Endpoint security might not be the sexiest of topics, but it’s never been more vital. Cybersecurity attacks are advancing at an alarming rate, and with more employees than ever working remotely from a wide range of devices thanks to the global coronavirus pandemic, endpoint protection is squarely on the security frontlines for organisations of every shape and size.
And if it’s not, it absolutely should be.
So what is an endpoint, and why do I need to secure it?
Endpoints are individual devices that connect to your network, from desktop computers, laptops, mobile devices and tablets to printers, cloud-based servers, ATM solutions, wearable IoT devices like smartwatches or health monitors… the list is endless. For even the smallest and simplest of operations, it’s easy to see how many connections are constantly being made – and every one of those endpoints can be a relatively easy entry point for threats and malware.
Once your systems have been infiltrated, malicious actors can lurk in the background – often undetected – for long periods, expanding their footprint and gathering data before launching major attacks that can stop your business in its tracks, compromise your and your clients’ data and negatively impact your reputation.
The types, scale and volume of attacks are changing and growing every day. Some of the most common cyberattack threats facing businesses include:
- Phishing
- Malware
- Ransomware
- Remote desktop protocol (RDP) session jacking
- Reverse PowerShell attacks
- Advanced persistent threats (APTs) and rootkits
- Internal threats such as compromised user credentials, accidental misuse or disclosure by employees or contractors, or via service providers and application vendors.
It’s a big challenge – and not just for big business
As attacks and attackers get smarter, more and more businesses are finding themselves at the pointy end of endpoint security. No matter how vigilant you think you’re being, today’s attacks are often so cleverly disguised that they can easily slip by the most watchful eye.
While news reports often focus on massive data breaches and malicious hackers wreaking significant damage on big-name companies, small and medium businesses (SMBs) aren’t immune. In fact, without access to the security budgets and IT resources enjoyed by major corporations, SMBs are increasingly being viewed as low-hanging fruit for cyberattacks. Statistics reveal that most small businesses have been affected at some point.
Won’t my antivirus software take care of it?
The days of malware attacks in the form of executable files attached to emails are long gone. Traditional methods involving off-the-shelf antivirus software simply aren’t up to the challenges of today’s fluid cybersecurity landscape.
Cybersecurity threats are growing every day in volume and sophistication, and the costs of an attack can be so damaging that your business may never recover. Stopping damaging attacks from grinding your business to a halt requires complete and constant visibility of your network as a holistic entity, and comprehensive knowledge of the latest threats as they arise. By the time your antivirus software updates to respond to new threats, it’s often too late.
It really is a case of a job best left to the experts.
Endpoint protection is like an onion
Data is fundamental to every modern business, and the ever-growing number of endpoints – including employee BYOD and remote setups – makes securing this valuable asset more complex than ever before.
Effective endpoint protection is a layered approach to protecting your systems from attack right at the point of entry. It should view your system not simply as a list of devices to be shielded but as a holistic network, delivering constant surveillance around the clock, every day of the year.
It’s about being proactive, so that threats are detected and responded to before they get a foothold and wreak havoc on your business. And it absolutely should be tailored to your unique business requirements and scale with you as you flex and grow.
Partnering with a reputable and experienced IT security provider for complete management of your IT security is a smart investment, from whatever angle you look at it. Complete managed IT security, done right, will deliver you:
- Advanced, continuously updated security solutions
- 24/7/365 rapid response support and monitoring
- Near real-time detection and neutralisation of threats
- Cost-effective access to up-to-the-minute expertise
- Fast file restoration
- Greater visibility and simplicity of security operations
- Proactive planning, strategy development and risk mitigation
- and much more.
But not all endpoint protection solutions are created equal. The IT security market is flooded with vendors spruiking different technologies. It’s critical to select a partner that will take the time to understand your business and its unique requirements rather than rolling out a cookie-cutter solution that can leave you vulnerable and slow your business down.
Arcoo Digital is deliberately different
We don’t believe in rolling out standard solutions and trying to fit you into them.
When we partner with you on endpoint security – or any of our other services for that matter – we see it as a relationship where we’re part of your business, not simply another vendor for you to manage. Our people work alongside yours to comprehensively understand where you’re coming from, the challenges you face and the way you work, so that the solutions we provide are just that: solutions.
Let our expert team bring you the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive protection, keeping your business and those it comes into contact with safe and productive. Get in touch today, and let’s get started.