Best Practices For Endpoint Security | Threat Advice

The future of business is becoming less about the place we work and more about the way people can work. Almost 65% of high-growth organizations have adopted a ‘productivity anywhere’ approach, with companies globally rapidly embracing the hybrid workforce model. 

While there are many advantages to this approach to business, there is one major disadvantage - employees are often working outside the walls of the traditional business network, increasing the risk of cybersecurity breaches. Cybercriminals are exploiting this work environment as endpoints are fast becoming the easiest way to compromise, launch attacks, and infiltrate networks. 

By the time an incident response can be launched, attackers can have easily moved deep into your IT environment. Therefore it is vital to ensure these endpoint best practices are put in place to accelerate recovery efforts and ensure limited damage is done. 

What is endpoint security?

An endpoint can be any device that a user accesses, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Endpoint security refers to protecting these devices against unauthorized access. Endpoint security prevents data loss, ransomware, and other digital threats. This will help protect your company.

Protecting all endpoints from malware and other attacks is vital to the well-being of the business. If end-user devices are not safeguarded, they may jeopardize the entire firm. If users aren’t aware of the consequences of their actions, malicious software may spread through the network and jeopardize sensitive data, or unintentionally leak confidential information.

Endpoint security best practices

Strong password policy

Insecure passwords are one of the most common ways that a digital network can be breached. Employees should be required to use long, complex passwords as part of any endpoint security policy. With a centralized password manager, employees may update their passwords regularly, thereby protecting the entire network from being compromised or brute-force attacks. In addition, employees should be notified when it is time to change their passwords with endpoint security software.

Multi-factor authentication

Unauthorized access to networks can be prevented using multi-factor authentication (MFA). Strong passwords are important, but they are not always sufficient. MFA, which requires users to provide more than two pieces of information to access an account or device, is an effective way to protect against brute-force attacks. MFA can be implemented using authenticator apps that generate one-time codes. Even if hackers have the right password, MFA can help prevent them from accessing sensitive data.

Enforce least-privilege access

Using least-privilege access, you can limit certain users to accessing certain data or accounts. This is particularly critical in BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) setups, where one device might be used for numerous job responsibilities.

An employee's job must be mapped out to guarantee least-privilege and given permissions to access resources or data only essential for their job. As an example, if administrative controls on a computer are not critical to an employee's performance, they should not have access to them.

Encrypt data on endpoints

Endpoint encryption is particularly beneficial in BYOD environments, where data flows between employees' personal devices and the company network. Data encryption can prevent eavesdropping and information theft by making the information unreadable to people who attempt to intercept it without the decryption key.

Data can also be safeguarded through encryption if a device is lost or stolen. Without the correct decryption key, someone who finds the device will not be able to access any confidential information.

Enforce application control

Enforcing application control will boost endpoint protection in your company by restricting users from accessing sensitive information and services, as well as identifying and quarantining harmful software. Users will have a much more difficult time stealing or leaking data if they are not able to take any actions on an application. This is particularly critical for productivity applications that are used to access and transfer data.

Vulnerability scanning

A vulnerability scanner performs an automated scan for exploitable weaknesses in an organization's IT infrastructure, applications, and endpoints, adding an extra layer of security and giving visibility to all assets on your business network.

A vulnerability scanner that is continuous, such as the ThreatAdvice Breach Prevention Platform, has an added advantage over other scanning tools in that it will provide real-time alerts when new devices are added to your network new vulnerabilities, so you are able to take immediate action to prevent endpoints from being exploited. 

Security awareness training

It’s critical to empower employees with the knowledge they require to avoid data loss and data theft through robust and engaging security awareness training. In interactive training sessions, employees learn how to recognise phishing emails, properly utilize USB drives, and more. Keeping your employees informed on the latest security developments will assist them in recognising potential dangers, avoiding suspicious emails, and complying with your security procedures.

Protect your endpoints with the security experts

Business endpoint security is vitally important for safeguarding against data loss, data breaches, and cyber threats. Your company could suffer significant financial, legal, and reputational damage if an attack is successful. The ThreatAdvice security specialists can help you implement the right endpoint security solutions to defend your business.