End-Point Security

What is End-Point Security?

Endpoint security is the process of protecting computers, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets from cyberattacks and malicious threats.

Endpoint security software allows businesses to protect employees' work devices from cyber threats, whether they are on a network or in the cloud.

Given the sheer number of endpoints used to connect to networks, they are one of the most common targets. According to Strategy Analytics insight, there were 22 billion connected devices in 2018, with 38.6 billion devices expected by 2025 and 50 billion devices expected by 2030. As a result, according to Verizon's threat report, malware was installed on endpoints in up to 30% of data breaches.

The Human Element – It means “You” and “Me”!!! 

Employees have a critical role to play in cybersecurity. In fact, a compelling report published in 2022 by the World Economic Forum linked 95 percent of data breaches to human error. Common errors include being duped by phishing attacks, downloading malware, not updating apps, oversharing information on social media, and practicing poor password hygiene. These types of errors happen both in a business and personal context, so awareness at all times is regarded as increasingly important.

Endpoints Create Larger Attack Surfaces

Digital transformation strategies have widened the potential attack surface in IT environments and lead to increased data security risks. The hybrid work arrangements that have become the norm since the pandemic further increase the attack surface as employees connect to business resources and apps from multiple devices, including their mobile devices. Threat actors prize sensitive customer data when conducting cyber-attacks because this valuable information commands a high price on dark web marketplaces. Ransomware attacks often involve a data exfiltration component because threat actors believe they can hold organizations to ransom with the threat of publishing stolen information.

Privacy

Increased recognition of privacy risks led to an increase in new compliance regulations and the strengthening of existing laws over the last few years. Organizations need to ensure compliance with these laws to protect sensitive data belonging to their customers. Falling foul of these laws by not implementing appropriate security measures leads to severe reputational and monetary risks. At an individual level, societal technology changes pose increased “online” privacy risks. As more services become digitized, app-based, and interconnected, individuals need to share more of their information with different parties.

How to Protect the Endpoints

Prevent data loss where it happens most!!!

If we were to focus on the sensational information coming from the media, it would be easy to believe that the number one reason for data loss is cyberattacks performed by skilled, professional black-hat hackers. This, however, is far from the truth!!! Most data breaches are the result of human error, not malicious activities. Therefore, User Awareness is a must when it comes to endpoint security as well.