What is Endpoint Security?

Organizations today rely on a wide range of endpoint devices to ensure that access to their business processes run uninterrupted. This includes modern gadgets that allow employees to work remotely and conveniently, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, among others. However, such devices tend to be vulnerable to an array of cyber threats, which leaves companies at a huge risk. This is why it is essential for organizations to adopt strict endpoint security to curb risky activities such as unauthorized access at the points of entry.

What’s Endpoint Security?

Endpoint security is the exercise of entry points or endpoints of end-user gadgets to prevent malicious campaigns and actors from exploiting them. It ensures that all devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets, used at the workplace are protected from security breaches.

Types

Endpoint security has evolved significantly to ensure protection from sophisticated zero-day threats and a lot of modern malware.

The following are the types of endpoint security that are currently available:

1. Antivirus. This is the most traditional endpoint protection mode. You can install antivirus software directly on your devices. It will then detect and remove malware and malicious applications. In virtual desktop environments, antivirus software normally runs in the cloud where the virtual desktops are located.
2. Browser isolation. This endpoint security mechanism curbs any browser-related threats such as ransomware, malware, surprise downloads by isolating browsers and eliminating hazardous web browser codes.
3. Application control. This mechanism simply controls permission and restriction of all applications. It works through whitelisting, blacklisting, and graylisting to stop malicious applications.
4. Endpoint encryption. This is the process of scrambling and encoding data so that only certain individuals can read or use it. Those who are allowed access to the data use decryption keys to open it. This method of endpoint security leaves your organization protected from data theft and exposure.
5. Network access control. This method involves the use of computer networking solutions to secure access to network codes. They use a set of protocols to implement strategies that regulate the access to network infrastructure by particular users and devices.
6. Cloud security. This endpoint security mechanism makes cloud infrastructure stronger and able to resist more cyber threats.
7. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). This is where applications that enter and exit a network’s endpoints are monitored. The security mechanism’s main components include malware and ransomware detection, threat investigation, and granular visibility.
8. Email gateways security. This method involves filtering and monitoring all incoming and outgoing emails to curb malicious activities and totally prevent hackers from gaining access to an organization’s networks and applications.
9. URL filtering. This mechanism mainly works through the filtration of web traffic. Users will then no longer be able to access websites that are harmful to your network.

Benefits

The following are the major benefits of enhancing endpoint security:

• Increased productivity. Endpoint security is one of the ways you can enhance more organizational productivity. This is because it will ensure that your employees have all the apps and date they need on time and can, as such, handle time-consuming issues swiftly.
• Protection of valuable data. Your company’s sensitive business information is a critical asset that should never fall into the wrong hands. Endpoint security helps to ensure that only authorized individuals access such sensitive data.
• Curbing hackers. When you have safeguarded your company’s important and sensitive information, hackers will be less inclined to try to breach your systems.
• Cost savings. Endpoint security can enhance cost-effectiveness in your organization. This is because problems can be prevented before they occur, thus eliminating the need for troubleshooting and manual data retrieval.

IGEL OS Endpoint Management

With the threat of cyberattacks ever increasing, the need for effective endpoint security measures cannot be understated. Their necessity is even greater considering the fact that most employees nowadays work remotely, using home computers and mobile devices.  

IGEL OS is the next-generation edge OS for cloud workspaces designed with the specific purpose of endpoint security in mind. It readily integrates into all leading modern cloud technologies, such as AWS, Citrix, Microsoft, and VMware, and can run on any compatible x86-64 device. 

Contact IGEL today to start your free trial.