Device Management: What Are Endpoints and Why Protect Them?

The pandemic spawned a massive expansion of the remote access work environment. However, as businesses scrambled to embrace the new hybrid workforce, many SMBs did not have the IT expertise to lock down all the moving parts of their business networks. In addition, many didn’t realize that every remotely connected device represents an endpoint in your system. And each new endpoint potentially affords hackers a new, vulnerable entry point.

What Are Endpoints?

An endpoint is any device connected to your network, including cell phones, laptops, tablets, printers and other networked smart devices. Over the past few years, endpoints have significantly contributed to cybercrimes. The FBI reported a more than 400% increase in cybercrime since 2020. As a result, securing vulnerable endpoints has become a crucial part of cyber security and device management.

What is Endpoint Protection

Endpoint Protection is the cyber security that protects every networked device in your business from cyberattacks. It is estimated that more than 70% of cyberattacks are launched through a networked device endpoint. Therefore, device security is now of paramount importance. Unfortunately, the truth is daunting: One unprotected remote access device can give hackers an entry point to your entire network and all your hard-earned business data. What makes matters worse is that an unsuspecting employee can open the endpoint to an attack simply by not following cyber security best practices. Unfortunately, however, many SMBs have not taken endpoint protection seriously enough at a time when cybercriminals are creating increasingly more robust malware to help them breach your data.

What is Endpoint Detection and Response?

Endpoint Detection and Response, or EDR, is endpoint security combined with continuous monitoring and collection of endpoint data with an automated, permissions-based response and event analysis. Unfortunately, most SMBs are unaware of their endpoint vulnerabilities and, when attacked, cannot trace the incident and respond quickly enough to contain such a breach.

The primary purposes of an EDR are:

• Real-time monitoring and storing endpoint activity data that might indicate a potential threat to a network through that endpoint.
• Analysis of data to determine if threats exist.
• Response to potential threats through deletion or quarantine.
• Sending alerts to IT personnel or the point person in charge of cyber security.

IT Experts Can Help Secure Your Endpoint Devices

Endpoint device protection is too important to be left to amateurs. There are many issues to identify at the user level before enlisting professional IT support. Here is the shortlist of some of the actions to be taken:

• Identify and List All Endpoints – By making a comprehensive list of all your network’s endpoints, you can ensure that only approved devices with consistent cyber protections are allowed on the network.
• Automate Your Endpoint Security – Automated alerts and early detection and responses can mitigate cyber threats before they invade your entire network.
• Create Unique Difficult Passwords and Customized Administrative Permissions – In this area, users must all follow unified, company-wide cyber security protocols.
  • Passwords and Administrative Permissions – The essential components include requiring complex passwords from all users and allowing administrative permissions for only those administrators whose jobs require those permissions. For example, an accounting administrator might need permissions to access bank statements, while someone in the graphics department does not need access to those files and therefore should not be granted that permission. Permissions must be based solely on the job requirements for specific employees.
• Ensure Employees Comply With Best Practices – Untrained, non-tech employees are unwittingly a significant threat to endpoint security. Without proper training and defined best practices, employees might not stop and think before opening an attachment in a suspicious email or clicking on an embedded link. Your corporate culture must promote a “Think Before You Click” approach to online work. Malware used in tandem with phishing emails is becoming a favorite of cybercriminals. Therefore, your team must be taught to work together to protect your company’s network.

Online technology now encompasses so many areas of our personal and business lives. Cybercriminals love that there are so many new endpoints being added every day, all over the world. Each vulnerable endpoint device is an opportunity for them to breach your company’s data. Unfortunately, SMBs have neither the time nor the budget for a full-time IT department. However, with cyberattacks rapidly on the rise, it is essential to hire IT experts to assess your cyber vulnerabilities and help you design the best layers of protection for your hard-earned data.

DIGIGUARD Cyber Security Knows How to Lock Down Your Endpoints

DIGIGUARD, specializing in preventing cyber threats, has a wide array of solutions to protect against cybercrimes and ensure you have the best possible protection. It works with small and midsized businesses to establish cyber security best practices to ensure your confidential data is secure and all your endpoint devices have the specific protections they require, especially those used for remote-access work. For any business, cyberattacks can have devastating consequences. DIGIGUARD can assess your cyber risks and collaborate with you to design your company's best cyber security plan.

Call DIGIGUARD CYBER SECURITY at 833-33-CYBER (833-332-9237) and visit www.DIGIGUARDsecurity.com to discuss how you can increase your company’s level of cyber security, lock down your endpoints and avoid a deadly cyberattack.