In recent years, the world has become more interconnected, with businesses now relying heavily on technology to work more efficiently. However, this has also resulted in increased security risks. Endpoint security management is one of these risks, with businesses needing to secure an increasing number of connected devices, including laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices. The rise of remote work and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies has also made endpoint security management more complex and challenging.
In this article, we will examine the endpoint security management challenges faced by businesses, discuss modern endpoint security approaches that can address these challenges, and focus on the solutions available, including Check Point’s Harmony Endpoint.
Challenges in Endpoint Security Management
Endpoint security management presents various challenges to businesses at present and in the future.
Complexity Related to Various Types of Endpoints and Operating Systems
With companies using a wide range of endpoint devices and operating systems, it can be challenging to secure these endpoints. Maintaining up-to-date security measures that work on any device can be complex and time-consuming.
Alert Processing
Alerts are an essential component of any security system. However, the sheer volume of alerts generated by multiple devices can lead to alert fatigue, with IT teams unable to manage all of them effectively.
Standalone Point Solutions
The use of standalone point solutions across different areas of endpoint security management can result in security sprawl, which decreases overall threat visibility and results in ineffective, disjointed solutions.
BYOD Policies
BYOD policies can leave organizations vulnerable to cyber threats due to the varying levels of device security enforced by employees.
Shadow IT
Shadow IT refers to the use of unauthorized software for work purposes, which often bypasses company security policies and leaves the organization exposed to potential cyber-attacks.
Remote and Hybrid Workforces
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become a norm, and hybrid workforces (with staff members working both remotely and in the office) are increasing. This has created new cybersecurity risk challenges, with remote devices requiring additional security measures.
User Mistakes
End-users, such as employees, remain a vulnerable point in the overall cybersecurity chain. They can inadvertently expose their organizations to security risks through user mistakes such as falling for phishing emails, clicking on malware ads, or unknowingly downloading malware.
Addressing these challenges requires implementing best practices in endpoint security management and leveraging modern endpoint security solutions.##Best Practices in Endpoint Security Management
Implementing best practices for endpoint security is crucial to reducing endpoint security risks and protecting the network. Below are some best practices to consider:
Tracking and Securing an Increasing Number and Types of Connected Devices
Businesses must track connected devices and ensure each device has appropriate security measures in place. This includes ensuring endpoint protection and threat prevention is installed on each endpoint device, securing USB ports, and tracking and location of each endpoint device.
Managing the Risks of a Remote Workforce
With remote work being the norm, it is essential to put in place controls to manage the risks that come with remote work. This includes controlling user access, using virtual private networks (VPNs) when accessing the company’s internal network from outside the office, using secure connections when using public Wi-Fi networks, and ensuring that employees receive adequate training to identify potential security threats.
Updates and Patching
To prevent security breaches from known software vulnerabilities, it is essential to ensure that all software is updated promptly and that outdated patches are replaced. This is vital for all devices, including third-party applications.
Controlling User Access
Controlling user access is important for restricting endpoint device access to a network. This helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and applications, thus reducing the organization’s risk of being hacked.
Ensuring Regulatory Compliance
Regulatory compliance is critical, requiring ensuring endpoint user devices are compliant with laws and regulations. This includes conforming to the relevant industry-specific data protection regulations or guidelines.
Preventing Data Loss
Organizations can develop and implement an endpoint data loss prevention strategy that outlines specific data protection measures, such as encryption, data backup, and IT administration policies for protecting sensitive data.
Securing USB Ports
USB ports are a security risk. Organizations should consider disabling USB ports or implementing stringent security controls that monitor and control USB access.
2021 Endpoint Security Challenges
The year 2020 highlighted the importance of having advanced cybersecurity measures and countermeasures in place. These measures must cover aspects across the entire threat landscape. What are the key challenges in endpoint security for 2021?
Data Loss
Data loss involves the loss of information that is vital to an organization’s operations. Cybercriminals can gain access to network data by exploiting cyber vulnerabilities, such as phishing attacks. Businesses need to protect sensitive data by implementing protection mechanisms such as data loss prevention tools.
Remote Workers
More and more businesses are adopting remote working practices. This requires accommodating employees who use a range of personal and corporate-owned devices to connect to their network. This presents significant endpoint security risks, where businesses need to ensure the safety of remote devices as well as the data being communicated between the endpoint devices and the network.
Mobile Devices/BYOD
BYOD is an increasingly popular option for businesses looking to reduce costs and enhance mobility in the workplace. While the BYOD option has several advantages, it has also caused significant endpoint security risks. Protecting company data on mobile devices is essential to ensure data privacy and network protection.
Applications
Applications have access to company data, so it is crucial to ensure that all applications have the appropriate security measures in place to guarantee that they are not the weak link that cybercriminals can exploit. The growing number of applications in an organization can create complexity, making it important to have a system in place to manage them effectively.
Overall Visibility
Limited visibility into the security landscape can make it challenging to detect advanced persistent threats (APTs) or unknown malware. This lack of visibility increases the exposure to cyber risks. Businesses need to adopt modern endpoint security solutions and practices to enhance visibility and, as a result, increase security levels.
Addressing the challenges requires leveraging modern endpoint management solutions, such as endpoint detection and response (EDR), managed detection and response (MDR) services, or an extended detection and response (XDR) platform. Businesses also need data loss prevention, VPNs, mobile security solutions, application control, and endpoint management solutions to address specific challenges effectively.