Cyberattacks are taking new forms, and they are concerning for businesses. The number of attacks is increasing because many organizations now employ Bring Your Device (BYOD) policies. They need to consider endpoint security programs seriously. They should employ advanced antimalware and antivirus protection to enable the security operations center (SOC). Let's see how Endpoint Security reduces the security burden.
What is Endpoint Security?
An endpoint is a technical term for a device integrated with any corporate network. It can be any machine connected to the corporate network. Here are some of the most common examples that can be covered under this term:
- Wearables, such as smartwatches
- Industrial machines
- Printers
- IoT-enabled smart devices
- Mobile phones
- Laptop computers
- ATMs
- Tablets
- Medical devices
- Servers
Endpoint security is a layered security arrangement that protects organizational devices from cyber threats. It layers the security perimeter to protect the devices running for business purposes. The solution protects data & workflows connected with devices in a network. Endpoint security closely monitors the informational transactions entering the organizational network or storage.
The solution works through a dedicated console installed on an organization's network perimeter. It enables them to control the network or server connecting the devices. The client software deployed on each device pushes updates, authenticates user access, and heads policies. The endpoint security solution layers all endpoints through application control. It restrains unauthorized login attempts or breaches by detecting malware and attacks.
How is Endpoint Security Different from Antivirus?
However, the scale covered by Endpoint Security is broader. Antivirus software detects, removes, and prevents malicious software from infecting devices. It is installed on endpoint devices. An antivirus runs scans to detect malware and discovers patterns for finding a virus. It needs to be updated frequently. Besides protecting corporate devices, Endpoint security protects the entire network perimeter. Here are some of the significant differences between an antivirus and endpoint security that businesses must know:
Device coverage: An antivirus program is ideally designed to protect only the device on which it is installed. Moreover, they are primarily installed on laptops to keep them secure. In contrast, Endpoint security protects the entire network that runs the devices.
Protection from threats: An Antivirus can defy malware patterns that have been identified in the business’s database. Endpoint security covers all types of threats, such as data loss, signatureless malware, and phishing attacks. It auto-updates itself against potential threats before they snowball into bigger problems for the organization.
Continuous protection: An Antivirus solution is based on a pattern identification model. This means that the solution needs to be updated frequently and prepared for new threats. On the other hand, endpoint security solutions are connected to the cloud and updated automatically.
Advanced internal protection: An Antivirus can block virus threats but cannot prevent employees from removing data from devices using USB drives or other tools. On the contrary, an endpoint security solution can prevent data breaches through data encryption and other access control methods. This method also alerts admins to suspicious behaviors from external and internal sources.
Connectivity: An antivirus solution works in isolation like a single program with limited integration features. However, an endpoint security solution can be connected with other access management solutions for greater security control.
How is Endpoint Security Different from a Firewall?
A firewall is only a network security solution. However, Endpoint Security protects the network, devices, and even the data on those devices. It also enables businesses to monitor the status and suspicious activities of employees. Firewalls are ideal for companies whose employees work from a single building with a business network.
A firewall does not give the location of employees, and it cannot layer devices for BYOD culture. Businesses with heavy intel and financial transactions can be independent of a firewall.
Endpoint Security Has the Upperhand – 5 Reasons Why Businesses Must Deploy It?
An endpoint security solution gives more firepower – control, and features to eliminate threats before they strike. It is a comprehensive security solution that offers the following benefits:
Security for all endpoints:
The post-COVID world brought changes that are going to stay for businesses. Almost all businesses have Work From, work-from-home policies and BYOD policies. Work From is an endpoint security solution that continuously protects all those devices and the data those devices store. It has a broader device protection mechanism than any other security solution.Securing remote access:
Endpoint security provides peace of mind by layering all devices against threats and enforcing policies for employees. It is a foolproof modern-day response against cyber threats. It comes with more features for identity or access management and governance.Laser sharp and advanced Threat protection:
Hackers are employing new methods to breach the security perimeter and gain access to corporate networks. Endpoint protection helps organizations stay ahead of those cybercriminals. It is a comprehensive solution that responds to security threats far better than any other available solution.Protecting identity:
For large organizations, relying on traditional security solutions like firewalls and antivirus is no longer viable. Endpoint security even validates the identity of a business user working on a corporate device. It protects the device and its information even when connected to other network perimeters.Admin Control:
Endpoint security has more Admin and access control features than its contemporaries. It allows admin & security teams to enforce policies in simple steps. There remains no chance of unauthorized people getting the opportunity to steal corporate data. This advantage even reduces human error in predicting and defying cyber threats.
Conclusion
Endpoint Security is a more comprehensive solution than any other security solution. The best part is that it works continuously and keeps organizations ahead of cyber threats. It offers broader device coverage and safeguards the data they hold. Organizations can even connect it with other access management & governance solutions for the best results.
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