How to Strengthen Your Endpoint Protection

Endpoint protection is the security that covers every device connected to your network: laptops, desktops, phones, tablets, and servers. Each one is a possible entry point for attackers. The 6 steps below strengthen it: fix password weaknesses, stop malware before Windows starts, keep everything updated, use modern authentication, apply security policies across each device’s life, and prepare for lost or stolen devices.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with straightforward solutions. Solutions focused on protection of endpoint devices.

Address Password Vulnerabilities

Passwords are one of the biggest vulnerabilities when it comes to endpoints. The news reports large data breaches all the time related to leaked passwords. In 2021, the RockYou2021 leak exposed about 3.2 billion passwords. 

Poor password security and breaches make credential theft one of the biggest dangers to cybersecurity.

Address password vulnerabilities in your endpoints by:

• Training employees on proper password creation and handling
• Look for passwordless solutions, like biometrics
• Install multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts

Stop Malware Infection Before OS Boot

USB drives (also known as flash drives) are a popular giveaway item at trade shows. But an innocent-looking USB can actually cause a breach. One trick that hackers use to gain access to a computer is to boot it from a USB device containing malicious code.

There are certain precautions you can take to prevent this from happening. One of these is ensuring you’re using firmware protection that covers two areas. These include Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Security.

Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot for this reason; see the most helpful Windows 11 features.

TPM is resistant to physical tampering and tampering via malware. It looks at whether the boot process is occurring properly. It also monitors for the presence of anomalous behavior. Additionally, seek devices and security solutions that allow you to disable USB boots.

Update All Endpoint Security Solutions

You should regularly update your endpoint security solutions. It’s best to automate software updates if possible so they aren’t left to chance.

Firmware updates are often forgotten about. One reason is that they don’t usually pop up the same types of warnings as software updates. But they are just as important for ensuring your devices remain secure and protected.

It’s best to have an IT professional managing all your endpoint updates. They’ll make sure updates happen in a timely fashion. They will also ensure that devices and software update smoothly.

Choose a business product with central management; see the best antivirus software for business.

Use Modern Device & User Authentication Endpoint

How are you authenticating users to access your network, business apps, and data? If you are using only a username and password, then your company is at high risk of a breach.

Use two modern methods for authentication:

• Contextual authentication
• Zero Trust approach

Contextual authentication takes MFA a step further. It looks at context-based cues for authentication and security policies. These include several things. Such as, what time of day someone is logging in, their geographic location, and the device they are using.

Zero Trust is an approach that continuously monitors your network. It ensures every entity in a network belongs there. Safelisting of devices is an example of this approach. You approve all devices for access to your network and block all others by default.

Apply Security Policies Throughout the Device Lifecycle

From the time a device is first purchased to the time it retires, you need to have security protocols in place. Tools like Windows Autopilot and SEMM allow companies to automate. They deploy healthy security practices across each lifecycle phase. This ensures a company doesn’t miss any critical steps

Examples of device lifecycle security include when a device is first issued to a user. This is when you should remove unnecessary privileges. When a device moves from one user to another, it needs to be properly cleaned of old dat and reconfigured for the new user. When you retire a device, it should be properly scrubbed. This means deleting all information and disconnecting it from any accounts.

When devices are retired or staff leave, follow a digital offboarding checklist.

Prepare for Device Loss or Theft

Unfortunately, mobile devices and laptops get lost or stolen. When that happens, you should have a sequence of events that can take place immediately. This prevents company risk of data and exposed business accounts.

Prepare in advance for potential device loss through backup solutions. Also, you should use endpoint security that allows remote lock and wipe for devices.

Get help putting robust endpoint security in place, step by step. We can help! Contact us today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is endpoint protection? 

Security that protects every device connected to a company network, such as laptops, phones, and servers, from malware, ransomware, and unauthorized access. 

What is the difference between antivirus and endpoint protection? 

Antivirus scans individual devices for malware. Endpoint protection is broader: it adds central management, device policies, ransomware protection, and threat detection across all company devices. 

How do I protect company laptops if they are lost or stolen? 

Encrypt the drive, require a strong sign-in, and use device management that can lock or wipe the laptop remotely. Keep data backed up in the cloud. 

Do small businesses need endpoint protection? 

Yes. Small businesses are frequent targets because they often have fewer security controls, and one infected laptop can spread to the whole network.

Reduce your endpoint risk today 

CloudConsole sets up and manages endpoint protection, device policies, and remote wipe for businesses in the Philippines through our cybersecurity services.

Contact us for a free consultation.