Endpoints have become the most common way to compute and communicate across interconnected networks and devices in today’s digitally empowered environment. However, with the rise in these devices, organizations are more susceptible than ever to cybersecurity concerns.
In this article, we’ll explore the key areas of endpoint security, including common threats, security strategies, best practices and more. Before we get into the fine details, what is an endpoint?
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Article Roadmap
- What Is an Endpoint?
- What Is Endpoint Security?
- Common Threats
- Endpoint Security Strategies
- Best Practices
- Next Steps
What Is an Endpoint?
An endpoint is any remote computing device connected to an organization’s network. Common examples of endpoints include:
- Mobile phones
- Laptops
- Desktops
- Servers
- Tablets
- Workstations
- Internet of Things (IoT) devices
- Virtual environments
The list continues to grow as more items, like printers and appliances, come out with “smart” versions that connect to the internet.
Businesses use endpoint devices in network security and end-user mobility circles for greater flexibility and productivity. And with the immediate requirement for work- and learn-from-home setups it created, the COVID-19 pandemic only escalated endpoint usage to enhance connectivity and efficiency.
The seismic shift towards remote infrastructure and hybrid IT environments hasn’t slowed down. According to Pew Research, 41% of those with remote jobs are working a hybrid schedule. With the popularity of trends like IoT and BYOD, endpoint device adoption has increased worldwide to keep up with the ever-evolving technological landscape.
Despite the benefits, personal device access to your organization’s network carries significant security risks. You need continuous monitoring to defend against data leakage, device loss or theft, poor mobile management, malware infiltration, lack of employee training and shadow IT.
What Is Endpoint Security?
Endpoint security is the practice of preventing, detecting and remedying threats and cyberattacks that target any device connected to your network or cloud.
It allows system administrators to control devices with adjustable policy settings depending on device type, risk level and employee need. For endpoint security to be effective, it must operate in real time and cover large and diverse device quantities, geographic regions and network types.
A screenshot of Webroot Endpoint Protection.
Comprehensive endpoint security solutions give you complete visibility into every endpoint device. They also continuously adapt to match ever-evolving threats using AI, machine learning and patch management technologies.
How Does It Work?
Endpoint security software updates all network servers and devices to keep pace with advanced threats. It also helps continuously monitor the network to identify and quickly respond to anomalies that might signal a security breach.
It uses various methods to detect and block malicious activities, such as antivirus and antispyware programs, firewall protection, intrusion prevention systems, advanced analytics, and encryption algorithms.
Why Is Endpoint Security Important?
The simplest answer is the scariest one: endpoints are extremely vulnerable to attack. In fact, they’re the weakest points in your business network. Think of them as potential entry points for cybercriminals. If the door’s open, they’ll come right in.
Today, businesses are witnessing an exponential rise in cybercrimes, making endpoint security a significant challenge for security teams worldwide. Remote work models and mobile environments have only increased this risk, as placing corporate devices outside traditional security perimeters broadens the attack surface and exposes data assets.
Significant growth in endpoint usage, shifting security perimeters and increasing cyberattacks demand a multi-layered endpoint security approach. Traditional security measures are no longer enough to protect against sophisticated threats.
Modern endpoint security systems can help you avoid critical data exploitation and protect your entire security framework. They safeguard access points by detecting, blocking and containing malicious threats.
Common Endpoint Threats
Before investing in endpoint security systems, knowing about existing cyber threats is always advisable. Here are some common endpoint threats businesses face:
Phishing Attacks: Hackers disguise themselves as legitimate entities to target victims via email, message or phone. They manipulate them into clicking on malicious attachments or links to steal credentials, commit fraud and distribute malware.
An Amazon login phishing page. Source
Fileless Malware: Cybercriminals constantly craft advanced techniques to evade detection by endpoint protection services. Fileless malware uses native, legitimate programs to install and execute cyberattacks on targeted systems.
Ransomware: This malware locks system screens or files to prevent victims from accessing them. Cybercriminals steal sensitive data, encrypt it and hold it hostage at a ransom, extorting businesses for the return of their assets.
WannaCry Ransomware. Source
Cryptojacking: This emerging cyber threat involves the unauthorized use of the device’s processing resources to secretly mine cryptocurrency. It often occurs via phishing emails that trick users into clicking on malicious links or downloading files that can load crypto-mining codes on the target device.
Zero-Day Attacks: They exploit vulnerabilities in systems that developers have yet to address or may not even know about. The name comes from the fact that users have only just learned of, or don’t know about, the flaw, meaning they have “zero days” to fix it.
Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks: These attacks cut off user access to devices by shutting down machines or networks. Cybercriminals accomplish this by flooding the target device with artificial traffic or information designed to trigger a crash or exploiting bugs already existing in target systems.
Endpoint Security Strategies
With the rate of cybersecurity threats only increasing in the digital landscape, protecting yourself and your company is more important than ever. Luckily, endpoint security strategies are ever-evolving too. Here are some of the most popular technologies:
Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)
EPP provides integrated tools that intercept security threats, protecting your devices against malware, data theft, ransomware, phishing, trojans and more.
They create defense layers against verified and unverified sources. The software analyzes factors like file reputation, risk level and user-specific requirements to authenticate or block access requests. This proactive approach identifies suspicious activity before it escalates.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
EDR offers a layered approach that combines continuous, real-time monitoring with rules-based automated response and analysis techniques.
This approach provides centralized visibility into all device activity in your network and offers granular control over endpoints. In addition to identifying potential threats, EDR removes and contains incidents breaching the security perimeter and helps investigate and remediate system damage.
Extended Detection and Response (XDR)
XDR is a unified cybersecurity solution that combines multiple protection tools, system communication and automated response capabilities. It monitors and interconnects potential risk areas, including endpoints, networks, cloud resources and email systems.
By correlating event data across these domains, XDR presents a holistic view of your security posture. It identifies a broader range of threats and offers automated response mechanisms to neutralize risks and minimize blind spots.
Managed Detection and Response (MDR)
MDR is an outsourced security solution that goes beyond alerting to offer threat hunting, incident response and remediation services. It provides 24/7 monitoring and advanced analytics to detect sophisticated threats that traditional security measures may bypass.
This technology stands out with its proactive approach — it doesn’t just react to threats but actively finds them. Chip in the expertise of security professionals, and you have a powerful tool that not only detects and responds to threats but also helps recover post-incident. It’s especially beneficial for businesses with limited in-house security resources.
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Best Practices
To safeguard your endpoints against evolving cyber threats, you must adhere to the following best practices:
Regularly Monitor and Update Endpoints
Monitor your network and endpoints to identify abnormal activities or potential breaches. Keep all systems and tools updated with the latest patches to prevent attackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities.
You must conduct regular data backups to recover information in case of a ransomware attack or system failure.
Implement Endpoint Encryption
Encrypt all information stored on endpoints to protect data confidentiality and integrity, particularly when devices might be lost, stolen or accessed by unauthorized individuals.
Apply Zero-Trust Security Measures
Adopt a zero-trust approach to continuously verify every user and device trying to access the network or resources, regardless of location. This model grants users access only to specific resources they need to perform their tasks.
Establish Strong Passwords and Access Control
You can encourage or enforce the use of strong, unique passwords and implement multi-factor authentication wherever possible. Develop strict policies for remote access, ensuring secure connectivity for remote employees.
Conduct Employee Training
Invest in security awareness training programs for your employees. Most cyberattacks originate from human error, so keep your team informed about the latest threats and prevention strategies.
Develop an Incident Response Plan
Have a clear plan for responding to security incidents. It should outline the steps you must take following breach identification, including isolating affected systems, investigating the breach, notifying relevant parties and implementing preventive measures to avoid future incidents.
Next Steps
Understanding what an endpoint is should highlight how every endpoint connected to your organization’s network is a potential entryway for security infringements and data leaks. You can control your servers, laptops and other devices by selecting an appropriate endpoint security solution that helps mitigate these risks.
Before investing in a security system, check out our free comparison guide for insights on the leading endpoint security solutions.
How does your organization benefit from using endpoints? What problems do you face with your endpoint devices? Let us know by leaving a comment below!