What Is Endpoint Security & Why Is It Important?

Endpoint security is vital for the modern enterprise. Without it, the entire organization is much more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. It’s becoming even more important to enterprises as Internet-of-Things devices become more prevalent, and thus create more endpoints. Here are some things you need to know about endpoint security.

What Does Endpoint Security Encompass?

Just about every kind of device that connects to a network can be considered an endpoint. This list can include laptops, smartphones, tablets, or even servers. At a company or other enterprise, there can be huge numbers of endpoints of a variety of types and levels of security. Now more than ever, it’s important to ensure all devices connecting to a network meet a certain bar for security protocols.

And this is exactly what’s accomplished through endpoint security: Every device that connects to a network is required to fit within a certain security framework. If it doesn’t, it can’t connect to the enterprise’s network and create a potential vulnerability.

How Is Endpoint Security Different from Other Kinds?

There’s a distinct difference that’s essential to understanding how endpoint security is different from other types of network security measures. With endpoint security, the impetus is placed on every device connecting to the network. If that device can’t comply, then it can’t gain access.

When it comes to network-wide security measures, such as anti-virus software or other overarching programs, these are installed and running on all devices dedicated to the network. But what if there are devices connecting to the network from other places? These might be from totally legit sources, such as remote workers or business travelers. Or, it could be a hacker trying to gain access to the network.

In today’s increasingly confusing digital landscape, it’s wise to have multiple types of protection. More and more, people are working outside of the traditional office setting, or even bringing their own devices in and connecting to the enterprise network. These instances create potential vulnerabilities for the network.

Why Is Endpoint Security Important?

The world is changing. The way people work is one of the most apparent examples of this. In the past, enterprises could keep tabs on all the endpoints connected to their networks. But those times have gone.

Now, with the rise of mobile devices, there are more endpoints connecting to networks than ever. The obvious struggle for enterprises is figuring out how to protect their networks while interacting with so many potential threats. Every device has the potential to be infected with something that can harm the enterprise’s network.

Endpoint security mitigates some of the risk involved with having so many unknown devices connecting to the network. There are a few ways it does this.

Enterprises are often vast, sprawling organizations. There can be hundreds, if not thousands, of networks within one. It’s a challenge to keep track of all the endpoints connecting to all those networks. This is why it’s so useful to have specific endpoint security measures in place.

Detection and response are two of the most critical elements to endpoint security protocols. In order to spot threats before they do damage, it’s important to have strong monitoring and real-time response tools. Internal IT and cybersecurity employees should be trained on what to do when navigating threats.

But at the enterprise level, it makes sense to take every precaution in ensuring the safety of something as precious as your networks. Compromising here can lead to dire consequences down the line. Many major organizations have fallen victim to data breaches affecting millions of people. There’s no margin for error when the stakes are so high. Enterprises should seriously consider the benefits of having endpoint security services provided by an outside company in addition to internal monitoring. This added layer of protection can make the difference between catching a threat in time versus seeing it become a disaster.

Endpoint security is only becoming more important as more types of devices are connecting to networks. Enterprises need to continue evolving with the challenges posed by this.

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