Endpoint Security: Why Should You Care?

Today’s workforce is a mix of office-based, remote, and hybrid workers that utilise both own devices (endpoints!) and business PCs and laptops to work from anywhere due to the modern workplace’s rapid transition and BYOD. If you don’t pay attention to endpoint security, then you are exposing private company information to danger.

 

The horror of cybersecurity gets worse. Consider the most recent wearable watches, intelligent gadgets, voice-controlled digital assistants, and other IoT-enabled smart devices your employees may use to access your company network. These mobile endpoint devices are no longer only Android phones and iPhones.  

 

Each endpoint is a gateway for your employees to access critical information about your company.

 

One successful cyberattack is all it takes to damage your business seriously, and your employees’ devices are frequently the most specific targets for hackers. More than 68% of enterprises suffered at least one endpoint attack that successfully compromised their data and IT infrastructure in the previous 12 months, according to a 2020 survey by the Ponemon Institute.

 

What Are the Most Regular Threats to Business Devices’ Cybersecurity? 

 

Any user device that can connect to your network is known as an endpoint. The question is, what kinds of assaults are most likely to target these endpoints and wreak havoc with your data? 

 

Here are five to get you started: 

1. Phishing Attacks 

Phishing, the most prevalent and straightforward attack, employs phoney text and email messages to access your network. These communications seem to be from a reputable source (such as a bank or another well-known organisation) to deceive users into disclosing personal information or installing malware.

2. Outdated Patches 

Even though frequent patches are one of the annoyances of contemporary computing, they are a necessary evil if you want to defend yourself from ever-changing online threats. Unfortunately, many businesses still forget to press the update button, even some in the Forbes 500. 

3. Malware Ads 

These attacks, also known as malvertising, take advantage of advertising that looks legal and can circulate on reliable websites and social media platforms before being removed. More advanced malware operations entail inserting malware into online advertisements so that they launch automatically without clicking! 

Popular websites, including The New York Times, the London Stock Exchange, and Spotify, have served as host victims.

4. Drive-by Download” 

Deceptive techniques like phoney system alarms and antivirus software notifications are called “drive-by-downloads.” Although they employ various methods, these are comparable to phishing in that they depend on user deception to succeed. 

5. Ransomware 

Everyone is familiar with ransomware. This well-known spyware encrypts all of your data, prevents access to it, and demands a fee to unlock it. 

In recent years, ransomware has advanced to the point where it can now infect any device on your network without any user intervention. This implies that one user may lock down your ENTIRE database nationwide by clicking a link in an email.

The worst aspect of ransomware is that anyone might be affected at anytime. Some victims forced to pay a ransom to unlock their data include schools, hospitals, and even government agencies. 

 

Your Endpoint Cybersecurity Checklist in Three Steps 

 

Endpoint security is the first line of defence in preventing potential attacks on your company from entering through your endpoints. What three fundamental components must you implement as soon as possible to secure any endpoint that has access to your network and data?

 

Step 1: Use an EDR solution to concentrate on cybersecurity detection. 

The wisest course of action is no longer to shield a device from compromise. Modern attack techniques make it likely that an endpoint device on your network will eventually put your data in danger. Increased detection efforts using an Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solution will allow you to react quickly before even one hacked device causes a significant issue for your company.

 

How Do EDR Solutions Operate? 

 

EDR is a proactive method of security that continuously scans your systems for threats that may have gotten past your organization’s defences while keeping an eye on your endpoints. EDR is a constantly evolving technology intended to safeguard your data and provide in-depth insight into potential assaults. Your EDR service monitors the attack’s path and lets you know if and when an attacker is in your network. You can react to incidents instantly.

 

What to Consider When Choosing an EDR Solution 

 

Endpoint protection is one of the most crucial components of a multilayered cybersecurity strategy. Select a solution that allows you to concentrate on your business, is dependable, and doesn’t interfere with your processes. Do your research and consult reviews by well-known and trustworthy organisations to determine which suits you the best. 

 

When examining Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP), keep the following in mind:

• Rates of detection: You should pick security software to identify every threat that accesses your system. The problem is that most malware is engineered to avoid detection! So how can you determine the detection rates of the solutions you are looking at? Review the results of independent tests conducted by respected subject-matter specialists with a solid track record. 

 

• Probability of false positives: Even one false positive might harm your network, even though it seems there’s no need to worry about them. Your system may crash due to a false positive, or specific vital files or programmes may become inoperable. Each incident necessitates an investigation, using up your expensive IT resources.

 

• Performance Challenges: Make sure the security programme you select is compatible with the hardware and software in your environment. Pay close attention to user concerns, especially connectivity and system performance. Never should system sluggishness be tolerated in the name of security. You might also need to consider other factors while looking for an EDR solution. Your considerations may be cost and usability, or you may have compatibility issues with your current systems. Make sure the solution you select satisfies your minimum standards, regardless of the approach. It would be best if you didn’t make this decision quickly, so take your time researching the best option for your company.

 

Step 2: Educate all staff members about security awareness 

Monitoring the device and the user’s activity is one fundamental way to spot threats from an endpoint device. The Verizon 2022 Data Breach Investigations report states that 82% of all data breaches result from “people,” otherwise known as employees. 

Because of this, it is crucial to ensure that your staff members receive regular security awareness training and are informed about phishing attempts and other social engineering strategies. Additionally, teaching students basic security procedures like frequently updating their passwords, locking mechanisms, and configuring notifications will help prevent security breaches.

 

Step 3: Add a Layer of DNS Protection 

Between your employees and the internet, DNS protection can give an additional layer of security. Employees can reduce unnecessary risks and potential malicious attacks by employing DNS security at home and at work to filter out undesired content and blacklist risky websites.

A reliable DNS solution will provide: 

• Information filtering: Content filtering is frequently used by businesses to restrict objectionable content without requiring the endpoint devices to install any software. 
• Blocks websites that might contain harmful content, such as malware or phishing scams. 
• Protection from botnets: As the use of IoT devices continues to expand, botnets pose an increasingly serious threat. Your device is protected by this security, which prevents contact with known botnet servers. 
• Advertising blocking: This method of content filtering prevents the display of advertisements that can contain harmful software. Even if they are not harmful, these advertisements can harm your system’s performance and decrease efficiency.

 

Searching for best endpoint security ‘s vendors & solutions? Contact with Spectrum Edge to design your network security plan !

 

Article published by Reno Article