Endpoint protection has evolved over the years from traditional antivirus software to comprehensive software that protects against sophisticated malware and zero-day threats.
What Is Endpoint Protection?
Endpoint protection refers to a security approach that focuses on securing individual endpoints, such as desktop computers, laptops, servers, or mobile devices, within a network. It aims to protect these endpoints from various types of threats, including malware, viruses, ransomware, phishing attacks, and unauthorised access.
Endpoint protection typically involves the deployment of security software or agents on individual devices, which actively monitor and defend against potential threats. These security solutions provide a layered defence strategy by combining multiple security technologies and features.
Benefits of endpoint protection
1. It prevents problems before they happen
While you may have a firewall and antivirus software, this isn’t enough to protect your network. Antivirus software protects against viruses, but it doesn’t block access to your network. A firewall also doesn’t prevent malware from gaining access through an external device plugged into your network.
The only way you can secure your network is by getting endpoint protection software. It proactively monitors your network, paying extra attention to the weak points where external devices connect.
2. Increased visibility
Most cybersecurity problems begin with a lack of visibility. Without visibility, your IT team cannot find the isolated and vulnerable endpoints that attackers target. Endpoint protection solves this problem by increasing visibility and helping your IT security identify all devices connected to your network. This makes it easier to uncover potential gaps and perform check-ups on vulnerable spots in your network.
3. Securing access points with endpoint protection saves money
The aftermath of a cyberattack can be messy and costly to resolve, especially when your reputation takes a hit. The loss of your reputation often outweighs the financial cost you will incur. Therefore, investing a little more money in endpoint security will save you time and money in the long run because it prevents security problems before they happen.
4. Avoid excess server downtime
The results of a cyberattack aren’t always an influx of hackers into your system but rather malware. The malware often leads to downtime due to excessive demands on the server’s resources, making it harder for you to deal with issues such as customer service, support tickets, etc. The attackers may also take advantage of this to steal valuable customer data.
What Strategy Should My Business Adopt For Endpoint Protection?
When considering an endpoint protection strategy for your business, it is important to take into account the specific needs, resources, and risk profile of your organisation. Here are some key strategies to consider:
- Implement a multi-layered defence: Utilise a combination of security technologies and solutions to create a robust and comprehensive protection system. This can include antivirus/antimalware software, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), data loss prevention (DLP) tools, and other security features that address different aspects of endpoint security.
- Keep software and systems up to date: Regularly update and patch all software and operating systems on your endpoints. This ensures that known vulnerabilities are patched and reduces the risk of exploitation by attackers. This is where Akita’s proactive support is of benefit.
- Deploy endpoint protection solutions: Invest in reputable endpoint protection software or suites that offer features such as antivirus, firewall, web filtering, device control, and data encryption. These solutions should be capable of centrally managing and monitoring endpoint security.
- Enforce strong access controls: Implement strong authentication mechanisms such as two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent unauthorised access to endpoints. Additionally, enforce the principle of least privilege, granting users only the necessary access rights for their roles.
- Educate employees: Train your employees on best practices for endpoint security, including the importance of strong passwords, identifying phishing attempts, and avoiding suspicious downloads or websites. Regularly reinforce these security awareness efforts to ensure a security-conscious workforce.
It is recommended to consult with IT security professionals or consider engaging a managed service provider for expert advice and assistance in designing
Akita is a leading provider of IT security and endpoint protection solutions. Discover more about our solutions:
Find Out More
