Endpoint security is becoming increasingly more important with the emergence of varied workplaces, where employees work both in the office and remote locations. Remote employees face a host of challenges, from accessing sensitive data through potentially unsafe WiFi networks to weaker physical security controls at home and elsewhere. Endpoint Protection and Unified Endpoint Management tools provide solutions to these problems and more.
Cybercriminals are continuously coming up with new ways to infiltrate and steal private information, which includes attacking connected devices. Endpoint security aims at preventing this from happening while offering a host of benefits protecting company assets, saving time and money, and lending toward compliance efforts.
What is Endpoint Security and Why is it Important?
Your endpoints are all of the devices that connect to your business environment, such as laptops, computer workstations, tablets, and cellphones. Endpoint security aims at preventing bad actors from accessing these entry points. It is a practice that encompasses several measures to protect endpoints and mitigate threats. Among others, these measures might include antivirus and antimalware solutions, which are the most popular form of endpoint protection. Endpoint protection is critical because endpoints are often seen as the weakest link within a business environment and most vulnerable point of contact.
What are the Key Features of an Endpoint Tool?
An Endpoint Security tool should include a number of features that support its functionality. When searching for an Endpoint Security tool, here are some key features to consider:
- Scanning functionality for email and website traffic to block malicious downloads.
- Protection from vulnerability exploits which can lead to unintended access and data loss.
- Reporting and alerting to provide early visibility into security issues.
Endpoint management features typically allow for remote application and device control from a central location. Unified Endpoint Management solutions allow IT administrators to manage and monitor company-owned endpoints.
Other features of endpoint solutions might include rapid Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), User Behaviour Analytics (UBA), and third-party integrations.
Types of Endpoint Security
Numerous types of endpoint security measures are relevant to small businesses. Here are just a few:
Data Loss Prevention: Data Loss Prevention tactics should focus on training employees in endpoint security awareness – this should include proper workstation use, email hygiene, phishing, and digital social engineering. Beyond this, Data Loss Prevention also includes deploying services like malware protection and antivirus.
Data Classification: The practice of Data Classification allows for companies to differentiate between the varying types of data they hold. This allows companies to know where their sensitive data is and determine which devices should have access to it.
Endpoint Encryption: Endpoint Encryption allows for an extra layer of protection by ensuring that anyone without the appropriate keys cannot access sensitive data.
Device and Browser Controls: Device and Browser Controls stop malicious actors at the outset, protecting endpoints where it matters. Device controls usually include antimalware and antivirus protection where browsers generally have additional add-ons that block malicious connections and content.
Endpoint Security Best Practices
Your company should roll out a worthy antivirus and antimalware software to all devices. For application and device control, employing a Unified Endpoint Management solution, which allows for control of devices from one central hub, is your best option. Finally, if feasible, ensure that endpoints that have access to sensitive data and systems are encrypted.
Get Your Business Secure with Carbide
Get started on securing your business quickly with our information security management platform. Our security experts will help guide you through the many frameworks available to begin building your security foundation. Carbide helps you stay organized as you move through the mountain of requirements for implementing frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and NIST 800-171. Having all your policies, processes, and procedures under our platform will help you start checking off compliance requirements and gain a clear picture of what you need to do next.
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