Endpoint Security in the Modern Workplace: Challenges and Solutions

As businesses operate more and more in the public sphere, they become increasingly vulnerable to malicious attacks. According to a study conducted by the Ponemon Institute, nearly 70% of organizations have been affected by malicious attacks at least once, with ransomware attacks being the most damaging. The cost of these attacks is also on the rise, with each breach costing companies an average of $4.35 million, according to IBM’s 2022 report.

Endpoints, such as laptops, desktops, smartphones, and tablets, are increasingly becoming a prime target for cyber attackers as they are the first entry point, providing malicious users with access to sensitive data and networks.  The diversity of newly connected devices has expanded the scope of attacks, making it difficult to have a unified approach to security.

In addition to traditional endpoints, the increasing use of devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, and IoT, based on different operating systems, presents new challenges. For example, smartwatches or IoT-related gadgets don’t always receive sufficient attention when it comes to security, making it easy for things to go wrong when one of these devices gains unlimited network access.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated matters. The implementation of work-from-home policies by many employers presented several new safety challenges. Remote workers often connect to their organization’s network using their personal devices, such as laptops and smartphones, and use public Wi-Fi networks, which are often not secure. The lack of proper security measures for such devices makes them an easy target for cybercriminals.

Remote work also increases the complexity of endpoint security by blurring the line between personal and business device use. Employees are more likely to download applications and software that are not authorized by their organization, creating a shadowy IT environment that exposes the organization to various cyber threats.

One way to mitigate these risks is to implement, maintain, and extend endpoints’ security. However, as the variety of newly connected devices continues to expand, endpoint security is an increasing challenge. Traditional antivirus software is no longer enough, and using new devices based on different operating systems further complicates things.

To address these challenges, organizations are turning to solutions such as Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPPs), which provide multi-layered security packages that include data breach and loss prevention, encryption, and real-time antivirus scans. EPPs use the cloud to access up-to-date threat databases and intelligence and allow administrators to monitor all connected endpoints and identify emerging threats.

Another approach is to use Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), which takes effect when a system has already been compromised. EDRs look at what suspicious files do and compare it to known threat patterns, quarantining the file or endpoint before encryption or other damage occurs. Extended Detection and Response (XDR) is a complementary SaaS-based tool that collects data from cloud services, firewalls, and other sources. It uses AI to execute a response or suggest security teams implement it manually.

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services are an additional option for businesses that don’t have the resources or expertise to manage the security of their endpoints internally. MDR services provide real-time threat detection, analysis, and response across all endpoints, including servers, workstations, laptops, and mobile devices. They use a combination of advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning,  and behavioral analysis to identify and respond to threats before they cause damage. In MDR services, support from qualified security incident analysts is also included.

In addition to using these tools, businesses can also take proactive steps to protect their endpoints by implementing best practices such as:

Password management: Employees should use strong passwords and rotate them frequently. Using professional password management software can automate the process and eliminate user error.

Zero-trust policies:  Businesses should switch to a zero-trust policy, which ensures endpoint users have access to data based on their classification and credentials.

Security of individual devices: All connected devices should be monitored and encrypted, and antivirus software should be active and up to date. Employees should also be aware of the risks associated with downloading unauthorized software or applications.

Prevention and IT hygiene: Devices should be restricted to seek approval before connecting to the system. Existing software or extensions that don’t comply with the new policy will need to be removed, and additional regular scans will need to be performed to detect and remove any malware.

Encrypted cloud storage: Using encrypted cloud storage improves endpoint security by providing a secure and central location to store data, reducing the risk of data loss or theft from individual devices.

By staying abreast of the problem and taking proactive measures to secure all endpoints, businesses can reduce the risk of breaches and limit them more easily if they occur. Endpoint security is critical to minimizing the risks associated with malicious attacks as endpoints become increasingly vulnerable. The range and diversity of connected devices are expanding, and remote work has added new challenges to the complexity of endpoint security. To stay ahead of evolving threats, businesses will need to implement a combination of tools, services, and best practices to ensure the security of all their endpoints.