Endpoint security refers to securing end-points or end-user devices such as desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices. Endpoints act as access points to an enterprise network and create entry points that by malicious actors can exploit these entry points.
Endpoint security software protects these entry points from any risky activities or malicious attack. Companies can make sure that the endpoint complies with data security standards; they can support greater control over the growing number of network access points.
Why is endpoint security important?
Organizations and their employees are integrating practices constantly to make data access more flexible. The increase in BYOD “Bring Your Own Device” policies, along with threats targeting mobile and network access, creates multiple vulnerabilities at the endpoint. Employees who work from home or connect to Wi-Fi networks to work on the go mean that the perimeter of enterprise network security is more porous than ever.
In the past, most security breaches came across the network. Today, but threats are continuously coming through endpoints, so that central network protection is not enough. Changing a security perimeter that lacks a clear definition requires new layers of security through endpoint protection. Security should support more control over access points to prevent security vulnerabilities that could arise with the remote devices.
Endpoint and network security
Endpoint security software uses encryption and application control to secure devices accessing the enterprise network, and control the security for these access methods to monitor and block dangerous activity. Data encryption on endpoints and removable storage devices helps protect against data leakage and loss. Application Control prevents endpoint users from executing unauthorized applications that could create security holes in the network.
Endpoint security solutions often use a client-server model of protection, in which they use both a centrally managed security solution to protect the network and locally installed client software on each endpoint used to access that network. Working on a SaaS (software as a service) model, SaaS maintains centralized security solutions and endpoints from a distance.
Endpoint protection and antivirus program
Antivirus software is essential to endpoint security; It doesn’t always protect individual devices and servers. Implementing endpoint protection creates a two-pronged approach to security by securing individual devices that connect to the network. Using an endpoint security approach makes endpoints more responsible for security than antivirus software that protects the network alone.
As companies become increasingly dependent on data, the need for information security is greater than ever. Unfortunately, IT teams often lack the budget or expertise to launch and support an IT security program. This will lead to trouble to plan a comprehensive Information and Event Management (SIEM) strategy. And companies don’t always have the resources to work with a managed security service provider because they involve vigilant management of SLAs. Therefore, companies that need protection without spending much of their budget should choose low-maintenance endpoint protection.
Check out the following options:
Did you know that 91 per cent of cyber threats start as phishing attacks? Users open emails from unknown sources without realizing it is a fraud and accidentally expose their systems to database or root group injections, ransomware, and personally-identifying information theft. Exerting some awareness goes a long way in preventing this problem. Share some easy to implement tips with your employees.
Instead of blasting your budget on “SIEM” which stands for “Security information and event management software”, it is easier to install an active threat detection program that runs in the system background. Use active protection to fulfil three fundamental orientations, including:
Right monitoring of open applications in real-time.
Create active network firewalls.
Record every event in a central dashboard in order and according to the event date, time and computer.
In this way, you implement an effective and passive approach to detecting and preventing cyber-attack threats in business environments.
Times change, and so do digital threats. Therefore, even an organization that spends tens of thousands of dollars every month on homeland security is not immune to interference. But does this mean that you give up and give in digital attacks? No! Instead, create an incident response plan, preferably one that enables you to hold off cyber-attacks quickly.
You need to upgrade your security software to the latest versions and get rid of any software that you do not use in the workplace. Update applications, security software, the mobile operating system, and web browsers on any device connected to the Internet. These updates offer an added layer of protection against growing threats such as spyware, adware, ransomware, computer viruses, and more.
If your IT service provider provides BYOD security “Bring Your Own Device”, they can show what error you do. Besides, if you have downloaded an application for a specific purpose and you no longer need it, the best practice is to remove the program from your mobile device. Not only does this free up space, but it makes the system less vulnerable also.