What Is Endpoint Security?

Endpoint security involves the strategies, software, and hardware used to protect all devices and access points on a corporate network. Devices connecting to an organization’s network or accessing corporate resources could be exploited by cyber criminals to launch attacks, steal data, or spread malware. Any device that stores sensitive data is considered an endpoint and should be protected. Several endpoint security strategies are available to organizations, but administrators must create their own policies and infrastructure unique to the corporate environment.

Traditionally, businesses needed to address threats targeting only desktops and servers. When users accessed corporate data, they connected using a VPN to the business network. Now, businesses have multiple moving parts, with users bringing their own devices. With the rise of remote work and cloud services, endpoints now include IoT devices, cloud workloads, and virtual machines. Any device that stores or accesses data is considered an endpoint. Therefore, businesses have many additional endpoints to manage compared to the era before cloud computing and remote work became standard.

Strategies for endpoint security depend on the network environment, but administrators typically use infrastructure standards in network environments. While traditional anti-virus software remains important, modern endpoint security requires a comprehensive approach that includes behavioral analysis, threat intelligence, and automated response capabilities. Most strategies are made for enterprise environments, but individuals can also take advantage of endpoint security to protect their personal devices.

In a corporate environment, an endpoint protection platform (EPP) is used to monitor the network and detect attackers. EPP is an advanced application that monitors, logs, audits, patches, and scans all devices connected to the network. Modern EPP solutions also incorporate Extended Detection and Response (XDR) capabilities to provide deeper threat analysis and automated incident response.

Administrators must be able to push updates to devices, remotely wipe stolen smartphones, block malicious software, and detect possible vulnerabilities. Modern endpoint security solutions provide zero-trust capabilities, ensuring that all devices and users are verified before accessing network resources. Its controls manage authorized access on all devices across the network so that administrators can enable and disable user permissions regardless of their location.

It’s not uncommon for corporations to have a “bring your own device (BYOD) policy.” This policy allows users to bring any personal device to work, connect it to the network, and work with applications approved by administrators. With the rise of remote work, BYOD policies have become even more critical for maintaining security while enabling workforce flexibility. Controlling personal devices presents a challenge for administrators, but endpoint security strategies define cybersecurity requirements before a device can be attached to the corporate network.

Wi-Fi hotspots and routers are also standard endpoints in large enterprise environments. These network access points require advanced security measures, including strong encryption, network segmentation, and continuous monitoring. Attackers target Wi-Fi hotspots for common vulnerabilities and users connected without a VPN. If the router uses weak cryptographic encryption to transfer data, an attacker can intercept data and steal credentials and company data.

Smartphones are a part of most people’s lives, and many organizations offer one to employees who must be contacted during non-office hours. Should an employee lose the device, any data stored on it will be left open to attackers. Storage encryption and the ability to remotely wipe the device protect the organization from data disclosure due to physical theft.

Outdated software is one of the most common vulnerabilities on a corporate network. Administrators could have potentially thousands of devices to manage, so it’s easy for an application or just one device to slip through the cracks without the right patches. It only takes one vulnerable device to disclose private data or become a vector for malware. Endpoint security ensures that administrators have a complete report of all devices and their current status, including the latest updates and possible vulnerabilities.

Modern organizations face an evolving landscape of cyber threats, making robust endpoint security essential for protecting business assets. Here are the key benefits that endpoint security provides to enterprises:

• Protection against data breaches: Endpoint security creates a robust defense against unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data and intellectual property. Comprehensive monitoring and advanced threat detection significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and malicious attacks.
• Enhanced threat detection and response: Real-time monitoring and automated detection capabilities enable immediate identification of suspicious activities across all endpoints. This proactive approach allows organizations to respond to threats quickly and contain potential security incidents before they escalate.
• Improved business continuity: By preventing cyber-attacks that could disrupt end-user activities, endpoint security ensures uninterrupted business operations. It maintains service availability and enables rapid recovery from security incidents with minimal impact on productivity.
• Regulatory compliance support: Endpoint security solutions help organizations meet strict data protection requirements for various regulations like GDPR and HIPAA. These solutions provide the necessary documentation and implement required security controls to maintain compliance standards.
• Cost-effectiveness: Implementation of endpoint security reduces the financial impact of potential breaches and cyber incidents through prevention and early detection. Organizations save significantly on incident response costs through automated threat detection and remediation processes.
• Centralized management: A unified control system provides comprehensive visibility and management of all endpoint devices from a single dashboard. This centralization simplifies security policy deployment and enforcement across the entire organization.
• Remote work support: Endpoint security enables the protection of devices regardless of their location, supporting today’s flexible work environments. It maintains consistent security standards across all endpoints while enabling secure access to corporate resources for remote employees.

This comprehensive approach to endpoint security helps organizations uphold a strong security posture while supporting modern business operations and workforce flexibility.

• Machine learning to identify patterns and stop attacks determined by baseline traffic patterns.
• Anti-malware and anti-virus applications run on every endpoint and critical device.
• Continual patching and updates to the software as they are released.
• Content filters block known attack sites.
• Firewalls block unused ports and malicious applications.
• Email filters detect and block phishing and malicious attachments.

• Data and file collection for investigations and forensics after a successful attack.
• Zero-trust architecture implementation.
• Cloud workload protection.
• Behavioral analytics and anomaly detection.
• Insider threat protection to stop unauthorized activity.
• Centralized management provides reports to administrators reports on current network devices and their status.
• Data encryption for sensitive file storage and archiving.

• Data loss prevention (DLP) and protection.
• Protection from insider threats (e.g., employees and contractors).
• Encryption for data at rest and in motion.
• Application filtering and monitoring control.

• Network access control.
• Classification of data.
• Detection of threats and vulnerabilities and the ability to block them.
• User authorization control.

Enterprise cybersecurity is expensive, but consumers can employ its strategies and infrastructure. Typically, personal users only have their data stored on an endpoint, so the cost of an individual data breach is much less than that of a corporate data breach where potentially millions of users suffer from personal information disclosure.

Individuals don’t usually need a central control application that manages multiple devices, so some of the infrastructure used in the enterprise is unnecessary. An EPP system monitors, logs, and creates reports for administrators. The management and overhead of an EPP are also unnecessary for individuals.

Advanced endpoint protection isn’t necessary for individual devices. However, some malware use smartphones as a vector to spread to other storage locations on the network. Individuals should always install anti-virus and anti-malware on their devices. It’s common for anti-virus to be installed on a desktop, but many users don’t install anti-malware applications on mobile devices. Attackers take advantage of this and often target smartphones and tablets.

Administrators can push smartphone and mobile device updates from a central dashboard. Updates and patches can be automated so that devices are always running the latest software. Individuals must manually update software, so it’s much more common for a consumer to have outdated software, including firmware on hardware.

While enterprise-grade endpoint security might be excessive for individual users, many consumer-friendly security solutions now offer comprehensive protection at affordable prices. However, individuals can maintain a secure environment in their homes by consistently updating software, patching firmware, limiting the installation of untrusted software, and using strong passwords on Wi-Fi hotspots. Additionally, enabling multifactor authentication and using password managers can significantly enhance personal security.

A comprehensive endpoint security solution combines multiple technologies and capabilities to create a robust defense system. Here’s what makes up a complete endpoint security solution:

Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)

A centralized suite of security tools serves as the foundation for endpoint protection. The EPP combines anti-virus protection, intrusion prevention, data encryption, and data loss prevention capabilities, all managed through a unified interface.

Advanced Threat Detection

Modern endpoint solutions leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence for accurate, real-time threat detection. These technologies analyze behavior patterns and identify potential threats before they can cause damage.

Network Security Controls

The solution functions as a comprehensive firewall system that filters incoming traffic and identifies potential risks. It monitors and controls network access while protecting against unauthorized connection attempts.

Data Protection Features

Robust encryption and data loss prevention tools protect sensitive information both at rest and in transit. These features prevent unauthorized data transfers and ensure compliance with security policies.

Application Control

Security measures include integration with application servers to monitor and limit endpoint access. This prevents users from downloading or accessing unauthorized or unsafe applications.

Continuous Monitoring and Response

The solution provides 24/7 monitoring and recording of all endpoint activities. This includes real-time alerting, behavioral analysis, and automated response capabilities to quickly contain potential threats.

Centralized Management

A centralized console allows system administrators to control security for all devices remotely. This enables unified policy management, update deployment, and security control across the organization.

Authentication and Access Control

Multifactor authentication and effective access control mechanisms ensure that only authorized users and devices can connect to network resources. This creates an additional security layer against unauthorized access.

This integrated approach ensures comprehensive protection against modern cyber threats while maintaining operational efficiency and user productivity.

Proofpoint delivers comprehensive endpoint security through integrated solutions that protect organizations’ sensitive data and users. Our cloud-native Data Loss Protection & Prevention solution uses lightweight endpoint sensors to monitor and protect sensitive data while providing visibility into user behavior and data interactions without impacting system performance.

Taking a people-centric approach, Proofpoint’s Insider Threat Management (ITM) identifies risky user behavior and prevents insider-led security incidents through comprehensive monitoring of user activities. The solution includes real-time alerts and prevention capabilities across email, web browsing, and application usage.

Proofpoint seamlessly integrates with leading endpoint protection solutions and security vendors through API-based connections, enabling automated threat intelligence sharing and streamlined incident response. Our unified management console provides security teams with intuitive visualizations and detailed forensic evidence, making it simple to investigate and respond to security incidents quickly. This comprehensive approach delivers the protection modern enterprises need while maintaining operational efficiency. To learn more, contact Proofpoint.