In the era of remote work, protecting remote endpoints is more critical than ever. Cybercriminals are exploiting vulnerabilities in endpoint risks, and organizations must remain vigilant to secure their remote workforce. Endpoint security breaches can result in data breaches, compromised networks, and possible regulatory compliance violations. Therefore, companies must implement endpoint security infrastructure to prevent and minimize cyber threats.
This article discusses the importance of securing remote endpoints, best practices for endpoint security, and strategies to prevent cyberattacks in a remote work environment.
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many companies worldwide to adopt remote work models. With the increasing number of remote workers, there is a higher risk of cyberattacks, making it crucial to secure remote endpoints. Endpoint security is the process of securing remote endpoints, including devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Endpoint security platforms enable the centralized deployment security policies, operational standardization, and simplified management of endpoint security solutions across distributed locations.
According to Heimdal Security, cybercriminal tactics have increased by 58% since the start of 2020, with ransomware and malware attacks targeting remote endpoints. Therefore, securing remote endpoints is a critical component of data security. It involves using security tools and protocols that protect the endpoint as a point of access to digital services, data, and systems. Here are some strategies to enhance endpoint security for remote work:
- Implement a zero-trust security approach.
- Use artificial intelligence for evaluation of threats.
- Secure applications and data in transit.
- Adopt remote browser isolation.
- Automate employee onboarding processes.
- Use extended detection and response platforms.
- Create a virtual desktop infrastructure.
- Use end-to-end encryption technology.
- Partner with endpoint software provider like VMware Carbon Black Endpoint.
Strategies for Boosting Endpoint Security for Remote Work
Securing remote endpoints requires enhancements to existing cybersecurity culture and strategies. Companies can protect their remote workforce by adopting a zero-trust approach to cybersecurity. This means that access to digital services, data, and systems is a privilege, not a right. Here are the strategies to enhance the security of remote endpoints:
Zero-Trust Security
Zero-trust security operates with an “assume-never-trust” approach to manage authorized usage of network and system resources. It applies multilayered access control policies and authentication to verify the legitimacy of users, devices, and applications before granting access. Zero Trust security restricts access to resources until the user and device pass validation requirements for access control.
Artificial Intelligence for Threat Detection
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of cybersecurity, and remote work environments can benefit significantly from it. AI enables threat hunting software to comb through network traffic and logs for risk indicators and suspicious activities. With AI, remote work environments can monitor and detect security threats faster and more accurately, reducing the risk of endpoint security breaches.
Secure Applications
Securing applications is key to endpoint security and data protection. Companies should assess the security of all applications and digital services accessible by remote endpoints. This includes cloud-native platforms that have become commonplace with the increasing number of remote workers. Therefore, companies must ensure that employees are using company-approved cloud applications and avoid cloud apps that have known security vulnerabilities.
Remote Browser Isolation
Remote browser isolation technology has become a popular endpoint security practice. It involves isolating user browsing sessions from the endpoint to allow access to the internet. This minimizes the risk of malware and phishing attacks that target browsers.
Employee Education
Educating remote workers on endpoint security is crucial to prevent cybersecurity threats. Companies must provide employee orientation sessions, virtual training, and employee education sessions. This will enable employees to understand the threats to endpoint security, such as phishing and authentication risks, and how to prevent them.##Importance of Securing Remote Endpoints
Securing remote endpoints is critical to business operations and data security, especially in the era of remote work. VPN access policies should be enforced, and employees must take responsibility by using secure passwords, multi-factor authentication, and keeping their home routers and Wi-Fi connections secure.
Endpoint security must be included in the BYOD policy. Companies must provide guidance on allowed devices, security controls, and expected behaviors when accessing cloud applications and services with personal devices. Regularly updating operating systems and software proactively can ensure that devices remain secure from threats. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions must also be deployed to ensure that any endpoint security incidents’ response and remediation activities are expedited.
Companies must invest in endpoint security monitoring solutions that offer real-time visibility into company endpoints. Heimdal’s VectorN Detection™ and DarkLayer Guard™ endpoint security platforms can help organizations protect their remote workforce from advanced cyber threats.
Endpoint Security Best Practices for Preventing Cyberattacks
To minimize security risks and prevent cyberattacks, companies should install reliable endpoint security solutions, use encryption for data protection, and implement content disarm and reconstruction (CDR).
Setting clear BYOD policies helps ensure that the remote workforce adheres to company policies. Companies should terminate USB port access, allowing only encrypted USB drives. Employees should receive regular cybersecurity training, be encouraged to use strong passwords and password managers, and limit access to company data on a need-to-know basis.
Endpoint security best practices for preventing cyberattacks include the following strategies:
Backups
Taking regular backups of critical data is essential to mitigate the risks of data loss and provides a fallback option if a cyberattack occurs.
Encryption
Endpoint security solutions should include end-to-end encryption technology to protect data in transit and at rest.
Least Privilege Policy
Limiting access to company data, systems, and networks to only necessary personnel is an essential component of endpoint security. Least privilege implementation limits access to endpoints on a need-to-know basis and restricts access to unauthorized parties.
OS Updates
Regularly updating operating systems and software proactively can help minimize the risks associated with known vulnerabilities.
Identity and Access Management
Adopting an identity and access management (IAM) solution can help ensure that only authorized users access company systems and data. IAM solutions enable companies to centralize endpoint security policies, simplify access controls, and improve visibility into user activities.
Multifactor Authentication
Multifactor authentication (MFA) is essential to minimize the risks of data breaches, phishing attacks, and other identity-related cybersecurity threats. MFA is an authentication method that requires users to go through two or more authentication steps.
Conclusion
Remote work has become a permanent feature of the modern workplace. Therefore, securing remote endpoints is critical to prevent cyber threats. Organizations must implement endpoint security best practices, such as endpoint detection and response, VPN access policies, and securing applications, to minimize security risks and protect against cyberattacks. Partnering with endpoint software providers like VMware Carbon Black Endpoint and IGEL can also improve the security of endpoints. Regular employee education sessions on endpoint security risks and best practices are essential to improving the company’s endpoint security posture. By following the strategies outlined above, companies can minimize cybersecurity risks to their remote workforce and prevent data breaches.