To understand the importance of Endpoint Security, we need to understand what is Endpoint. Endpoints are connected devices that can communicate with other endpoints and the business network as a whole. Laptops, desktops, servers, workstations, tablets, smartphones, IoT devices, network switches, modems, routers, printers, POS systems, and BYOD devices are just a few examples of endpoints.
Cybercriminals may use endpoints as entry points into a company's network. The risk of a cyberattack rises exponentially as businesses expand and add more devices to their network. To prevent threats from becoming a catastrophe and disrupting business operations, firms should constantly check all of their endpoints for anomalies and unusual behavior. Thank goodness, companies can acquire advanced comprehensive security systems that can remotely monitor execution processes and log files on numerous endpoints, evaluate variations, and proactively fix problems. These tools, also referred to as Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP), integrate the features of several security products, such as firewalls, antispyware, intrusion prevention systems, antivirus, and antimalware programs, into a single package.
Why is endpoint protection important?
Endpoints are no longer limited to on-site locations as remote work has become more prevalent and hybrid work models are being adopted by businesses at an increasing rate. Wi-Fi and 4G networks, as well as a range of remote locations, are used by employees to access company servers. In recent years, endpoints have become more susceptible to cybercrime, and hackers have taken advantage of these vulnerabilities to run malicious malware and launch attacks. In comparison to situations where remote working was not a component, the average overall cost of a data breach was almost $1 million more in incidents related to remote work, per an IBM analysis.
Criminals aim for endpoints in order to:
• Utilize them as points of entry and exit for a company's network
• Utilize them as points of entry and exit for a company's network
• Conduct DDoS assaults that overwhelm the servers and shut down business operations for hours.
Businesses need more endpoint visibility and control as the security perimeter grows increasingly permeable. They need equipment that will enable them to keep an eye on, manage, and protect even remote endpoints. Moreover, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) and major corporations both need endpoint protection. Cyber attackers frequently take advantage of the fact that SMBs do not view themselves as desirable targets for cyberattacks and do not, therefore, put in place sufficient security measures, leaving their endpoints exposed and vulnerable.
Just under half as many breaches occurred at small businesses as at large ones in 2020, according to the Verizon 2021 Data Breach Investigations report. The difference between the two, however, narrowed in 2021, with large firms reporting 307 incidents as opposed to 263 for small organizations. Furthermore, small businesses fared worse than large businesses, detecting breaches in only 47% of cases, compared to 55% of incidents for large businesses. Endpoint protection should be given priority by any business, regardless of size or industry.