Endpoint Security is a critical aspect of cyber defence for SMEs because it provides a protective barrier against from cyber attacks. Let's take a look at what endpoint security is and why every SME needs it.
What is an Endpoint?
An endpoint is any physical device that connects to a network system. It can include desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and more. Every connected device is a potential entry point for a security breach, malware, and other malicious activities.
Understanding Endpoint Security
Endpoints serve as entry points to valuable data, so they are prime targets for attackers.
So, endpoint security is key to safeguarding an SMEs network. Endpoint security defends against viruses or malware by:
· Preventing harmful activities
· Detecting suspicious behaviour
· Responding to threats in real time
Methods Employed by Endpoint Security
Endpoint security solutions generally take multiple approaches including:
1. Continuous monitoring for unusual activity that could indicate a security breach
2. Application of encryption to protect data in transit and at rest
3. Utilisation of firewalls to control incoming and outgoing network traffic
4. Implementation of sophisticated threat detection technologies like behavioural analysis
These measures ensure that if an attacker manages to compromise one device, they are unable to move laterally across the network or gain access to central repositories of information.
Adopting a Zero Trust approach complements endpoint security by ensuring that no entity inside or outside the network is trusted by default.
The Cyber Threat Landscape for Small Businesses
41% of cyber crimes target small businesses. Data breaches can be financially, operationally, and reputationally devastating to SMEs (who often do not have the resources to respond adequately). So prevention is the optimal approach.
SMEs often have the following vulnerabilities and cyber criminals will take any opportunity to exploit these vulnerabilities:
· Insufficient security measures on both personal and company-owned devices
· Employees lacking awareness about safe cybersecurity practices
· Limited resources available for monitoring and managing device security
Understanding why hackers target SMEs can help businesses strengthen their defences.
Remote work & Endpoint Security
Remote working has increased endpoint security risks as workers blend the use of personal and workplace devices to access company resources. It is important to understand how remote working impacts cyber security.
Choosing the Correct Endpoint Security Solution for Your Small Business
When selecting an endpoint security solution, the following should be considered:
1. Comprehensiveness of Threat Detection
The solution should have robust malware detection capabilities to indentify both known and unknown threats.
2. Ease of Deployment and Management
Implementing an endpoint security solution shouldn't cause additional strain on your IT resources. Look for solutions that are easy to deploy and manage.
3. Application Control and Encryption
The right endpoint solution should include application control to manage which applications can run on your network endpoints. Coupled with encryption, this aids in preventing unauthorised access and data loss.
Advantages of Endpoint Security
1. Protection Across All Devices - Endpoint solutions provide protection across all network endpoints, including desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and IoT gadgets.
2. Real-Time Threat Detection - Continual monitoring of networks for any suspicious activities or threats to enable a real-time response.
3. Centralised Management - Managing all network endpoints from a centralised console simplifies administration and enhances visibility across the network.
4. Improved Compliance - With robust endpoint security measures, businesses can meet industry-specific compliance requirements related to data protection and privacy.
5. Cyber Essentials Certification - Endpoint Security contributes towards your businesses eligibilty for cyber essentials certification.
Is Endpoint Security Alone Sufficient?
Endpoint security is one aspect of cyber defences for SMEs and and should be implemented alongside other measures such as; network security, email protection, secure backups, and multi-factor authentication.
Employee Behaviour & Cyber Security
The behaviour of your workers can leave your business vulnerable to attack. IBM identified that 41% of cyber security incidents stemmed from phishing. That is why MCATS IT include security awareness training FREE in all our IT packages for SMEs.
A single click on a malicious link provide access to unauthorised individuals. So, it's essential that your team recognise phishing attempts and know how to respond to them. This helps protect individual devices and also contributes to overall network security.
What Endpoint Security Do MCATS IT Provide?
Almost all security products claim to block 99% of malware but the remaining 1% can wreak havoc. Cisco Secure Endpoint provides comprehensive IT security protection for SMEs. Traditionally, protection has relied solely on point-in-time technology, such as anti-virus software. However, this does not retrospectively trace where files were sent to, so threats can go undetected for months if they are not picked-up at the time of entry.
Cisco Secure Endpoint is a next generation product which prevents, detects, and responds to threats, including retrospective analysis and defence.
Cisco Secure Endpoint:
Prevents against threats using global intelligence with real-time blocking of file-less and file-based malware.
Detects threats quickly via continuous monitoring and recording all file activity.
Responds appropriately – accelerating, investigating, and automatically remediating malware across Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.
Provides peace of mind – Continual monitoring and analysis of all file and process activity enables creation of an audit trail detailing exactly where a file goes and what it does. So, if a file that initially appeared clean exhibits malicious behaviour, Cisco Secure Endpoint holds a complete history of the threat’s behaviour so it can catch, contain, and remediate it.
Automated product that does not rely on user discretion - Blacklists are dynamically updated 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. There is no need to wait for updates or make additional subscriptions.
Seamless integration with all elements of our IT and Cyber Package for SMEs.
Endpoint Security Software for SMEs
MCATS IT include Cisco endpoint security in our Silver and Gold IT packages, alongside complementary essential cyber security measures. Our packages are designed to be affordable, without compromising on quality or service. You can read more about our IT packages for SMEs here. Or feel free to get in touch for a friendly chat by contacting us or calling 0333 014 7303.
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