An endpoint traditionally is defined as a point that marks an end or completion. But when it comes to your company’s computer network, an endpoint can be a starting point for a devastating cyber-security breach.
An endpoint device is an Internet-capable computer hardware device on a Transmission Control Protocol (TCM) or Internet Protocol (IP) network. It can be a desktop computer, smart phone, tablet, thin client, printer, point-of-sale device, smart meter and more.
These are connected to a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), and they accept communication back and forth across the network. They also pinpoint the point of contact for your organization’s web service.
If they sound like targets, they are.
Endpoint protection will go a long way to protect your business. But most likely, it isn’t the only step your business needs to take. Cyber-security threats are escalating every day. Attackers are better-equipped and more dangerous than they ever have been.
Endpoint protection is a cornerstone. You need it, and here’s why:
You can guard all of your pathways of attack.
Tablets and phones are commonly used at work. Some employees might be accessing Cloud services. Some might work on Mac computers. The list goes on. Controlling all applications and devices can be overwhelming. But a complete endpoint protection platform can cover Macs, Windows computers, iOS and Android devices, servers and more.
You also can restrict unauthorized software from your network and use patch management to keep your applications up-to-date.
Endpoint protection gives you weapons to fight mass attacks.
A good endpoint protection platform is not static. It is continually updated and uses sophisticated algorithms and threat intelligence. It is ready to detect and block malware, ransomware, email spam and a long list of other known enemies.
Even when an attack is unstoppable, endpoint protection can help.
So, your main entry points are guarded, and you are ready to fight. In today’s landscape, however, you likely will have to do more.
Advanced and targeted attacks are evolving every day. Chances are, you will run into an aggressor that your endpoint protection platform won’t be able to thwart on its own.
Nonetheless, an endpoint protection platform can limit the devastation, and make it easier to pinpoint and correct the damage that has been done.
Most networks need more
It is impossible to avoid all cyber threats. But there is a lot you can do to augment your endpoint protection and to have systems in place, such as data backup and restoration, which will help you get back to business in the event your network falls victim.
Preparing for the best -- and worst
Emerge, an Information Technology company that offers managed services to businesses, has more than 40 engineers overseeing its services, which are tailored to meet client needs. We serve an array of companies in many spaces, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, higher education and state and local government.
We take a comprehensive approach to network security. It’s not just an endpoint-protection platform, a firewall, intrusion detection, virtual private networking or multi-factor authentication. And it’s not just one item that Emerge, its partners, or its competitors sell.
Network security has to be as comprehensive as it can be. No one security solution can protect against everything. Highly sophisticated ransomware, malware and malicious website attacks are a matter of record. You can spend the better part of a day scanning national news reports that detail incredible theft and harm.
Emerge offers a list of security services that include: risk assessment, endpoint security, firewalls and VPN service, email security, disaster recovery plans, data backup and restoration, incident investigation, security awareness training, vulnerability audits, intrusion detection and prevention, and a lot more.
These days, no technology discussion occurs without the topic of security arising. As technology specialists, our job is to protect our customers, define the threat landscape and do what can be done to best prepare for what we know can ultimately happen.
To learn more about how Emerge can assess your company’s needs and design a protection plan for your network, give us a call at 859-746-1030.