Any business, no matter how well managed or secure, is at risk of cyber-attacks. If malicious activity gets past your endpoint security software, it could mean a crisis for your business.
Endpoint protection alone is not enough to protect your business against cyber threats and safeguard your data in this constantly evolving threat landscape. In fact, 70% of successful breaches begin on endpoint devices. While endpoint protection is vital, it cannot be relied upon alone.
Why endpoint security is important
The main goal of endpoint security is to protect your company data. It’s a key piece of any cybersecurity strategy because it’s the last line of defence against hackers. Even with the most-advanced systems and networks, if someone can break into a workstation and steal data, then none of the rest of your efforts will matter.
Why it is not enough to stop cyber-attacks
Endpoint security is an essential component of any IT security strategy, but it’s far from sufficient when it comes to protecting your business. Many attacks start by compromising the weakest link – the endpoint. For example, a cybercriminal could infect an endpoint with malware, which could then spread to other devices on the network.
You need to protect data at rest and in transit, as well as on end-user devices. It’s also important to keep an eye on how employees use their devices. The last thing you want is an employee sending sensitive information over unsecured networks, or storing it in an unsecure location.
In addition to protecting your business from cyber-attacks, you should also be prepared for natural disasters and other unexpected events that can disrupt your operations.
Too many entry points
Endpoint protection solutions can protect your computer system, but they can’t protect other devices, such as your servers and Internet of Things (IoT) devices – particularly in a post-pandemic hybrid workplace.
Your servers are crucial points for your organization’s security. For instance, servers can accept malicious code from a malicious actor, and allow it to spread throughout your network. An endpoint protection solution can’t protect your servers from these threats.
Someone could also use your servers as a stealth entry point into your network, like a backdoor. This could enable malicious actors to access your data and network remotely without triggering any alarms or being detected.
Data is not protected once it leaves the endpoint
Endpoint protection solutions secure your computer system from malicious programs, viruses, and ransomware attacks. However, once you send your data from your computer, it leaves the security bounds of your endpoint protection. From there, it can be stolen.
If your employees, customers, or partners have devices that aren’t protected, the threat can reach your data again. If you want to protect your data at all times, then you have to look beyond endpoint protection. Data loss prevention (DLP) solutions can monitor and protect sensitive information wherever it moves within your organization. Encrypting data at rest and in transit can also ensure that even if it is compromised, it cannot be decrypted.
Malware can evade detection
Endpoint security solutions can detect specific threats by using signatures or artificial intelligence. You can use these solutions to identify malware that tries to attack your computer system or steal your data.
However, it’s inevitable that these solutions will miss some threats. Cybercriminals are always finding new ways to evade detection, and it’s estimated 560,000 new forms of malware are detected every day.
This is why you have to update your endpoint protection on a regular basis. If your endpoint security solutions are not updated, it will miss more and more threats. You might not even know that malware has managed to evade your protection.
Bring-Your-Own-Device threats
Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) is a common trend. It means employees bring their own devices to work and connect to the company’s networks. While this is a convenient way to increase productivity and make work easier, it also poses a significant security risk. If an employee brings in a device that isn’t protected, then it makes it easier for a malicious actor to steal data from your company.
With BYOD, you must implement strong, secure endpoint policies. Every device should be fully patched with your cybersecurity software and solutions, and fully controlled by you or your IT team so employees cannot download software that may create another entry point into your network for malicious activity to find.
Insider threats
Hackers aren’t the only threat to your business. You also need to worry about insiders – people who already have access to your systems and can steal data. If your endpoint security system is weak, then it makes it easier for an insider to steal data.
Most insider threats come from employees who have regular access to your computer systems. These people will be able to steal or lose data easily if their endpoint security software is weak, whether maliciously, accidentally, or through ignorance.
Discover robust cybersecurity solutions to defend your business
Secure endpoints are an essential component of any IT security strategy, but it’s far from sufficient when it comes to protecting your business. In fact, it’s often just the first step in a long chain of events that leads to malicious activity. You need to ensure you’re taking all necessary precautions to protect your business from cyberthreats.
The cybersecurity specialists at Technology Solutions can implement end-to-end, unified security solutions to protect your digital assets and keep your business secure.
