What is an endpoint?
An endpoint can be defined as a computing device that is remote and connected to a network, communicating back and forth. Computing devices include laptops, workstations, tablets, servers, desktops and smartphones.
These endpoints are an entryway for cybercriminals as they exploit vulnerabilities and deploy malware to encrypt, monetize or steal important sensitive data. With users connecting to an organization’s resources from endpoints that are not within the premises of an organization- leaves the endpoints vulnerable and prone to cyber attacks. With the advancement in technology, cyber attacks have become sophisticated and targeted. Gone are the times when simple antiviruses could protect endpoints from potential cybercriminals attacking with malwares and ransomware. There is a need to have an advanced endpoint security and ransomware recovery plan that needs to be installed in order to fight these modern digital threats.
Importance of Endpoint Security
Being in the digital era is all about finding solutions to make access to data more convenient, fast and easy. Along with data access, technology is aimed to make online communications better. Organizations are focused on providing flexibility to their employees when it comes to accessing resources and with bring-your-own-device policies that create endpoint vulnerabilities- as these internet enabled personal devices do not come with the guarantee that they are running on the latest operating systems with updated security patches.
As there are numerous endpoints connecting to enterprise networks, there is a need to branch out of traditional endpoint security and network security and see modern solutions.
Some organizations take a strict approach to ensure maximum endpoint safety by not allowing any outside devices to connect to their network with a ransomware recovery plan, which keeps away any potential ransomware or cyber attack to infiltrate their network and in turn affect company’s data.
Organizations that allow personal laptops to connect to their network, need to have some sort of way to determine whether all non-company devices are using the latest operating systems and are secured; whether they belong to top tier employees or lower level vendors.
The WannaCry ransomware attack that happened in the past was due to the vulnerability in the patch and not in the operating systems as they were updated. So in order to prevent any cyber attack, all aspects of security should be considered – from operating systems, latest patches, cybersecurity software and more. Some reports have shown that nearly 2,000 organizations were running on outdated software, leaving them out in the open for cybercriminals to easily infiltrate and attack.
Run Security Checks and Identify Potential Entryways for Cyber Attacks
It’s crucial that you run security checks round the clock if you have (BYOD) bring your own device policy that leaves your network vulnerable. Keep a check and see whether all connected devices are secured and are running on the latest operating systems and security patches. Invest in endpoint security software and applications to secure all connected devices and have a ransomware recovery plan in place – this will protect your organization’s network. Endpoint security applications prevent endpoints from running unauthorized applications that pose threats to the enterprise network.
