What Is Endpoint Security?

One of the most important assets of a corporation is its data, networks and systems. Let us imagine that a corporation has a perimeter and there are multiple gateways to what is inside this perimeter. These gateways are used by external devices and clients to access the data, network or systems inside the perimeter. Now, in order to not compromise the assets inside this perimeter, corporations must ensure that they secure these gateways and the networks connected to various endpoints or end-user devices.

These gateways fundamentally act as access routes into the network which then allow devices such as laptops and mobile devices to access, manage, modify and utilise organisational data or systems. Protecting the network from compromised wireless devices such as smartphones or computers is crucial for maintaining data integrity and protecting against data leaks.

This is the era of wireless LAN and with more and more people bringing their own devices to work, it simply multiplies the chances of a threat originating from one of these devices, with or without the knowledge of the owner. Yes, a virtual LAN can be used to securely allow remote devices to access these networks. But, what about malicious agents such as malware and spyware that have been attached to client devices? One can easily take care of this with effective endpoint security that involves practises such as data encryption, network encryption and access control. Let us learn what endpoint security is and why it is essential to protect the digital assets of organisations.

What is Endpoint Security?

Endpoint security can be described as a set of methods that allows enterprises to protect their digital perimeters. This kind of security allows organisations to combat digital threats, avoid data loss and prevent these kinds of attacks from even happening. Threats can come in a variety of ways, it can come in the form of a malicious virus that destroys digital infrastructure or steal data but it can also come in the form of an unhappy employee who uses non-malware methods to cause financial or network damage for the organisation.

The consequences of attacks such as this can lead to a halt in operations temporarily or even major problems such as permanent data loss. For example, one can use a spoofing application in their mobile device to boot out all the other devices from the network and then use another malicious application to lock the network or prevent anyone from connecting. This can affect the reputation, processes and even finances of a company.

Endpoint security ensures that these kinds of occurrences are avoided and detected before it is too late. Endpoint security does not just secure networks, client devices and data but also actively tries to detect threats or predict attacks before they occur. This can be easily done with predictive models using big data and analytics.

Other highly recommended methods of ensuring fool-proof endpoint security measures are in place is by conducting random security audits and tracking any suspicious activity (or user). Companies also use approaches such as removing vulnerabilities in endpoints as much as possible or restricting networks. 

Also, endpoint security involves building multiple security layers and using decentralised network protection methods. Further, companies should randomly shift security perimeters and always ensure endpoint protection such as access point controls and remote device supervision. Surveillance, encryption and access control, when used together, can truly secure organisational assets.

Here are the main objectives of endpoint security:

• Identify vulnerabilities in access measures, endpoints and networks
• Stop or disrupt threats and attacks 
• Monitoring and tracking users or access points
• Analysing and understanding threats
• Finding the root cause of previous security compromises
• Preventing threats with the help of predictive analytics

What is the difference between Antiviruses and Endpoint Security Measures?

Endpoint security involves multiple security measures and should not be confused with antiviruses. Notably, antivirus is only limited to preventing and detecting known malware threats, while endpoint security ensures protection from the unknown as well. Unknown threats are the most dangerous of them all as one cannot predict when they will occur and from where. Tracing the origin and finding the source of previous attacks is another method employed by companies for endpoint security.

Antiviruses and firewalls on the other hand can only detect an ongoing infiltration once the malware gains entry, which might be too late or might even be useless if the malware has been cloaked as a safe application or if unsecured networks are projected as secure connections. Unlike other solutions, endpoint security uses a holistic approach to protect digital assets from all ends. 

What is the relationship between Network Security and Endpoint Security?

Network security and endpoint security go hand in hand in order to protect an enterprise’s network from risky activities. Encrypting access points and endpoints in a network is an integral part of endpoint security which uses a client-server model. This utilizes both a centrally managed network security system as well as client applications installed in every endpoint that connects to the network. This allows easy monitoring of removable storage devices and prevents the execution of unauthorized or unsecured applications that can compromise network security. 

SaaS and other endpoint security management software are generally used to automate the identification of these threats and restrict sensitive data. This allows companies to follow security protocols and maintain security standards while allowing multiple users to access networks and data. Virtual private networks or VPN, custom operating systems and endpoint protection agents are all used to facilitate these security measures.

Big Data and Predictive Analytics for Endpoint Security

Big data can be used for ensuring more advanced security measures for all these corporations that are open to malicious cyber attacks. The collection of unfiltered and unstructured data is essential in order to effectively combat these evolving cybercrime tactics. This data can then be analysed to understand the techniques behind these attacks and then identify their root causes or sources. One can use predictive analytics to even predict where the attack will be coming from and when it will be carried out. Sophisticated algorithms and advanced security management software can provide insights into the nature of these attacks and provide the solution to combat them or help detect the weak links and vulnerabilities in the security measures. 

We have solutions now such as next-generation endpoint protection that uses deep learning and artificial intelligence to analyze and detect file-less threats that have not even been executed or during execution. These systems even allow us to actively defend systems by providing immediate security assistance and revert the effects of the attacks.

Endpoint security measures are more focused on being predictive, rather than reactive. This is especially useful in today’s era where attacks are getting more sophisticated and are armed with advanced penetration tactics. Attackers too, are using data and AI to identify weak points in networks and systems, thus employing better corporate security strategies that involve endpoint protection are the only way for corporations to stay safe.

Also Read: Can AI Transform Cybersecurity?