Endpoint Security - Safeguard Your Organization’s Data

Endpoint security is a collection of strategies, practices, and tools to protect endpoint devices from cyber threats, thereby strengthening overall network security. Endpoints include all devices connected to a network, such as laptops, smartphones, and servers.

Endpoint security: the first line of cyber defense

Endpoint security is the process of protecting all the endpoints in a network from cybersecurity threats and malicious attacks. An endpoint is a physical device (like a smartphone, workstation, embedded device, or server) that connects to a network or the cloud. With the increase in laptop use, remote work, and hybrid work, many (if not most) endpoints are now located away from the office. This means that many of the everyday tasks of endpoint security must be handled remotely.

The purpose of endpoint security is not just to protect the device and its stored data, but also to prevent cyber attackers from penetrating the network via the endpoint. In other words, endpoint protection is the first line of defense for network data, securing the potential points of entry and reducing the risk of broader network-level attacks.

In the past, endpoint security consisted of traditional antivirus software. Today, endpoint security solutions are far more complex, providing comprehensive protection from sophisticated malware and evolving zero-day threats. 

Organizations of all sizes are at risk from cyber threats. Endpoint security is a great place to start building your cybersecurity posture.

When endpoint security matters 

Imagine a business with 1000 employees. Each employee connects to the corporate network via a laptop and smartphone — at the very least. They may have personal devices too, such as a personal laptop, smartwatch, or tablet, that they use for work under a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. The network includes hundreds of endpoints in the office and at remote workstations, as well as servers, printers, and GPS navigation systems. This adds up to many thousands of endpoints, every one of which is at risk of hacking and must be included in the endpoint security strategy.

Endpoint security solutions are continually developing in line with the growing needs of organizations and increasing sophistication of cybersecurity threats. However, the risks are bigger than ever. During the first quarter of 2024, there was a 28% increase in cybersecurity attacks compared to Q4 2023.

Cyber attacks can cause irreparable disruptions and damage to businesses, both financially and reputationally.

Robust endpoint protection systems are designed to mitigate the risks of cyber threats, by identifying and preventing potential attacks and by quickly detecting, analyzing, blocking, and remediating attacks that are in progress. How? Read on.

How endpoint security protects devices and networks

There are numerous components that make up a complete endpoint security solution, from threat prevention and detection, to response and remediation. These include commonly used cybersecurity practices and techniques, such as application blacklisting, multi-factor authentication, and automated patching, among others. 

Walk through the main elements and processes below to understand how endpoint security works:

Threat prevention

A key strategy for preventing cyber attacks is the installation of antivirus software that scans endpoints for known malware signatures and behaviors, blocking malicious software before it can cause harm. Firewalls control incoming and outgoing network traffic on endpoints, preventing unauthorized access.

Implementing whitelists and blacklists ensures that only approved applications are allowed to run on the endpoint device, reducing the risk of malware infections from unauthorized software. In addition, data stored on endpoints is encrypted, ensuring that even if a device is compromised or stolen, the data remains protected.

Threat detection

Endpoint security solutions monitor the behavior of applications and processes on the device to detect anomalies that could indicate a threat, such as unusual network connections or file modifications. EDR tools continuously monitor endpoints for signs of suspicious activities, providing real-time detection and alerting security teams to potential incidents.

Threat response

Endpoint security solutions automatically respond to detected threats by isolating infected devices, terminating malicious processes, or quarantining files. IT and infosec teams use threat response tools to investigate and respond to security incidents, including conducting forensic analysis and restoring systems after a threat or attack.

Access control

Controlling access to endpoints is a critical component of endpoint security, ensuring that only authorized users can access certain devices, systems, or data. Two-factor or multi-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verifications to access their devices or the network. For example, they may need to click a link on their mobile phone, or enter a code sent to another device, in order to access the endpoint.

Patch management

Keeping operating systems, software, and applications up to date with regular patching is vital to close security gaps that could be exploited by hackers. Atera’s all-in-one IT management platform supports automated patching, so that patches are applied to endpoint devices in a timely and efficient way as soon as updates are available.

Endpoint security solutions and tools (beyond antivirus) 

Every additional endpoint device that is connected to a network contributes to ‘device sprawl’. Despite large investments in endpoint security, businesses still report that around 48% of endpoint devices may be at risk. 

A modern endpoint security strategy must include a range of solutions and tools for comprehensive, effective endpoint protection, including:

• Antivirus software: protects against malware and ransomware
• NGAV (next-generation antivirus): incorporates AI and machine learning in antivirus software to expand its threat-detection capabilities.
• NGFW (next-generation firewalls): combines traditional firewall capabilities with advanced features like intrusion prevention, application control, and threat intelligence integration.
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): advanced threat detection, investigation, and response capabilities, to identify and mitigate sophisticated threats.
• Unified Endpoint Management (UEM): centralized platform to manage, secure, and monitor all endpoints, ensuring consistent security policies and compliance.
• Identity and Access Management (IAM): manages user identities and enforces access controls, often integrated with endpoint security to ensure secure user authentication.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): monitors and controls the movement of sensitive data across endpoints, preventing unauthorized sharing or leakage.
• Patch management tools: automates the deployment of patches and updates to ensure that endpoints are protected against known vulnerabilities.
• VPNs: encrypts data in transit, ensuring secure remote access to corporate networks and protecting data from interception.
• Backup tools: regularly backs up endpoint data to ensure that it can be recovered in the event of data loss or a ransomware attack.

Each of these tools is part of a larger patchwork of protections that contribute to endpoint security. At a bare minimum, admins should ensure that every device that’s connected to the network has up-to-date antivirus software as well as the most recent patches and updates for relevant applications. Patch management and zero-trust architecture are critical pieces of a complete endpoint security solution.

Best practices for endpoint security: tips to get it right

Many of the routine day-to-day actions taken by endpoint users can compromise endpoint security. For example, copying files to USB or uploading files to the web are two of the most common actions to trigger endpoint security alerts.

This can make it very tricky to secure endpoints accurately and effectively. Here are some recommended best practices for endpoint security to increase visibility of all devices, detect issues faster, and reduce remediation and response times.

• Scan the network regularly: Conduct quarterly or monthly network discovery scans to detect any anomalies or suspicious activities on endpoints.
• Implement automated patching: Use a patching tool with automation capabilities, such as Atera, to streamline patching and boost protection against vulnerabilities.
• Use strong, unique passwords: Enforce the use of complex passwords that are unique to each account in your organization.
• Set up multi-factor authentication: Require two or more forms of verification for accessing devices and sensitive data.
• Enforce least privilege access: Limit user permissions to only what is necessary for their role.
• Enable remote wipe for mobile devices: A key tactic in MDM (Mobile Device Management) ensures that lost or stolen mobile devices can be wiped remotely to prevent unauthorized exposure of data.
• Backup endpoint data regularly: This ensures recovery in the event of data loss or a ransomware attack.
• Track endpoint activities: Monitor and log endpoint activities to detect suspicious behavior and maintain a clear audit trail for investigations.
• Train employees and users in endpoint security: Most cybersecurity incidents are due to human error. Educate employees on security best practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts, to raise awareness and reduce the leading cause of cyber attacks.

An automated IT management tool that covers many of the bases of endpoint security can help you implement the best practices outlined above, and enhance the integrity of your cybersecurity posture.

For a smarter, affordable approach to endpoint security, try Atera. Start your free trial today.