What is endpoint security?
Endpoint protection, or endpoint security, is the practice of securing endpoints (or entry points) of an end-users device from being exploited by, or exposed to, malicious activity and cyber threats.
Endpoints create a point of access to an organisation’s network, consequently creating similar points of entry for cybercriminals that need to be protected. As a result, endpoint security is often one of the first steps of cybersecurity taken by an organisation.
What is considered an endpoint?
An endpoint is defined as any device that is connected to a network from outside its firewall and includes devices such as tablets, mobile phones, smartwatches and printers.
The number of endpoints found in an organisation is continuously growing as technology develops and new smart devices and voice-controlled technologies are created.
How does endpoint security work?
Endpoint protection refers to the centrally managed security solution used by organisations to prevent their endpoints from being exploited. Endpoint security works by examining files, processes and system activities as they enter a network – monitoring for threatening or malicious activity.
Typically, endpoint protection platforms (EPP) are installed on a network or server, which can then control the security of individual devices remotely. EEP may then be installed directly onto the device itself. Once this has been installed on the device, protective measures can be flagged on the devices such as the need to authenticate log-in attempts, or blocking the use of untrustworthy applications.
With modern endpoint security such as cloud EEP being utilised, the risk of cyber threats in relation to endpoints is eased as devices no longer need to hold masses of data. Innovative endpoint security systems will also usually include protective features such as machine learning that detects zero-day threats and email gateway.
What is the importance of endpoint protection?
The need to secure endpoints is crucial for every business. Endpoint devices often store large amounts of data, which is an incredibly valuable asset for companies. Losing access to this data, or it being leaked can be devastating for businesses, with extreme consequences such as financial implications or compliance violations. As every individual endpoint is vulnerable to cyber attacks, it’s essential to protect them to stop this from happening.
Endpoint protection has become more important than ever as the different types of endpoints continuously grow – making it more difficult to keep them secure. For businesses, this has only been intensified by the move to remote working and ‘bring your own device’ policies which leaves devices connected to multiple networks, and in some cases, public Wi-Fi which is even trickier to monitor.
Are there different types of endpoint security?
Over the years, different approaches to endpoint protection have been developed to cater for new ways of working with endpoint devices.
On-location
The most traditional approach is on-location endpoint protection. This measure relies on a locally hosted data centre which reaches out to the endpoints within a limited perimeter, such as inside an office.
Cloud
The cloud approach is a more recent method of handling endpoint protection. It manages the security of endpoints through a centralised system in the cloud which connects to devices remotely. This approach enables further protection and expands beyond limited perimeter reach.
Hybrid
The final approach is hybrid endpoint protection, which includes a mix of on-location and cloud solutions. This method makes use of the legacy architecture, whilst taking advantage of the features of the cloud. This approach is often chosen by businesses who operate with remote working, as it caters for multiple locations whilst still having the reliability of on-location security.
What’s the difference between endpoint protection and antivirus?
Although both endpoint protection and antivirus work towards protecting against cybersecurity threats, they work in quite different ways. Endpoint protection acknowledges an enterprise network as a whole and has visibility across all connected endpoints. Whereas antiviruses are designed specifically to safeguard single endpoints, such as an individual device.
Another difference is the way in which they function once installed. Antivirus is often one part of an endpoint solution which finds and removes malware whilst running in the background. Endpoint protection has a proactive design that constantly detects and responds to potential threats.
Cybersecurity is essential for every organisation. If you need more support, Cheeky Munkey offers endpoint detection and response services that will help keep your organisation cyber-secure.
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