For the past century, technological advancement has been disrupting industries, sending ripples of change throughout the world. Every time a new piece of technology is released, the security perimeter of the network stretches.

At first, our network covered only devices that were physically present within the organization. Today, we can connect private devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptops to the network. Unfortunately, traditional cybersecurity models and solutions don’t cover these endpoint devices.

Endpoint security was developed to provide protection in these new territories at the endpoint of the network. This article explains the concept of endpoint security, the importance of this subset of cybersecurity, and reviews five best practice to help you maintain a viable endpoint security strategy.

What Is Endpoint Security?

Cybercriminals often use endpoint devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, or Internet of Things (IoT) to gain access to networks. To prevent these attacks, organizations implement a set of security measures to protect the network from attacks that originate at the endpoint of the network. These security measures are called endpoint security.

What Endpoint Security Can Do for You

The digital revolution has been providing organizations with numerous technological inventions. Cloud computing has made it possible for personnel to access workflows from any location and from any device. You can work from home or from a coffee shop. When you do come to work, you don’t even need a desktop PC — you can Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).

As long as you have Internet access — whether you’re using a WiFi or a 4G connection — you can log into your account and get to work. The question is — who comes to work along with you?

Visibility Into the Endpoint Helps Organizations Redefine the Security Perimeter

A crucial role of endpoint security is to provide visibility into the endpoint of the network.

Endpoint devices are often in the hands of individuals who aren’t well-versed in cybersecurity protocols. They aren’t aware of the threats they carry in their smart devices. They don’t know that attackers can use their shiny, tiny smartphone to launch an attack that will bring an entire network down.

On the other side of the well-intentioned employee, there are insider threats — employees who deliberately seek to harm the organization. Some do so by downloading files and stealing trade secrets. Others use their network access to inject malware that corrupts files and destroys data, or ransomware that forces organizations to hand over their hard earned money for the safe return of their valuable data.

In both cases, without endpoint security, it would be almost impossible for an organization to prevent such an attack. How can you protect your network from a remote device you have absolutely no control over? You can implement endpoint security measures within the network and on all endpoint devices.

How Endpoint Security Solutions Work

Endpoint security solutions combine two tiers of security into one centralized platform, covering visibility and control measures for the network and its endpoints. The central endpoint security management system that controls agents that run at the devices. The agent at the endpoint sends back data in the form of performance logs and security alerts for analysis.

Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPPs) contain several tools such as antivirus, firewalls, and network security, as well as other features. Modern EPPs also incorporate Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) security capabilities. Some features to consider when looking for an endpoint security solution include:

Endpoint monitoring — for identifying abnormal behavior. An effective system can help you reduce the number of false positives. By prioritizing alerts you’ll be able to detect genuine threats. Advanced threats detection — look for a solution that can help you identify sophisticated threats such as file-less attacks and unknown malware. Integration with SIEM — or threat intelligence sharing systems, feeding data collected at the endpoints. Response and remediation — some solutions can help you fight attacks by detonating malware in a sandbox. Deployment of automated vulnerability shielding — virtual patching of the vulnerable endpoint can prevent an exploit before an attacker gets the chance to hack your system. Deception technology — or “honey pots” can route malware to a decoy system. The honey pots lure attackers into genuine-looking systems, where the activity of the attacker is tracked and analyzed. Recommendations for response — a solution equipped with advanced analysis capabilities can provide you with response recommendations and help identify the attackers.

5 Tips to Help Keep Your Endpoints Secure

Securing endpoints is vital for any organization, yet it isn’t a substitute for your existing cybersecurity operations. To ensure there are no conflicts between security practices, incorporate your endpoint security solution into the broader security strategy of your organization. Keep in mind the following best practices as you set up your own endpoint security.

1. Keep Your First Layers of Defense Up-to-Date

Ensure your antivirus and firewalls are updated periodically. Use access control lists to filter who can connect and keep unauthorized users or packages from entering the network. A good option is to implement the principle of least privilege, granting the minimum privileges to employees. That means that users only get the level of permission they need, reducing the chance of insider threats.

It is imperative to keep both hardware and software updated to the latest versions. A large number of attacks are preying on outdated systems. Keeping systems updated is one of the easiest ways to ensure safety. For endpoints such as mobile devices, companies can deploy automatic updates. Using an endpoint security solution ensures that updates are implemented from a central management system.

2. Scan Periodically

Don’t limit your scanning to the first endpoint device connected to the network. Routine, automatic full malware scans should be part of the security endpoint protocols. Weekly or monthly full malware scans can help you catch vulnerabilities before they get exploited.

3. Disable Ports You No Longer Need

Unused ports are sometimes left unsecured. This provides a perfect opening for an attacker to enter the system. The security team must check all ports and secure them, disabling the ones that are not in use. Every endpoint must be port restricted on a need-to-use basis. Disable Bluetooth or infrared devices and modems while not in use — don’t allow them to remain on standby.

4. Multi-Factor Authentication

Relying on usernames and passwords is not secure. Nowadays, bots crack credentials faster than you can invent a password. Multi-factor authentication such as temporary codes or biometric passwords, make it more difficult to force an entrance.

5. Pair Endpoint Security with Threat Intelligence

Choosing a solution that integrates with threat intelligence platforms can be the difference between responding to an attack and preventing it. Threat intelligence can help you detect advanced threats such as zero-days. Solutions with User and Entity Behavior Analysis (UEBA) can detect and contain malicious behavior at the endpoint level.

Conclusion

Endpoint security provides a layer of defense at the device level. In today’s dynamic world, new and improved paradigms disrupt the ever-changing landscape of technology. The traditional security perimeter has been blurred and stretched to accommodate all of the sums of the network.

As IoT devices penetrate the market, self-driving vehicles deliver our groceries, and AI-powered products integrate into our daily life, they stretch the security perimeter into new territories. What happens when Smar Cities allow for the use of unsupervised AI in transportation or welfare or finance systems? More devices will connect at the endpoint, endangering entire cities and civilizations.

To ensure the continued health of your network, look for an endpoint solution that can enhance an overall strategy that looks for the future as well as the past. Then you’ll have a security partner which is dynamic and flexible, intelligent and active, and well equipped to handle the technological changes to come.