    Automated remediation minimizes the impact of security incidents.

BYOD & Privacy

  • How does your solution separate personal and corporate data on BYOD devices without requiring a full device wipe?
    Protects employee privacy and encourages BYOD adoption.
  • Describe your solution's privacy-first containerization capabilities.
    Ensures that IT can only access device-level health data and threat alerts, not personal files.
  • How does your solution address employee concerns about corporate surveillance on personal devices?
    Builds trust and prevents employee resistance to security measures.
  • What policies and controls are in place to prevent data leakage from corporate apps to personal apps?
    Prevents accidental or malicious data sharing.

Integration & Interoperability

  • Describe your solution's integration with identity providers (Okta, Ping, Microsoft Entra ID) for MFA and SSO.
    Streamlines user authentication and enhances security.
  • How does your solution integrate with SIEM/XDR platforms for unified threat visibility?
    Provides a comprehensive view of security incidents across the enterprise.
  • Does your solution offer an API for integration with custom applications and workflows?
    Enables automation and customization to meet specific business needs.
  • How does your solution integrate with HRIS systems for automated onboarding and offboarding of mobile devices?
    Simplifies device management and ensures consistent security policies.

Compliance & Reporting

  • Does your solution support data residency controls to comply with GDPR and other data privacy regulations?
    Ensures compliance with international data protection laws.
  • Can you provide a BAA (Business Associate Agreement) for HIPAA-regulated environments?
    Demonstrates commitment to protecting healthcare data.
  • What compliance certifications does your solution hold (e.g., SOC 2, FedRAMP)?
    Validates the vendor's security and operational practices.
  • What reporting and auditing capabilities does your solution provide for compliance monitoring?
    Enables organizations to track and demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.

Pricing & Licensing

  • Provide a detailed breakdown of your pricing model, including per-device or per-user costs.
    Ensures transparent and predictable pricing.
  • Are there any additional costs for implementation, training, or support?
    Identifies potential hidden costs and ensures accurate TCO calculation.
  • Do you offer volume discounts for large deployments?
    Reduces costs for organizations with a large mobile workforce.
  • What is the renewal process and are there any price increases upon renewal?
    Provides long-term cost predictability.

Compliance and security requirements

Depending on your industry, you may need to require proof of these certifications and standards.

GDPR

Required if processing personal data of eu residents. If applicable, request information on data residency controls and compliance with GDPR requirements.

HIPAA

Required for healthcare data. If applicable, request a BAA (Business Associate Agreement) and documentation of HIPAA compliance measures.

PCI-DSS

Required if handling payment card data. If applicable, request a current PCI-DSS compliance certificate and Attestation of Compliance (AOC).

SOC 2 Type II

Required generally recommended for saas providers. If applicable, request a SOC 2 Type II report to assess the vendor's security controls.

Evaluation criteria

Here is the suggested weighting for mobile security RFPs.

Functionality Fit How well the solution meets the stated requirements and addresses specific use cases.
25%
Threat Detection & Prevention Capabilities Effectiveness in detecting and preventing mobile-specific threats, including phishing, malware, and network attacks.
20%
Integration Capabilities Seamless integration with existing identity providers, SIEM/XDR platforms, and other security tools.
15%
BYOD & Privacy Support Ability to securely manage BYOD devices while protecting employee privacy.
15%
Compliance & Reporting Support for industry-specific regulations and ability to generate compliance reports.
10%
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Implementation costs, licensing fees, and ongoing maintenance expenses.
10%
Vendor Stability & Innovation Vendor's financial stability, market reputation, and commitment to innovation in mobile security.
5%

Some weights were adjusted based on your priorities.

  • Increase if the organization has unique or complex mobile security needs.
  • Increase if the organization has a complex and highly integrated IT environment.

Red flags to watch

  • Lack of on-device threat detection

    A solution that relies solely on cloud connectivity leaves devices vulnerable when offline.

  • Opaque pricing structure

    Vendors who can't provide clear and predictable pricing often have hidden costs.

  • Poor integration with SIEM/XDR platforms

    Creates data silos and hinders unified threat visibility.

  • Invasive privacy policies

    Can lead to employee resistance and Shadow IT adoption.

  • No support for zero-touch deployment

    Indicates a lack of focus on streamlining device enrollment and reducing IT overhead.

Key metrics to request

Ask vendors to provide benchmarks from similar customers.

Mean Time To Detect (MTTD)

Indicates how quickly the solution identifies security threats.

Phishing Click Rate

Measures the effectiveness of anti-phishing measures.

Implementation timeline for similar customers

Helps set realistic expectations and identify potential delays.

Percentage of devices enrolled within the first month

Indicates the ease of deployment and user adoption.

Number of security incidents prevented per month

Demonstrates the value of the mobile security solution in preventing real-world attacks.