4 Ways Endpoint Security Can Help Keep Your Business Secure
Endpoint security is the area of cyber security concerned with defending these access points on computer networks through the protection and monitoring of end user devices such laptops, desktops and mobiles.
Every time a device connects to a network, it represents a possible access point for cybercriminals.
It is estimated that there will be 21 billion connected devices by 2020, showcasing the incredible task that business face. It’s no surprise then, that endpoint detection and response (EDR) platforms, which combine elements of next-gen anti-virus software with supplementary tools to identify and eliminate threats, are fast becoming essential for protecting businesses of all sizes. Here are four key ways that EDR can boost your organisation’s cyber security.
- Helps to detect threats that preventative security and network monitoring can miss
In isolation, firewalls and intrusion prevention systems (IPSs) are generally ineffective at protecting businesses against the latest cyber security threats. To supplements these technologies, many companies deploy intrusion detection systems (IDSs) and security information and event management (SIEM) software to identify threats inside the network. However, these solutions struggle to provide visibility of attacks that target endpoint devices. It is only through specialist EDR monitoring that businesses can avoid blind spots. If your organisation operates without endpoint monitoring then you are at risk of leaving assets exposed.
- Helps to detect new attacks
An important benefit of EDR security monitoring is that it can help organisations to detect new types of threats. The technology works by monitoring endpoints to record and closely inspect file and registry changes to uncover suspicious behaviour. This could include accounts being accessed from unexpected locations to attempts to update, copy or erase files.
“Compromising endpoints is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to establish a foothold on a network. Rapid detection and response to attacks targeting hosts such as desktops, laptops and servers should therefore be integral to your IT security.
Deploying endpoint detection technology is one thing but without an in-depth knowledge of the latest threats and how they operate, reaping the greatest benefit from your investment is impossible.” Simon Monahan, Managed Detection & Endpoint Security Specialist, Redscan.
This information helps security staff to hunt for new types of threats that may not previously have been encountered. It is particularly useful for identifying memory-resident malware, an advanced type of threat that many organisations struggle to identify.
Threat hunting is key to reducing the amount of time it takes organisations to uncover compromises. If security staff can uncover potential threats through the suspicious behaviour leading up to an attack, they can potentially resolve the issue before it turns into a data breach.
- Helps to respond more swiftly to incidents
To minimise cyber security risk, it is not only essential to swiftly detect breaches, but also respond to them before they are able to inflict damage and disruption. EDR technologies enable security teams to contain and isolate threats in order to prevent them from spreading.
As soon as malicious activity, is detected infected devices can be isolated and the responsible threat actors shut down before they can proliferate.
- Helps to understand the kill chain of attacks
Endpoint security can also help security teams to understand the kill chain of attacks. Being able to visualise threat behaviour, helps to identify the root cause of intrusions and optimise systems to pinpoint similar activity in the future. If security teams are able to uncover and understand attacks unfolding quickly, they can more effectively understand the root cause and the scope of the threat. This gives them the best chance to mitigate the breach.
With trends such as IoT and bring your own device (BYOD) there are more endpoints connecting to corporate networks than ever before. This means the attack surface is widening just at the same time that cyber criminals are gaining in sophistication. To protect your business against the latest attacks, it’s now more important than ever to ensure that your endpoints are secure.
If you need any help with your cyber security, or you are not sure what might be right for you, it is worth talking with EDR specialists who will be able to provide support and assistance.
