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10 November 2020
Since the dawn of the internet, endpoint security has been at the forefront of business data protection.
With an increasing number of companies migrating to virtual platforms, patching systems, devices and other technical infrastructure that can access your IT environment has become essential to protect your network.
With the popularity of remote working environments and work-from-home culture, the number of IoT (Internet of Things) and cellular-connected devices is increasing day by day. As such, remote business connectivity is now a top priority to ensure a smooth workflow.
Since more remote devices are connected to your network than before, you need to take some endpoint security measures to ensure that you don’t fall prey to cyber-attacks.
Being huge advocates of business continuity, at Redpalm we have compiled a list of essential endpoint security techniques that you shouldn’t overlook!
Let’s dive in!
1) Assess and Identify the Vulnerabilities in Your Entry Points
The IT experts at the Ponemon Institute estimate that 68% of organisations have experienced endpoint attacks that compromised their data and IT infrastructure. To discover the pain points in your IT environment, start by taking stock of all the devices that are connected to your network.
This inventory should include every endpoint and piece of equipment that’s connected to the internet from your organisation. Everything ranging from employee-owned personal devices to printers, laptops and more should be taken into consideration.
By partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) like Redpalm, you can take extensive notes of the level of protection that each device has. We can then proceed to adopt and implement a robust plan of action that secures all the vulnerable endpoints immediately.
2) Vet All Vendors and Third-Party Connections Meticulously
It might seem appealing to invest in cost-efficient products and infrastructure for your organisation. However, adding a device with weak security protocols into your network could be a mistake you will eventually come to regret.
To minimise potential digital risk to your business environment you need to thoroughly vet all your providers and vendors about the endpoint security measures of their products. For proper workplace cyber security, an endpoint has to come with automatic firmware updates, malware detection capabilities and end-to-end encryption of all the lines of communication and collaboration.
It is only with all these features that a device or a system can be deemed safe enough to be integrated into your business network. Splurging a bit on these advanced endpoint security features will surely pay off.
Partner with vendors who follow robust security policies and save thousands of pounds that will otherwise cost you by way of cyber attacks, lost or compromised data, legal fees and other expenses.
3) Pay Special Attention to User and Asset Management
While you might provide sufficient training to your employees about online security, human errors are unavoidable. Employees who have administrative access to business endpoints may at times end up installing additional, unnecessary applications. While they may not mean any harm, every time a new application or piece of software is installed, it exposes your organisation to a whole band of endpoint security risks.
This is particularly true for old, outdated systems and devices. It’s comparatively much easier to hack into an older device than a new one as its built-in security protocols are weak and vulnerable. As you invest in better and more secure asset management tools, you can do away with weak technology and infrastructure and elevate your network security.
With better user and asset management practices, you can control permissions and restrict access depending on employee experience and skill. This will assist you in eliminating potential threats and promote better endpoint security.
4) Think About IoT Security
There are over 15 billion IoT devices globally. By 2030 alone, the number of active IoT devices is expected to double. These stats include endpoints that were previously not considered “hackable”. Everyday devices like smart bulbs, WiFi-connected thermostats and more can now send and receive data meaning they are regarded as entry points.
The Internet of Things (IoT) indeed makes a workplace smarter and more convenient, it also brings along more endpoint security risks than before. If you don’t have the means or the budget to secure these devices, you should think before you invest in them.
5) Take a Zero-trust Approach
A zero-trust approach is an approach wherein you assume any device or user is untrustworthy until proven otherwise. By assuming that malicious activity is always present and actively monitoring endpoints for suspicious activity, you can better protect your network.
A zero-trust approach allows you to catch malicious activities as they occur. Thus, enabling you to act quickly and effectively. By treating all your endpoints with suspicion and as if they are potentially compromised, you can keep your data safe and secure. It also allows you to make certain changes like regularly scanning your devices for malware and disabling unnecessary features and connections.
Book Your Consultation with Redpalm for Improved Endpoint Security
Endpoint security is perhaps one of the most important investments you’ll make as a business. Any company that fails to implement effective endpoint security solutions is highly susceptible to cyber–attacks.
Your business data is your organisation’s most valuable asset. If you don’t have robust endpoint security software to keep it out of harm’s way, it is a given that cybercriminals will exploit and compromise sensitive business information. That’s where Redpalm can help your business!
Redpalm is a managed services provider (MSP) dedicated to managing and providing support for all your IT needs.
From proactive monitoring to technology procurement, vulnerability assessments and identity and access management, our technicians are well-equipped to handle all your technological needs.
Book your consultation with the IT support experts at Redpalm today and we will work with you to fortify your IT environment.
