Any device attached to a network is designated as an “endpoint.” If you look at your small business security in the sense that each window or door could be a potential security risk, you need to look at your endpoints similarly.
You would systematically fit your office with a security system and ensure it’s armed each evening before leaving. The computer network housing all of the relevant information about the business is as valuable as, if not more so, as it contains the company’s financial records, customer documentation, and other proprietary information.
Protecting the data is crucial to avoid disruption of corporate functionality. Studies show that endpoints represent a significant portion of breaches from varied “predators.” Managed services like endpoint security offer different operations meant to benefit a business. Let’s dive deeper into what security involves.
The Importance of Endpoint Security For Business
Cybersecurity technology is used to secure devices connected to the network, also called “endpoints.” These boast of being the solution to breaches that seem prevalent in the business environment.
These devices can include tablets, computers, servers, laptops, desktops, and smartphones, which connect to the expansive network. Cybersecurity software applications extend a company’s defense beyond the conventional anti-virus software to cover areas like threat investigation/detection, data leak protection (DLP), and management of devices.
The security apps use an EPP (Endpoint Protection Platform) to defend against malware or other specific invasions with installation on each device.
Generally, the installation works with an EDR, or “Endpoint Detection and Response”, to concentrate on assessment, detection, and response.
Overall, the security system performs data encryption, blocks phishing attempts for social engineering, and thwarts ransomware attacks to keep devices connected to a company network safe and secure. Some benefits a business will find with this type of protection include:
- Password Protected: Unauthorized parties will be unable to access the system since strong password protection policies will be in place to prevent such intrusion on endpoints. That requires continual updating and implementing protocols that disallow commonalities with each change.
The system employs two authentication methods for entry to the password manager, adding another layer of protection for the business devices.
- Encryption: The central network comprises the company’s sensitive information. Therefore, any device that connects to that network has access to that data, meaning it needs equal protection to that received from the network itself, if not more so.
These devices are used in remote circumstances, with more people working from home. That puts private customer information, financial documents, and other critically confidential documents relating to business operations at risk.
With encryption features, the information is securely coded. Once transmitted from the web, there is a significant decrease in the chance for hackers or other invaders with ill intentions to access key data or have the opportunity to implement malware. Learn the difference between anti-virus and this software at https://solutionsreview.com/endpoint-security/whats-the-difference-between-antivirus-and-endpoint-security/.
- Filtered URL: Employees habitually use the office internet to visit insecure or malicious websites. With the addition of a filtered URL, there is the benefit of a continuous update of the web address database, meaning employees cannot access these types of sites on a company-connected device.
The database categorizes the addresses and either blocks or allows access based on the URL category. Filtering assessments can be derived from analyzing the company’s traffic or external cybersecurity resources.
This feature can save the company production costs since employees won’t spend their workday shopping online, making social media connections, or researching personal agendas.
Developing an endpoint security strategy is crucial for industries today to protect the central network and the critically sensitive information contained in the system from breaches.
These can result in extensive losses for a company, including financial penalties and comprehensive remediation costs. Additionally, any breach destroys customer confidence in an establishment, for which the company will only lose more integrity with attempts to cover up the issue.
Suppose you consider the amount you will spend with an intrusion on the system, including the potential for a complete loss of the business. In that case, it’s definitely worth the time, effort, and expense to ensure the network and each device is securely protected.
Final Thought
The threats of cybercrime grow more extensive, and the intruders become more intelligent as technology advances and new systems develop. Organizations continuously expand their networks to incorporate more devices, particularly as more people work from home.
Remote work makes security an even more significant challenge for businesses with employees using personal devices to connect to the company network. Click to learn why “BYOD” makes it crucial for companies to invest in this technology.
It’s like passing out keys to your home to so many people that you forget who has one. Ultimately, you no longer feel safe. When businesses were forced to send workers home, the networks had less sense of security. Endpoint IT brought many features that allowed the freedom to work from anywhere on any device while connected to the network with the same protection as if you’re working from the office.
It also has a few bonuses, mainly because it updates the URL address database frequently, so there’s no opportunity for an employee to expose the company to any type of virus or malware by entering a risky website.
In that same vein, the employees need to be more productive since they cannot access online shopping, research for personal agendas, or visit social media sites. In that sense and so many more ways, this software technology saves businesses a great deal of money and prevents the possibility of loss. A definite win-win every way you look at it.
