What is endpoint security? Endpoint security, also known as endpoint protection, refers to the process of safeguarding devices that connect to a network, such as laptops and smartphones, from potential attacks. It involves implementing measures to block harmful user behavior that may compromise or infect the endpoint device with malware.

Organizations can employ endpoint protection software to enforce security policies, detect and block ongoing attacks, and prevent data loss. As endpoints establish connections with internal corporate networks, endpoint protection plays a crucial role in overall network security.

Endpoint protection encompasses various aspects due to the diverse sources of threats. Some common endpoint threat vectors include:

• Exploiting vulnerabilities in web browsers.
• Social engineering attacks through email, leading users to open malicious files or click on harmful links.
• Compromised USB devices.
• Threats originating from shared file drives.
• Usage of unsecured applications.

Traditionally, endpoint protection focused on detecting and preventing malware by employing anti-malware or antivirus software. However, modern endpoint security solutions have expanded to address these additional threat vectors.

Note: In the security industry, the term “threat vector” refers to a source or channel through which an attack can originate.

How does endpoint security work?

Endpoint security software operates using two primary models:

• Client-Server Model: In this model, the software operates on a central server, while client software is installed on all endpoints connected to the network. The client endpoint software monitors activity and potential threats on the endpoint device and reports back to the central server. This client software can take action to isolate or remove active threats when necessary. For example, it can uninstall or quarantine malware on an endpoint, or restrict the endpoint’s access to the network.

• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Model: Under this model, a cloud provider hosts and manages the endpoint software. SaaS endpoint software offers the advantage of easy scalability, similar to other cloud computing services. It can send updates to and receive alerts from endpoints, even when they are not connected to the corporate network.

Endpoint security software commonly includes the following capabilities:

• Anti-malware: Anti-malware or antivirus software is a crucial component of endpoint security. It detects the presence of malicious software on a device and can perform various actions in response. These actions may include alerting the central server or IT team about an infection, attempting to quarantine the threat on the infected endpoint, deleting or uninstalling the malicious file, or isolating the endpoint from the network to prevent further spread.

• Encryption: Encryption involves scrambling data to render it unreadable without the correct decryption key. By encrypting the contents of an endpoint device, data remains protected even if the device is compromised or physically stolen. Endpoint security can encrypt individual files or the entire hard disk.

• Application control: Application control empowers IT administrators to regulate which applications employees can install on endpoints. By exercising control over application installation, organizations can mitigate risks associated with unauthorized or potentially malicious software.

What is anti-malware or antivirus software?

Endpoint protection has always emphasized the significance of anti-malware (or antivirus) software. These tools employ four primary methods to detect malware:

• Signature detection: This technique involves scanning files and comparing them to a database of known malware signatures. By matching against established patterns, signature detection can identify malware effectively.

• Heuristic detection: Unlike signature detection, heuristic detection examines software for suspicious attributes. This method has the ability to identify previously undiscovered and unclassified malware. However, it may also generate false positives, mistaking legitimate software for malware.

• Sandboxing: Within the realm of digital security, a “sandbox” refers to a segregated virtual environment, isolated from the rest of the computer or network. Anti-malware software can safely execute potentially malicious files within this sandbox. By observing their behavior, any files that engage in malicious activities like unauthorized server communication or file deletion can be identified as malware.

• Memory analysis: Fileless malware operates by utilizing pre-installed software on a device and avoids storing files. To detect fileless malware, endpoint memory is analyzed for any suspicious activities or anomalies.

What is endpoint detection and response (EDR)?

Endpoint detection and response (EDR) plays a crucial role in the realm of endpoint security products by closely monitoring events occurring both on endpoints and across the network. EDR products encompass a range of features, all aimed at gathering data regarding endpoint activities, thereby empowering security administrators to swiftly identify potential threats. Furthermore, these products possess the ability to promptly obstruct detected threats, ensuring proactive security measures are in place.

Why is endpoint protection important for businesses and large organizations?

Endpoint protection is crucial for both individual consumers and businesses, although the level of dedicated security software required may differ. While basic security features, such as anti-malware, are often included in consumer operating systems, individuals can adopt certain best practices to safeguard their computers, smartphones, and online activities.

For businesses, endpoint security becomes a more significant concern, especially when managing a large number of employee devices. A vulnerable endpoint could serve as a gateway for attackers aiming to breach an otherwise secure corporate network. The more endpoints connected to a network, the higher the potential vulnerabilities, just as more cars on the road increase the chances of accidents due to human error.

Moreover, the consequences of a successful attack on a business can be substantial, leading to disruptions in operations, loss of sensitive data, and reputational damage.

Endpoints are attractive targets because they pose challenges in maintaining security. IT teams lack regular direct access to employees’ computers and personal devices like laptops and smartphones. By implementing endpoint protection software on network-connected devices, IT can remotely manage and monitor their security.

Securing endpoint devices has become increasingly complex due to the rise of bring your own device (BYOD) environments over the past decade. Networks now accommodate a larger variety and number of devices, including personal smartphones, tablets, and a range of Internet of Things (IoT) devices with diverse software and hardware configurations. To learn more about IoT security, click here.

How does endpoint security relate to network security?

Maintaining network security involves various measures, and one crucial aspect is endpoint security. When an endpoint is left unsecured, it becomes a vulnerability that attackers can exploit. However, network security encompasses more than just endpoint protection. It also involves safeguarding and managing network infrastructure, overseeing network, cloud, and Internet access, and addressing other areas that most endpoint security products do not cover.

In the present landscape, the boundaries between endpoint and network security are becoming increasingly blurred. Many organizations are embracing a Zero Trust approach to network security, which assumes that every endpoint device could potentially pose a threat. Consequently, before connecting to internal resources, including SaaS applications, all endpoints must undergo verification. Within this framework, the security posture of endpoints becomes crucial in determining access to networks and cloud services.