Cyber Security
Endpoint Security Trends: Staying Ahead in Cybersecurity
Andrea Abbondanza ,
16 Apr, 2024
Sophisticated cyber threats require equally sophisticated security measures to protect valuable data and systems. Endpoint security is one security trend that helps companies safeguard their servers, focusing on protecting individual devices like computers, laptops, smartphones, and servers.
Read on to learn more about endpoint security trends and how they are shaping the future of cybersecurity!
What are Endpoint Security Trends?
Endpoint security is like having a team of vigilant bodyguards for all your digital devices, from your trusty laptop to your sleek smartphone and everything in between. Just as you lock your doors to keep intruders out, endpoint security tools act as virtual gatekeepers, standing between your devices and the infamous characters lurking on the internet.
Just like locking your doors to keep burglars out, endpoint security uses special tools like antivirus software, firewalls, and detectors to keep your devices safe from cyber threats. With more people working from home and using mobile devices, endpoint security has become essential in securing our digital lives.
In today’s world, where remote work and mobile devices are the norm, endpoint security is more crucial than ever. It’s not just about protecting your data anymore; it’s about safeguarding your entire digital life.
How Does an Endpoint Security Solution Work?
Endpoint security is a crucial part of cybersecurity that focuses on protecting devices connected to a network, like workstations, servers, and mobile devices, from cyber threats. Here’s a simple explanation of how it works:
- Device Protection: Endpoint security shields devices that connect to a network or cloud services.
- Monitoring and Analysis: It monitors files, applications, and system activities in real-time, looking for suspicious or harmful activity.
- Threat Detection: By comparing files against a database of threats, often stored in the cloud, it can spot potential dangers.
- Centralized Management: Most systems use a central host to manage all business devices, ensuring they’re all up-to-date and protected.
- Response and Remediation: If a threat is found, the system can block and contain it, and administrators can take action using a central control panel.
The main goal is to protect data and workflows on all devices connected to the company network, keeping sensitive information safe. This is especially important now, with more people working remotely and using personal devices.
Types of Endpoint Security
Endpoint security uses various tools and methods to protect devices connected to a corporate network from cyber threats. Here are the endpoint security types that you should know:
Endpoint protection platform (EPP)
Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) is a security tool that keeps devices safe from cyber threats. It’s like a shield for computers, laptops, and other devices. EPP includes antivirus, anti-malware, and firewall features to give robust protection. It works by checking files as they enter a network, looking for signs of danger.
The main part of EPP is antivirus software, which scans files for known threats. If a file matches a threat in its database, it stops it from causing harm. The goal of EPP is to find and stop threats on devices, helping organizations keep their data safe.
Extended detection and response (XDR)
Extended Detection and Response (XDR) is an advanced security solution beyond traditional endpoint protection. It detects threats on individual devices and examines the broader security picture across an organization’s entire network.
By collecting and correlating information from various security tools, such as endpoint security, network security, and email security, XDR provides a more comprehensive view of potential threats. XDR uses advanced analytics and automation to detect and respond to cyber threats more effectively.
Endpoint detection and remediation (EDR)
Endpoint Detection and Remediation (EDR) is a cybersecurity tool that monitors computers, servers, and mobile devices for signs of trouble. It works by continuously monitoring these devices for suspicious activity.
If it detects something fishy, like a potential cyberattack, it takes action to stop it. EDR is more advanced than regular antivirus because it doesn’t just rely on recognizing known threats and looks for unusual behavior that could signal a new kind of attack. This helps organizations stay ahead of cyber threats and protect their devices better.
Benefits of An Endpoint Security
Endpoint security offers several key benefits for organizations. Here are some of the benefits of this cyber security method.
Protecting identity
If a company uses a network server to manage and store its data, employees need authorized access to it. They are likely using different devices to connect to networks. This is where endpoint security comes in, ensuring that all these devices, along with the data and identity on them, are protected.
Securing remote working
Since the pandemic, many companies have realized that remote work can be a viable way to manage their operations without needing physical office space. However, this also means that they are highly reliant on network servers. According to a forecast by Forbes, approximately 32.6 million Americans are expected to be working remotely by next year, comprising about 22% of the workforce. To ensure the security of remote workers, companies must invest in strong endpoint security solutions.
Sophisticated threat protection
Attackers are becoming increasingly creative in their use of social engineering tactics. A cybersecurity strategy must include robust and sophisticated measures to safeguard a system from these threats. Endpoint security software is one such sophisticated protection that can be used to combat these threats.
Protecting all endpoints
Protecting all endpoints refers to the ability of endpoint security solutions to secure all devices connected to a network, such as computers, laptops, mobile devices, and servers. This comprehensive protection ensures that each endpoint is shielded from various cyber threats, including malware, ransomware, and unauthorized access attempts.
What’s Considered an Endpoint?
A device becomes an endpoint when it joins a network. The rise of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies and the Internet of Things has led organizations to potentially tens or even hundreds of thousands of such devices on their networks.
Endpoints include a variety of devices, commonly known ones being:
- Medical devices
- Servers
- Mobile devices
- Tablets
- ATMs
- Smartwatches
- Printers
Endpoint devices are particularly vulnerable to security threats and malware, making them prime targets for malicious actors. The concept of mobile endpoints has expanded beyond just Androids and iPhones to encompass the latest in wearable technology, smart home devices, voice-activated assistants, and other smart gadgets connected to the IoT.
Today, our vehicles, aircraft, healthcare facilities, and even industrial equipment like oil rig drills are equipped with sensors that connect to networks. As endpoints have diversified, so too have the security measures to safeguard them.
Endpoint Protection Software vs. Traditional Antivirus Software
Endpoint protection software and antivirus software serve the same purpose of safeguarding devices from malware and cyber security threats, but they differ in several ways:
| Aspect | Endpoint Protection Software | Antivirus Software |
|---|---|---|
| Protection Scope | Covers more security aspects like firewall, intrusion detection, and data loss prevention, in addition to antivirus | Mainly focuses on finding and removing viruses, worms, and other known malware |
| Threat Detection Methods | It can be managed centrally and deployed across whole networks, making upkeep and updates simpler | Primarily relies on recognizing known threats, which might not catch new or unknown ones |
| Management and Deployment | Can be managed centrally and deployed across whole networks, making upkeep and updates simpler | Usually installed on single devices and may need manual updates and management |
| Integration with Other Security Tools | It may not integrate as well with other tools, focusing mainly on antivirus protection | May not integrate as well with other tools, focusing mainly on antivirus protection |
| Scalability | Built to expand across large networks and meet security needs for all sizes of organizations | More suited for individual users or small businesses with simpler security needs |
In summary, antivirus software is like a basic guard against common computer viruses. Meanwhile, endpoint protection is like an entire security team. It does what the antivirus does, keeping an eye out for other kinds of computer threats and helping to stop them before they cause problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is endpoint security a VPN?
Endpoint security is not a VPN. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that encrypts your internet connection to prevent eavesdropping. While endpoint security might include a VPN as one of its features, it’s much more than just a VPN.
Is endpoint security a firewall?
Endpoint security isn’t just about using a firewall. Although a firewall is part of it, there’s more to it. A firewall manages the traffic coming in and going out based on certain rules. Although endpoint security includes firewalls, it has other important parts like antivirus, anti-malware, and intrusion prevention systems.
What is the difference between endpoint security and internet security?
Endpoint security focuses on protecting devices that connect to a network, whether online or offline. On the other hand, internet security covers a wider range of protections for online activities, including secure web browsing, online transactions, and email security.
Conclusion
With the rise of remote work and mobile devices, endpoint security has become more crucial than ever in ensuring the security of our digital lives. To stay ahead in cybersecurity, it’s important to understand how endpoint security trends work and the different types available.
By implementing these tools and understanding the benefits of endpoint security, organizations can strengthen their security posture and protect against evolving cyber threats, such as data breaches, phishing, ransomware, and more.
For more information about cyber security trends, get in touch with Fluxgate today!
