Endpoint Security Protection 101 and the COVID-19 Pandemic
When it comes to any business and industry, security is always a key element. In fact, it could easily be considered the cornerstone of any business looking to succeed and thrive. It is not just about protecting your company's interest, but also repaying the trust of the many customers who have chosen to share their data with you. Ensuring endpoint security is up to the task is the fundamental approach a business should always emphasize. By ensuring that all of your devices, servers, networks are secure, you can keep any unauthorized network access to a minimum.
When it comes to endpoints, it is referring to devices such as:
- Desktop computers
- Laptops
- Mobile devices
- Tablets
- IoT devices
- Workstations
- Servers
- POS systems
Securing Endpoints
When you are planning your network and data security, your considerations will be different from when you are planning for a comprehensive endpoint security coverage. It requires the monitoring of the enterprise network as a whole, providing the user the visibility to watch over all of the connected endpoints from a single point.
There are several ways that one can go about increasing endpoint protection. Encryption is an excellent way to help with that, particularly in conjunction with application control. Encryption helps secure your network endpoints and removable storage devices against data leaks, while application control is more preventative. This will help to secure devices that are looking to access the enterprise network. For companies that practise BYOD, or bring your own device, as a workplace standard, the risks can be mitigated by better security control, monitoring, and blocking of any potential risky activities.
It is common to see endpoint security solutions come in the form of a client-server model. This will require a security solution that protects the enterprise network from being exploited by malicious actors, and has centralized management. This is further augmented with locally installed client software on endpoints. An alternative would be a SaaS (Software as a Service) solution, which maintains both remotely.
However, there is a need to look to the future, and that is the transition to machine learning and cloud-based endpoint protection platforms. This will bring increased protection while cutting down on unnecessary roadblocks along the way.
Importance of Endpoint Security
As the world continues on its digitalization efforts, the value of data will continue to skyrocket. In fact, it might be the most valuable asset a company can have. Should there be a breach in data security leading to leaks, the consequences are almost unimaginable.
It does not help that endpoints are continually expanding in both numbers as well as types. Add in BYOD policies and the proliferation of remote working due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting security maelstrom presents a big challenge. Progress cannot be stopped, which is why enterprise endpoint security solutions will need to keep up.
Externally, malicious actors and those looking for a way in are continuously finding new ways to breach security put in place. Gaining access to sensitive information can be an easy way to a quick buck.
Stepping back, it is clear that companies will need to prioritize endpoint and network security. The potential costs of threat management, the reputational impact should a leak occur, and financial repercussions from compliance violations can easily cripple a corporation—endpoint security and protection is not to be taken lightly.
Integral Elements of Endpoint Security
In terms of what key components help make up the modern endpoint security solution, it is widely recognized that it consists of the following:
Machine Learning
The emerging security threats of today means that isolated endpoint solutions are no longer able to fully guarantee the safety of your data. We need solutions that can evolve at the same speed, if not faster than the threats themselves. Machine learning and artificial intelligence enable endpoint defences to gain parity, allowing tried and tested methods to work more efficiently.
Anti-malware/Antivirus
Deployed at endpoints, such software helps to scan files for potential malware across the entire enterprise network, devices, and servers. With constant updates from the cloud, it allows the system to remain dynamic and continuously monitor behaviour and unusual activity.
Web security
The need to access the Internet applies across the board, especially in today's fast moving world. However, it is also a ripe ground for attackers to try their luck. Proactive web security helps ensure that no matter where you are and what devices you use, you are safe.
Data classification/protection
Knowing what is essential and what is not is key to how endpoint security solutions determine the right approach to prevent data loss and exfiltration.
Firewalls
Instead of depending on external firewalls, trust the integrated firewall as part of the tools to help block hostile attacks that may occur against your network.
Email Gateway
Emails are part and parcel of the working life, but it is also susceptible to phishing and social engineering attempts. Block such nefarious activities and keep your employees safe.
Forensics
Swift identification allows for a quick solution, actionable threat forensics gives administrators the ability to quickly isolate any infections and prepare for the next steps.
Insider Threat Protection
Not all threats can come from external sources. Robust insider threat protection helps safeguard your data against malicious or even unintentional breaches.
Centralized Management
Convenient and straightforward, centralized management helps improve overall visibility over your networks and devices and keep operations running smoothly.
Encryption
Encrypting your data adds another layer of security to all your endpoints, emails, and other avenues of data to prevent any unauthorized exfiltration.
Cloud Access Security Brokers & Secure Web Gateways
An additional layer of protection can come in the forms of cloud access security broker and secure web gateways. Both are being improved constantly and may eventually replace existing firewalls and proxies being used globally. Both solutions are considered proxies, which help to protect organizations from threats as well as safeguard data. More importantly, the solutions are cloud-based, which allows for more utility across the board.
The key differences lie in their roles. Cloud access security brokers are considered more comprehensive implementations within the security system, with more extensive control over cloud application usage. In addition, it can be further integrated into APIs for scanning of data, or be deployed via proxy to enact inline policies to provide more real-time protection.
As for secure web gateways, they can be considered more of a direct replacement for the traditional firewalls. The same functionalities apply for the chosen network and perimeter protection, with the caveat being that the whole process is cloud-based.
Fujitsu's Solutions for Endpoint Security
With over 80 years of experience in the various fields of IT security, Fujitsu is a firm believer of intelligence-led security that is made for a fast-moving world. As a new era of IT developments continues to bring opportunities of growth and expansion, it is also integral that businesses minimize risks and strengthen themselves against the likelihood of cyber attacks.
Understand our portfolio of solutions, and get in touch with us to find out how we can help you today.