What is endpoint security? How does it work?

Why is endpoint security important?

Because endpoints are the most common entry point into a network, they are often a primary attack vector for cyberattacks. Endpoint security is crucial for enterprises because it safeguards the numerous devices that connect to corporate networks and the cloud.

Effective endpoint security is crucial for several reasons including the following:

• Data breach protection. Securing endpoint devices is required to help prevent data breaches and the potential loss of sensitive information.
• Advanced threat protection. Strong endpoint security measures help detect and mitigate advanced threats such as malware and ransomware attacks, which can cause significant disruptions impacting business continuity.
• Insider threat defense. Endpoint security can help to defend against insider threats, where employees or authorized users might mistakenly or purposely jeopardize network security or leak private data.
• Early threat discovery. Potential threats can be identified early with endpoint security systems that have sophisticated detection capabilities. Early detection is essential for events to be contained and extensive damage to be avoided.
• Remote work support. With many organizations no longer requiring all employees to work on-premises, securing endpoints has become more critical. In addition to preventing unwanted access to critical data from hacked devices or unprotected networks, organizations should ensure their remote workers can securely access company resources.
• Compliance and regulatory standards. Some industries have regulatory mandates and compliance standards for endpoint security measures, such as healthcare, finance and government.

How does endpoint security work in the enterprise?

Endpoint security in the enterprise works through a combination of strategies, tools and approaches. An organization can build a multi-layered defense system to safeguard endpoints and network security with the correct tools and services.

Among the key steps in how endpoint security works in the enterprise are:

Deployment

The first step in endpoint security for an enterprise is some form of deployment. The deployment could be in the form of a small resource footprint agent installed on all endpoints. The deployment could also be through a gateway network device or a domain name system service the endpoint device uses to connect to the network.

Next is device validation, a step in the deployment and onboarding process when the system runs validation tests to ensure the device meets minimum security requirements.

Centralized management

After deployment and onboarding, the next layer of security is a centralized management portal or service. The centralized management systems provide oversight and policy implementation for onboarded devices.

Network and threat protection

As users browse the internet, access network services or receive emails, the endpoint security platform provides safeguards, such as blocking access to malicious activities and websites and filtering suspicious emails.

Endpoint security also commonly integrates data protection measures including full-disk encryption and secure file management. When a potential attack is detected, such as malware or ransomware, the system isolates and mitigates the threat.

Continuous monitoring

Within the enterprise, user activities and security events are logged for later analysis, helping to identify patterns and improve security measures. Using advanced analytics and AI technologies, organizations can also use an endpoint security platform to continuously monitor potential threats or suspicious behavior.

Top challenges to endpoint security

Endpoint security faces numerous challenges. The following list outlines the top obstacles that organizations must overcome to effectively protect their endpoints and maintain a robust security posture:

• Growing numbers of endpoints. As remote work, bring your own device and IoT device usage grow, the complexity of endpoint security also grows. The various devices, configurations and employees' customizations make it difficult to maintain consistent security across all endpoints.
• Onboarding challenges. Onboarding all the various types of endpoints isn't an easy task either.

It might be difficult to deploy endpoint security on different types of devices.

• Visibility and asset management. Organizations often lack the visibility to be aware of all the endpoints accessing the network, making it challenging to assess risks and protect assets effectively.
• Cloud and hybrid environments. Securing endpoints across cloud and hybrid infrastructures adds more complexity to endpoint security management.
• Evolving threat landscape. New attack techniques are always emerging which can potentially evade endpoint security controls.
• Multiple security tools. In some cases, organizations will use multiple, disparate security tools that don't always integrate well, leading to gaps in protection and inefficient management.
• Prioritization of vulnerabilities and threats. With the large volume of security alerts generated by multiple tools, it's a challenge to prioritize and address the most critical issues.
• Resource constraints. Many organizations, particularly smaller businesses, lack the resources and knowledge to implement and manage extensive endpoint security deployments.

Best practices and strategies for strong endpoint security

Implementing strong endpoint security requires an approach that addresses multiple layers of potential vulnerabilities. Among the key best practices and strategies that organizations should consider to improve endpoint security posture are:

• Implement a least privilege model. Restrict user and endpoint access rights to the minimum necessary for their roles. This limits the potential damage if an endpoint is compromised.
• Use multi-factor authentication. Require multiple forms of authentication, such as MFA, to access systems, reducing the risk of unauthorized access even if credentials are stolen.
• Adopt a zero-trust security model. Verify every access request from an endpoint device with a zero-trust security model which limits access by default and only allows authenticated devices and people, regardless of where it comes from or what resource it accesses.
• Deploy data encryption. Apply encryption for in-transit and at-rest data. This renders sensitive information unusable even if an attacker gains access to devices or network traffic.
• Maintain device inventory. Keep an up-to-date inventory of all endpoints connecting to the network to ensure proper management and security coverage.
• Enforce regular patching and updates. Implement automated patching processes to keep all endpoints updated with the latest security fixes and software updates.
• Implement network segmentation. To contain possible risks and minimize lateral movement in the event of a breach, divide the network into individual segments.
• Use centralized management. Utilize a centralized portal for deploying, managing and monitoring all endpoints. This allows for consistent policy application and better visibility.
• Train employees and users. Regularly educate users on security best practices and potential threats, particularly focusing on social engineering tactics. This raises awareness and helps prevent easy attack vectors.
• Deploy endpoint security technology. Use advanced tools offering real-time threat detection and continuously monitor endpoints for unusual activity.

Types of endpoint security tools

There are several different types of endpoint security tools including:

• Endpoint protection platforms (EPP). Integrated platforms incorporate multiple endpoint protection technologies such as antivirus, data encryption and intrusion prevention. EPPs provide a centralized management console and enable data sharing between security components.
• Endpoint detection and response. EDR platforms provide continuous monitoring and response capabilities for advanced threats. EDR technologies integrate real-time threat detection, investigation and automated response features.
• Extended detection and response. XDR is an advancement of EDR that combines data from several security products, such as network, email and cloud technologies, for more comprehensive threat detection and response.
• Antivirus or anti-malware software. Traditional security tools -- such as antimalware or antivirus software -- use signature-based and behavior-based detection to identify and block known threats.
• Data loss prevention. These tools monitor data transfers to prevent unauthorized transfers of sensitive information from endpoint devices.
• Encryption tools. Software that encrypts data on endpoints to protect sensitive information if a device is lost or stolen.
• Mobile device management. MDM tools manage and secure mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets.
• Endpoint firewall. Software-based firewalls can be installed to regulate incoming and outgoing network traffic on individual devices.
• Browser isolation. This cybersecurity technique isolates web browsing activity in a secure, virtual environment to protect against web-based threats and to prevent malicious code from reaching and compromising the device or network.

How to choose an endpoint security tool

Many different endpoint security tools are available in the market, and it can often be confusing for organizations to figure out how to choose the best tool.

By carefully considering the factors listed below, organizations can select an endpoint security tool that best fits their needs and protects their endpoints.

• Assess the organization's needs. Consider the types of endpoints to protect and the specific organization's security challenges.
• Decide on a deployment model. Cloud offers scalability and flexibility, while on-premises might be better for strict privacy requirements. Hybrid options combine both approaches providing flexibility.
• Evaluate prevention and detection capabilities. Look for advanced threat prevention features that help to defend against malware, ransomware and other endpoint device threats. Consider technologies that integrate behavioral analysis as well as advanced AI techniques. Platforms should integrate real-time threat detection and response capabilities. Having sandboxing capabilities for analyzing unknown files and threats in an isolated environment is also critical.
• Examine management and analytics. Having a centralized management console that is easy to use and understand is an essential element of any successful endpoint security deployment. Part of the management console should be integrated analytics with clear visibility into the status and potential threats.