Due to the rise in hybrid workplace environments and cloud-based computing, the threat landscape for every business has changed, and there are increased vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks. Because this is likely to continue into the future, protecting devices or endpoints will be a top priority for companies.
It’s critical to achieve the highest possible level of endpoint security. Endpoints are susceptible to cyber-attacks, and a successful breach of network security could have serious consequences. From data theft to the shutdown of critical business functions, there is no shortage of risks associated with unsecured endpoints. To combat these risks and protect your company’s technology investments, you need endpoint security.
To mitigate risk and ensure compliance with industry standards, businesses need to look for endpoint protection platforms to ensure robust security. To choose the best endpoint security solution for your business, you should consider various factors like ease of implementation, cost of implementation, scalability, and more.
What is endpoint security?
Devices such as laptops, mobile devices, and computers are endpoints, and as entry points to your business networks, are vulnerable to being targeted by malicious actors.
Protecting end-user devices from cyber-attacks is referred to as endpoint security. This is where system vulnerabilities are identified and safeguarded against potential dangers, and breaches can be mitigated if they occur.
Advanced technology such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, automation, and predictive analytics software has supplanted basic solutions such as antivirus software and firewalls in endpoint security.
How to better secure your endpoints
With the increased shift to remote, hybrid, or mobile workforces, there has been an increased awareness that end-user devices and applications are becoming a doorway for cybercriminals to access business data.
According to research, nearly 70% of organizations have experienced at least one endpoint attack that successfully compromised IT infrastructure or data, and most of those experienced some form of malware.
The aftermath of a cyber-attack, including security response, mitigation, and investigation, is costly, and may also incur legal or compliance expenses if your company has not adhered to data protection regulations. If your company’s brand or reputation is damaged, there is a possibility your organization may shut down.
Investing in robust endpoint security best practices and management is the best way to prevent these negative outcomes. Here are some endpoint security tips:
Endpoint identification
The first thing you should do to secure your network is to discover all the devices connected to it, catalog them, and assess them. Only then can you give priority to the most at-risk and sensitive endpoints, those that have been approved for network access, and that have automatic application updates.
Identify and data access management
It’s astonishing how many organizations lack fundamental data storage, access, and use protocols. Your business must establish data classifications if it wants to keep critical data secure and accessible only to authorized individuals. Multi-factor authentication and identity data access management can ensure only users who are permitted can access certain resources. When data access controls are breached, system administrators should be notified automatically of the security incident in real-time, so they can act immediately.
Advanced and automated endpoint protection
Traditional endpoint protection tools like firewalls and antivirus software are having trouble keeping up with sophisticated malware detection, which may expose security issues for enterprise networks. Endpoint protection tools need to be able to cope with advanced threats and provide comprehensive and centrally managed protection for all applications, data, and endpoint devices.
Enhanced security awareness
The growing number of data breaches related to employee carelessness is of concern. Businesses should ensure their employees are educated and kept up to date with the latest knowledge about threats and security technologies. This improves their awareness of potential threats and minimizes the possibility of a security breach. During the onboarding process, new employees and those working in hybrid work models should prioritize security education early and often, to maintain a strong security posture throughout the organization.
Better secure your endpoints
Endpoint security and management is far more than antivirus software and firewalls. With PWR Technologies, you can integrate endpoint management with other IT solutions to gain greater visibility over key resources while reducing overall expense via resource optimization, providing long-term and extensive advantages to your organization. Contact the endpoint management specialists at PWR Technologies today.
