Endpoint Security. What is that anyway?
Endpoint Security. What is it anyway?
Endpoint Security. What is it anyway?
Endpoint Security. What is it anyway?
Whether at home or at work, almost everyone uses them. End devices such as PCs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, printers, scanners, copiers, POS terminals and similar devices have become indispensable in some areas of our lives. Have you ever thought about the security level of a printer?
Every end device connected to the network can be exploited as a gateway by attackers. With endpoint security, you can protect the various end devices in a network against malware such as viruses or ransomware, for example, but also against the exploitation of security gaps or unauthorised access via network interfaces. Technical and organisational measures can help to prevent unauthorised access to devices or the execution of malicious software. Endpoint protection (also known as endpoint) ensures that the end devices have the desired level of security.
As the number of communicating end devices in company networks is constantly increasing, endpoint security has become more and more important in recent years. The increased use of home offices and access to central resources with end devices via the Internet make systems for ensuring endpoint security indispensable. This is because more and more mobile devices are the focus of attackers looking for vulnerabilities in endpoint security, for example to penetrate company networks.
How can I improve the endpoint security of my devices?
A distinction is made between technical and organisational measures. When manufacturers of security solutions talk about endpoint security, they are primarily referring to technical measures. Endpoint security solutions consist of a mixture of different technical measures such as:
Application isolation
Malware protection
Sandboxing
Client firewalls
Application control
URL filter
Data loss prevention (DLP)
Decive management of peripheral devices such as removable hard drives, USB sticks or Bluetooth components
Client-based intrusion prevention
However, organisational measures in particular should not be neglected. Organisational measures include, for example, employee training, guidelines for handling end devices or external data carriers and raising awareness of the various threats. Whether phishing emails or attachments in spam emails, "lost" USB sticks in the car park, blackmail Trojans or even passwords that are too easy. Many of these scenarios can be avoided if employees are sensitised and trained to security threats. Because in the end, even the best technology and the most sophisticated software is of little use as long as people override it.
In order to increase the level of security in your company, educate your employees about IT security and highlight the various security threats. Data protection is not just a matter for the data protection officer or the boss - everyone has a share of responsibility here.
With our Security Awareness Service as a Service, you can increase the security awareness of your employees. We support you with regular training tailored to your employees, which we continuously adapt and expand. Act now and train your employees to become security ambassadors!
5 tips for better endpoint security
In order to support the implementation of endpoint security in companies, the International Data Corporation (IDC) has formulated some recommendations for action:
- Evaluate the status of your security landscape:
Check your security landscape meticulously and get a detailed overview. Which security solutions are you already using and what functionalities do they offer? You can build on this foundation. Among other things, answer the question of where specific security leaks exist and how you can plug them with targeted investments.
- Act proactively to protect your endpoints:
For good, say goodbye to reactive security approaches and minimise your risks with proactive monitoring. Invest more in analytical approaches. For the best possible results, combine traditional endpoint protection with active analytical monitoring and detection tools to identify anomalies in real time and react in good time.
- Drive the integration of security tools and the automation of security processes:
Break down security silos and integrate various solution components of your IT security architecture. Automate manual processes as far as possible to reduce the susceptibility to errors and relieve the burden on employees. This is the only way to utilise the full potential of modern and holistic IT security solutions.
- Get a grip on your employees' misconduct:
Make your employees more aware of how to use endpoints securely, for example by highlighting potential threat scenarios. Offer training and awareness measures and make sure you have an appealing mix of well-prepared stories and cases as well as traditional training courses. However, you will only be successful with all your activities if they are sustainable and have as little impact as possible on the everyday lives of your colleagues - i.e. the users.
- Use the consulting services offered by providers and consider purchasing managed services:
Watch the developments in the IT security environment and be open to new solutions. Many advanced security solutions require explanation, and the range of existing security solutions is complex and comprehensive. Therefore, take the solution providers to task and seek detailed advice. This approach at least minimises the risk of using security tools inefficiently or even incorrectly. Do not neglect to put security solutions from the cloud through their paces with regard to the deployment scenario for your organisation.
Sources:
https://www.computerweekly.com/de/meinung/Endpoint-Security-Sicherheit-bis-zum-letzten-Endgeraet
Katharina Wetzig
Marketing Specialist
Published on 14.05.2025