Endpoint security is one of the most critical elements of data security for businesses. Yet it’s evolved so much, and many are still using older methods. Here, we explore what modern endpoint security really looks like.
In today’s landscape, data is undoubtedly one of the most important and valuable assets that businesses can own. Imagine what would happen if that data was stolen or lost.
It’s worrying, isn’t it?
Yet it’s a reality many organisations are facing. Why? Because even with the strongest perimeter defence, attackers can still make their way through and into your network. The risk is present for everyone, from small startups to multinational corporations, so endpoint security is essential.
Securing endpoints
‘Endpoints’, in this instance, are the devices and equipment that employees use. Things like laptops, smartphones, tablets and wearables all stand at the ‘end’ of your network, acting as an entry point. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are known for exploiting these entry points to gain access to networks. They wreak havoc by manipulating data, holding it hostage, and stealing it & selling it on.
And the situation is only getting worse.
Years ago, each employee would have a computer. If they were lucky. Today, an employee may have a desktop computer, a laptop computer, and a tablet. They may have a work mobile and an internet-connected desk phone. Some might even bring their own devices into the office, or log into the network from their own personal computer at home. They might have a smartwatch, logged into their workplace accounts. Today, there are not only more endpoints within any given business, but more forms of endpoint than ever before. This is creating brand new challenges.
It’s becoming much more difficult to secure the growing number of endpoints. And at a time when the amount of attack attempts is increasing, and the methods becoming increasingly sophisticated, this is bad news. With businesses getting overwhelmed with digital security, and struggling to properly secure their devices, endpoints are naturally becoming a more attractive target for cybercriminals.
On the upside, endpoint security is evolving. It’s shifting away from basic antivirus software to offer more well-rounded, comprehensive, and proactive protection against the threats that are out there.
How has endpoint security evolved?
Early endpoint protection practices were focused on removing viruses – and other types of malware – that had made their way onto devices. This was very much a ‘wait and see’ approach; businesses would wait for an attack to occur and, once it did, they’d use antivirus software to take action.
Today, that’s not what we want.
Antivirus software is still an important part of digital security. It’s there to remove viruses if they get onto devices. But modern endpoint security is about stopping them getting onto devices in the first place. It’s a more proactive approach that’s rooted in prevention, rather than cure.
The advanced endpoint protection techniques used today can quickly identify potential threats before they reach devices, analysing level of risk and automatically blocking attacks in progress.
How are endpoints monitored today?
So how does it all work?
It all starts with powerful endpoint protection platforms. These platforms are designed to allow cybersecurity professionals to remotely monitor workplace devices for possible threats.
However, the smartest endpoint protection comes from dedicated endpoint detection & response (EDR) software. These solutions go one step further, embarking on the next stage of endpoint security evolution. They offer continuous visibility into exactly what’s happening on each individual device, in real time. This is achieved through AI-powered technologies that ‘learn’ what threats look like and understand the difference between normal and malicious behaviours for each business. They implement the most suitable responses – at the right time – to minimise impact on organisations.
At Reliable, we’re committed to offering our clients the best possible solutions, which means we’ve fully embraced EDR as part of our approach to endpoint security. We’ve proudly partnered with N-able – a leader in modern endpoint protection – to ensure our clients’ devices are remaining as safe as possible in this challenging digital environment, securing sensitive data in the most effective way.
Interested in finding out more about our N-able solutions? Get in touch with us.
