Why endpoint security is more important than ever

Corporate networks need robust endpoint infrastructure more than ever before. Work-from-home models and cloud computing have revolutionised the way businesses go about their daily operations. This move towards remote access has given organisations greater flexibility and operational efficiency.

Companies gain a competitive edge when they reshape their digital architectures. They can attract new talent, with recruitment transcending local and international borders. Corporate resources can be accessed from anywhere, boosting productivity and collaboration.

When companies foster these changes to their digital strategy, they become more agile and innovative. Alongside these changes comes a massive growth in endpoints: cloud-based apps, employee devices, servers, routers and other devices that connect to the company network. This is why endpoint security is absolutely vital in this day and age.

Why is endpoint security so important?

The growth in endpoints leaves corporate networks more exposed to cyber security risks. Unprotected devices, sensors or personal computers become the target of a wide variety of attacks. Employees might click on an email link and unwittingly download malware apps.

Phishing attacks to unsuspecting clerks may result in customer credentials being shared or modified. A compromised password could lead to a wide-scale ransomware attack on a corporate network. As more users and endpoints are added to a company network, there is an increased risk of attack.

Most companies will continue with a combination of remote and in-office work in the coming years. This hybrid workspace means that security teams need to cater for dispersed teams working from remote or changing locations. As international business trips become possible again, sending teams overseas to meet with clients and suppliers means that endpoint security is extremely important.

How can cloud-based software prevent attacks?

Endpoint security has evolved into an intelligent system based on machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). Cloud-based solutions are the most cutting-edge, offering 24/7 monitoring and using threat databases as a reference point. This global threat intelligence is the best defence against cyber attacks, especially as hackers constantly look for new ways to infiltrate networks and extort funds.

Effective endpoint protection includes a thorough analysis of endpoint-level behaviour, both historic and in real-time. Forensics and analysis tools investigate previous breaches so that systems can continuously improve and adapt to an evolving threat landscape. Cloud-based solutions provide the most accurate real-time insight into endpoints because they ensure the high-speed processing of huge data volumes.

What does endpoint security software do?

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions are an integrated approach to endpoint security. The software is able to automatically respond to threats, stopping malware installations and containing infected systems so that attacks cannot spread laterally to the rest of a network.

Algorithms analyse behaviours, or Indicators of Attack (IOAs), by gathering data from all endpoints. IOAs give security teams insight into which behaviours attackers must exhibit to launch a successful attack. Detecting these vulnerabilities means that EDR systems can close these gaps and prevent a security breach.

EDR software also analyses Indicators of Exposure (IoEs) to detect unsecure device configuration and access rules that pose a risk. This adds a security layer to the endpoint environment so that weaknesses are not exploited by hackers. Automated software finds and removes exposed credentials. Using EDR, security teams can monitor whether employees are following corporate security policies and protocols, such as the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) and one-off passwords.

Which cyber security policies improve endpoint security?

Basic cyber security policies must include policies around passwords. Employees should choose strong passwords, changing default ones on all of their home office devices. Many remote workers overlook the passwords on their home routers, never changing the one that was used on installation.

Employee training on basic cyber security should also include how to identify phishing attempts. Urgent demands from customers wanting to change their account details or withdraw funds should be regarded as suspicious. Employees should follow up such demands with a phone call to the customer or client to check whether these requests are legitimate.

MFA is essential for protecting endpoints, such as company apps and devices. It improves endpoint security and employees should be made aware of the benefits so they don’t turn MFA off or use the “Remember Me” function on their devices. Secure log-on procedures and information access restriction can go a long way in protecting all the endpoints connected to the business network.

How can employees safely connect from anywhere?

Employee training on cyber security should also include raising awareness of the risks associated with public WiFi in coffee shops, airports, shopping malls and other public spaces. Hackers can easily gain access to endpoints through open hotspots, installing malware into connected devices. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) will encrypt data so that nobody can intercept a corporate network via an employee’s internet connection.

SEACOM Business offers enterprise-grade VPNs to secure mobile endpoints, meaning that your workforce can securely access your business network from any location. Our cloud-based solutions are quickly deployed and easy to manage, giving security teams maximum control and visibility over what is happening with all the corporate endpoints. For more information or to get a quote for our endpoint security solutions, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

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