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 been essential for the protection of 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 more endpoints are added to your business network, you need to adopt a sophisticated approach to keep cyber threats and network breaches at bay.
Importance of Endpoint Security for Businesses Today
With the ongoing pandemic (and the second lockdown in effect), every business has had to undergo a major shift in the way they operate. This means remote business connectivity is now a top priority to ensure a smooth workflow.
COVID-19 has highlighted the need for sound endpoint security. As you adapt to the new normal, you need to ensure that you don’t fall prey to cyber attacks, especially when more remote devices are connected to your network than before.
Being huge advocates of business continuity, at Redpalm we have compiled a list of 4 tips that you shouldn’t overlook!
Let’s dive in!
Assess and Identify the Vulnerabilities in Your Entry Points
The IT experts at the Ponemon Institute estimate that almost 30% of an organisation’s endpoints are not secure. 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.
Partner with a managed service provider (MSP) like Redpalm and we can work with you to 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.
Vet All Vendors and Third-Party Connections Meticulously
It might seem appealing to invest in cost-efficient products and infrastructure for your organisation, but 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 security measures of their products. For proper workplace cyber security, it’s important that an endpoint comes 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.
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 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 it’s built-in security protocols are weak and vulnerable. As you invest in better and 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.
Think About IoT Security
According to Statista, by the end of 2020, the number of internet connected devices will pass 30 billion. 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.
It is true that the Internet of Things (IoT) makes a workplace smarter and more convenient, it also brings along more 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.
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 these security measures is highly susceptible to cyber attacks.
Your business data is your organisation’s most valuable asset. If you don’t have robust measures in place to keep it out of harm’s way, it is a given that cyber criminals will exploit and compromise sensitive business information.
Book your consultation with the IT support experts at Redpalm today and we will work with you to fortify your IT environment.
