Endpoint Security

In this section you will read about :

1. What is endpoint security?

2. What are the types of endpoints ?

3. Why do we need endpoint security?

4. What are the key components of endpoint security?

5. What to consider while selecting the endpoint protection?

6. Endpoint protection suites for small businesses

Endpoint security refers to the security maintained for securing the endpoint devices like mobiles, laptops, desktops, etc. These devices are always on the verge of being exploited by cyber-attacks and malicious agents. The endpoint security systems are responsible for protecting these endpoint devices connected to a network or cloud from these threats.

EPP or endpoint protection platforms work mainly by examining the network's files and information. The modern ones can hold an ever-expanding database containing threat information, making accessing this data in the cloud easier. As a result, it offers enhanced speed and scalability.

The entire system works by administering a centralized console that remains installed on a server or network gateway. It allows cybersecurity experts to control the security of every device connected to that network. Following this, the client software is assigned to each endpoint which can be managed remotely or be installed directly on the device, as per requirement.

Once the endpoint has been set successfully, the client software then pushes updates to the endpoint devices to authenticate the log-in attempts while administering the corporate policies from one location. Additionally, these secure endpoints block the usage of any application that isn't safe or authorized to prevent data thefts.

An endpoint refers to the remote computing device which can communicate seamlessly with the connected network. Some of the common examples of endpoint devices are:

• Laptops
• Desktops
• Cloud based Apps
• Servers
• IoT Devices
• Network Devices
• Smartphones
• Smartwatches
• Mobile devices
• Printers
• Medical devices

So, if any device is connected to a network, it is regarded as the endpoint. With the continual demand for BYOD and IoT, there has been a massive increase in the number of individual devices connected to the company's network. Therefore, with the rise in the number of devices, there is a potential increment in the entry points for malware and cyber threats. Among the rest, mobile phones are the most vulnerable ones.

If your business deals with crucial client data and information, endpoint security is crucial for you. Cybercriminals are continually devising new strategies and using updated technologies to steal private information from companies. Small or giant enterprises, every organization needs to ensure that every endpoint device is secured to keep malware from spreading through it.

A few reasons why your organization needs endpoint security are:

• To protect devices from traditional malware like Trojans and ransomware, malicious JavaScript, PowerShell, VBScript, and other macros
• To protect trade secrets and the company's other intellectual property, thereby boosting performance
• Freeing IT professionals can help them to focus on core business objectives while streamlining the management strategies for online threat prevention
• Maintaining proper data security regulations against private and public data, potential threats, and more

Check this blog to learn about endpoint security's key benefits.

Is your company promoting a 'bring your own device (BYOD) culture? With the continual rise in the number of mobile IoT devices, the organization needs to consider the importance of endpoint security solutions. Here are the key components of endpoint security for your reference:

• Device protection is meant for identifying and investigating suspicious activities on endpoint devices using the endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to track the events and tackle potential threats in advance. In addition, the next-generation antivirus utilizes ML and advanced analytics to handle phishing attacks and offer ultimate protection against ransomware.
• Network controls are useful for filtering and monitoring the inbound network traffic. In addition, it functions as a comprehensive firewall that helps identify, detect, and handle potential security threats that can infect the entire company’s network.
• Application controls mainly involve the integration of the application servers, which can limit endpoint access. In addition, this component involves application patching, which removes all the security risks related to the individual software systems, thereby helping improve the security cover by keeping all endpoints updated.
• Data controls is responsible for managing data handling over the network. It includes both stored data and the one in transit. It is the tool that helps prevent data leaks and enhances overall data security by encrypting valuable and sensitive information. Here, encryption plays a significant role in making the data unreadable and remote to cyber attackers.
• Browser protections ensure that the appropriate web filter options can screen the sites that are used by the authorized users while staying connected to the network to minimize unnecessary threats and security risks.

Endpoint protection is a crucial aspect of the multi-layered cybersecurity approach. While selecting the vendor for the same, the companies need to be careful about the following characteristics:

• Detection rates help in auditing your network traffic for any malware attacks. Try using a dedicated test machine that does not store valuable data and offers a reliable way to conduct real-world tests to detect any malicious agents entering your company's network.
• False positives detection is necessary to avoid the unnecessary chase of false positives or non-existent threats, which can waste many IT resources. False positives aren’t malicious and are available as alerts on the file. Identifying these false positives can help avoid changes made to the systems that must be left alone.
• System footprint is a crucial aspect to consider. Focus on finding whether the system continually updates and slows down the entire performance of the system. Such lagging issues can affect the system's ability to accomplish its job.
• Look for a cloud-based console that offers seamless maintenance and ease of management. Automate the routine tasks while deploying configurations from any location without requiring additional hardware or software integration.
• Support responses are essential to help you navigate through the system hassle-free. Ensure that your vendor offers you an easy, simplistic way to contact technical support 24*7 in case of further assistance.

Concerned about finding the best endpoint protection suite for your business? DC Gears offers you the best platform to connect with the top service providers, including Aruba, Barracuda, Cisco, Fortinet, VMware, CrowdStrike, etc. In addition, we aim to bring you the finest cybersecurity facilities at competitive prices globally.

With a global presence in more than 40 countries, we offer you excellent on-site services in various countries and six continents, including the USA, the UK, India, Australia, the Middle East, etc. Need to learn more? Feel free to contact us today.