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A Guide For Better Endpoint Protection

What Even Is an Endpoint?

Endpoints are the collection of computers, mobile devices, servers, and smart gadgets that make up your company’s network and IT infrastructure. Each of those devices is a chance for a hacker to penetrate a company’s defenses. 64% of organizations have experienced one or more compromising endpoint attacks. 

The following solutions are focused on the protection of endpoint devices.

Address Password Vulnerabilities

Passwords are one of the biggest vulnerabilities when it comes to endpoints. Poor password security and breaches make credential theft one of the biggest dangers to cybersecurity. Address password vulnerabilities in your endpoints by:

  • Training employees on proper password creation and handling
  • Look for passwordless solutions, like biometrics
  • Install multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts 

Update All Endpoint Security Solutions 

You should regularly update your endpoint security solutions. It’s best to automate software updates if possible so they aren’t left to chance. Firmware updates are often forgotten about. But they are just as important for ensuring your devices remain secure and protected.

Use Modern Device & User Authentication

How are you authenticating users to access your network, business apps, and data? If you are using only a username and password, then your company is at high risk of a breach. Use two modern methods for authentication: 

  • Contextual authentication 
  • Zero Trust approach (Trust but Verify) 

Stop Malware Infection Before OS Boot 

USB drives (also known as flash drives) are a popular giveaway item at trade shows. But an innocent-looking USB can actually cause a breach. Hackers can use them to gain access to a computer by booting from a USB device containing malicious code. 

There are certain precautions you can take to prevent this from happening. One of these is ensuring you’re using firmware protection that covers two areas: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Security. 

TPM is resistant to physical tampering and tampering via malware. It looks at whether the boot process is occurring properly and also monitors for the presence of anomalous behavior. Additionally, seek devices and security solutions that allow you to disable USB boots.

Apply Security Policies Throughout the Device Lifecycle

From the time a device is first purchased to the time it retires, you need to have security protocols in place. Examples of device lifecycle security include when a device is first issued to a user. This is when you should remove unnecessary privileges. When a device moves from one user to another, it needs to be properly cleaned of old data and reconfigured for the new user. When you retire a device, it should be properly scrubbed. 

Prepare for Device Loss or Theft

Unfortunately, mobile devices and laptops get lost or stolen. When that happens, you should have a sequence of events that can take place immediately. This prevents company risk of data and exposed business accounts.