As part of any cybersecurity framework, endpoint security, sometimes referred to as endpoint protection, is implemented to safeguard devices connected to your network.

Servers, desktop computers, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and any other physical device that sends and receives data via your network are considered endpoints and must be protected from cyberattacks to ensure your network remains secure.

What Is Endpoint Security?

Endpoint security is one of the first layers of defense in cybersecurity. It secures the endpoints or end-user devices of a computer network, such as desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other devices connected to the network or accessing the network through the cloud.

This layer of security relies on an endpoint protection platform (EPP) that detects malicious activity and stops the attack from continuing.

Endpoint Protection Platform

An endpoint protection platform (EPP) is a combination of systems and technologies that work together to identify, investigate, and remedy cybersecurity incidents.

EPP tools and technologies include:

  • Firewalls
  • Antivirus
  • Data loss prevention (DLP)
  • Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
  • Data encryption
  • Application control
  • Website filters

How Does Endpoint Security Work?

Endpoint security measures monitor, investigate, and respond to suspicious or malicious activity at the network’s endpoints to block unauthorized access and protect the data stored on the network and all connected endpoint devices.

When a file enters a network, the EPP examines it and compares it against an ever-evolving cloud-based database of threat intelligence, or a collection of evidence-based information regarding cyber attacks and cyber threats. Should the EPP detect anything abnormal, it triggers investigation and remediation actions to isolate the device, stop the threat from progressing, and prevent the network from becoming compromised.

The process of the EPP can include:

  • Alerting the security operations center
  • Blocking the threat in real-time
  • Investigating and analyzing the threat
  • Isolating the device
  • Initiating remediation actions like deleting the file, patching vulnerabilities, restoring backups, etc.
  • Notifying the user

Why Does Endpoint Security Matter?

A person in a beige jacket types on a laptop at a white desk. An open notebook and black-framed glasses are beside the laptop. The focus is on the hands and workspace, suggesting a working or studying environment.

Without endpoint security, malicious actors can gain unauthorized access to the network through any of these endpoints or entry points and harvest crucial data that should be secured. Cybercriminals are skilled at hunting for such an opening and are constantly looking for their next way in and their next victim to attack.

Businesses and organizations of all sizes are vulnerable to attack, especially if their networks are not protected properly. With endpoint security, the areas of entry to your company’s network (the endpoints) are secured, well monitored, and ready to sound the alarm should any malicious activity occur, from simple to advanced cyberattacks.

What Are the Benefits of Endpoint Security?

With strong endpoint security, businesses experience benefits including:

Data Loss Prevention

Your network contains data vital to your company’s operation. Should that data be lost or compromised through a cyberattack, such as a malware or ransomware attack, you could experience costly detrimental aftereffects. Endpoint security helps ensure that your data is protected.

Centralized Device Management

Today’s solutions for endpoint security ensure that all devices connected to the network are managed from one centralized location for maximum visibility of each endpoint. This step enhances and improves capabilities to detect, identify, and remediate threats happening against any system or device within the network or organization.

Malware Prevention

Malware is becoming increasingly advanced. In fact, some modern malware includes techniques that allow it to bypass common antivirus and antimalware solutions to access a network. Equally advanced endpoint security solutions work to fight against even the most advanced malware.

More Secure Remote Work

Working from home, working from a location outside of a traditional office, or doing hybrid work is becoming increasingly commonplace for businesses today. Effective endpoint security protects and monitors devices used for remote work, whether they are connected or disconnected from the network. Should someone working remotely try to connect an infected device to the network, endpoint security will identify the issue and put a stop to the attempt.

Compliance

Because cyber threats are continuously evolving, so are the laws around cybersecurity. Businesses must abide by numerous rules and regulations that are in place to keep their data and the data of their customers and clients secure. Endpoint security ensures businesses maintain regulatory compliance, keeping them penalty-free.

More Productivity

A growing business is a productive business, but it cannot move forward if it isn’t protected from cybercrime. In fact, businesses can completely crumble following a cyberattack if the results of the attack are severe enough. With endpoint security, your business will have the safeguards in place to maintain and even improve productivity throughout the company, allowing it to grow and prosper.

Managed Endpoint Security vs. Self-Managed Endpoint Security

When it comes to endpoint security, your company has one of two options:

  • Install and manage your endpoint security solutions yourself.
  • Rely on an MSP (managed services provider) to install and manage your endpoint security.

If you DIY your endpoint security, you want to be sure that whoever is in charge of monitoring your network, maintaining the software, configuring devices, and updating when necessary knows what they are doing. Otherwise, even the slightest slip in the management process could leave your network vulnerable to an attack.

For the ultimate peace of mind, it’s best to let a skilled team of IT experts like the ones at MHD take care of the endpoint security installation and management for you. As a trusted MSP in the Tampa, FL, and Palm Beach, FL area, MHD manages all aspects of your endpoint security 24/7, along with other benefits of Managed IT, including:

  • Email security
  • Network security
  • Server monitoring
  • Data center management
  • Cloud computing

And more.

Don’t Risk Leaving Your Network Vulnerable With Weak Endpoint Security—Strengthen Protection With Help From MHD.

Protecting digital data through endpoint security and all other forms of cybersecurity is invaluable to your business’s health and future. Through managed IT services, the IT pros at MHD are skilled and experienced in managing and securing your network’s endpoints and all other components of your company’s cybersecurity program.

To learn more about endpoint security and other IT security services for your Florida business, contact an MHD specialist today: 833-MHD-INFO (833-643-4636).

MHD is your premier IT partner, serving businesses in and around Tampa, Florida, and West Palm Beach, Florida.

Recent Articles