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Endpoint protection entails monitoring and securing endpoints from cyber attacks. Desktops, laptops, cellphones, tablet computers, and other devices fall under the category of protected endpoints. Various cybersecurity solutions can be installed and monitored on these devices to safeguard them from cyber threats, whether they are connected to or disconnected from the corporate network.
Why is endpoint protection important?
The shift to remote and hybrid work modes has altered firms’ IT infrastructures, relocating corporate endpoints outside of the enterprise network and its perimeter-based security. As endpoints become an organization’s first line of defense against cyber attacks, endpoint security solutions are required to detect and stop these threats before they represent a harm to the firm.
Many cyberattacks target endpoints, which are becoming more vulnerable to attack as corporate IT architecture transforms. Increased support for remote work takes business endpoints off of the company network and its security. BYOD rules enable employee-owned devices to connect to the workplace network and access sensitive corporate data.
Endpoint protection has always been critical for defense in depth, but the blurring of the organizational network perimeter caused by remote work and BYOD rules has increased its importance. Endpoints are a company’s first line of defense against cyber threats and a significant source of cyber risk.
How Does it Work?
Endpoint protection utilizes a combination of network and device-level protections. At the network level, the organization can limit access to the enterprise network depending on a device’s adherence to corporate security standards and least privilege. By preventing unsecure devices from accessing the corporate network and sensitive resources, the business reduces its attack surface and enforces security regulations.
Organizations can also install software on an endpoint to monitor and safeguard it. This includes both stand-alone systems and those that use an agent installed on the device to enable central monitoring, control, and protection. This enables a company to monitor and protect devices that may not be physically connected to the enterprise network.
Types of Endpoint Protection
The modern organization has a diverse set of endpoints that confront a wide range of potential cyber threats. Endpoint protection solutions exist in a variety of formats, including:
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP), Mobile Threat Defense (MTD), Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) are the key components of endpoint security.
The appropriate endpoint security solution is determined by the endpoint and the company’s specific requirements. For example, as remote work and BYOD become more widespread, fraudsters are increasingly targeting mobile devices, making MTD an even more important endpoint protection solution.
Endpoint Protection features (components)
An endpoint protection solution should provide full protection to both the endpoint and the business network. Some important elements of an endpoint security solution include the following:
Anti-Malware: Endpoint protection systems should identify and prevent infections from viruses, worms, and other malware.
Behavioral Analytics: Ransomware and other malware variants exhibit distinct behaviors that can be detected without the use of signatures. Endpoint protection systems that monitor these characteristics can detect and respond to zero-day attacks.
Compliance: As remote work and BYOD expand in popularity, the ability to ensure compliance with business security standards becomes increasingly vital. Endpoint solutions should examine devices and only allow connections to the corporate network if they are in accordance with business policies.
Data Encryption: Encryption is the most effective method of protecting data from unauthorized access and potential breaches. Endpoint security solutions should include full disk encryption (FDE) and support for encryption of removable media.
Firewall and Application Control: Network segmentation is critical for controlling access and cybersecurity risks. The firewall and application control capability allow for network segmentation and traffic blocking based on security policies and application-specific rules.
Sandbox Inspection: Malware can be delivered to endpoints via a variety of methods, including phishing and vulnerability exploitation. Endpoint security solutions should extract and examine files in a sandbox to detect and prevent harmful content from reaching an endpoint.
Secure Remote Access: Remote access is critical for personnel working in a remote or hybrid environment. Endpoint security solutions should include a virtual private network (VPN) client or another secure remote access option.
URL Filtering: Malicious URLs are a prevalent strategy in phishing assaults, and improper online usage on work devices reduces productivity and puts the firm at risk. URL filtering protects against these hazards by blocking dangerous and inappropriate websites.
