Cybersecurity - Endpoint
What’s considered an endpoint?
An Endpoint is any device that connects to a network. Examples of endpoint device include:
- Laptops
- Tablets
- mobile devices
- Point-of-sale (POS) systems
- Switches
- Digital printers
- Other devices that communicate with the central network
Why Endpoint security is important
An endpoint security strategy is essential because every endpoint can be the entry point for an attack, and the number of remote endpoints, or endpoints accessing the network through the internet, is only increasing with the rapid pandemic-related shift to remote work. Now that citizens work remotely more than ever before, it is crucial to have protection for all your devices.
How Endpoint Protection works
It works by examining files, processing, and system activity for suspicious or malicious indicators.
Difference between Endpoint Protection and Antivirus
Endpoint security software protects endpoints from being breached – no matter if they are physical or virtual, on- or off-premise, in data centers, or in the Cloud. It is installed on laptops, desktops, servers, virtual machines, as well as remote endpoints themselves.
Antivirus is often part of an endpoint security solution and is generally regarded as one of the more basic forms of endpoint protection. Instead of using advanced techniques and practices, such as threat hunting and endpoint detection and response (EDR), antivirus simply finds and removes known viruses and other types of malware. Traditional antivirus runs in the background, periodically scanning a device’s content for patterns that match a database of virus signatures. Antivirus is installed on individual devices inside and outside the firewall.
What is Endpoint Security Management?
The more endpoint devices connect to a corporate network, the more avenues cybercriminals have to infiltrate that network. Endpoint security management is a software approach, typically centralized, that enables network administrators to identify and manage end users’ device access—even employees’ personal devices—over the corporate network.
Examples of endpoint security management include, but are not limited to:
- Managed antivirus software
- Web filtering
- Application/patch management
- Network access control and “need to know”
- Virtual private network (VPN) software
- Data and email encryption
- Ensure your devices are up-to-date with the latest software
Importance of having EPS
- Protecting all endpoints: As employees now connect via not only a growing number of endpoints but also different types of devices, it is vital for organizations to ensure they do so securely. They also need to ensure that the data on those devices is secure and cannot be lost or stolen.
- Securing remote working: The rise in device usage is linked to new ways of getting work done, such as bring your own device (BYOD) and remote working policies. These policies enable employees to be as effective as possible wherever they are and on any device. However, they also make it more difficult to ensure users are working securely, thus creating vulnerabilities for hackers to exploit. Protecting the device with an endpoint security platform is crucial.
- Sophisticated threat protection: Hackers are deploying more sophisticated attack methods that see them come up with new ways of gaining access to corporate networks, stealing data, and manipulating employees into giving up sensitive information. Endpoint protection is critical to securing the modern enterprise and preventing cyber criminals from gaining access to their networks.
- Protecting identity: As employees connect to business systems via various devices and from different networks and locations, the traditional process of protecting the business perimeter is no longer viable. Endpoint security ensures that the business puts security on employees’ devices, enabling them to work safely regardless of how and where they connect to corporate data and resources.