Endpoint threat detection and response have become less efficient due to increased exploitations, ransomware, and a lack of threat information in enterprises. According to the Ponemon Institute’s 2018 State of Cybersecurity in Small & Medium-Sized Businesses study of businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees, 67 % of reported cyberattacks occurred in the previous 12 months, and 58 % of respondents reported that customer and employee information had been compromised during that time. According to research, by 2023, scammers will have stolen 33 billion records annually. Since small firms make up 99 percent of all businesses, the cost of these breaches may run into the millions, and such activity would likely overwhelm many of them and force them out of business.
What Is Endpoint Security?
Endpoint security shields devices against malware-using hackers’ unlawful access, abuse, alteration, or destruction. Devices such as computers, phones, etc., with network access within your company, are considered an endpoint. Endpoint security solutions help firms uncover system weaknesses, defend against attacks, and prevent breaches. Endpoint security has developed from basic firewalls and antivirus programs to next-generation, cutting-edge solutions that use advanced automation technologies, artificial intelligence algorithms, and predictive analytics software.
Four Persistent Endpoint Security Risks
There are several ways scammers use to defraud firms, below are the top 4 endpoint security issues that most firms will likely encounter:
1. Ransomware
Ransomware, the most dreaded kind of business interruption, can encrypt a company’s crucial data files and hold them hostage in exchange for a substantial ransom payment, typically made in Bitcoin. According to research, there were over 700 million ransomware attacks in 2021, with about ten attacks per organization every business day being caught by a single protection solution.
2. Phishing
Although phishing is frequently the source of malware, it is also employed in other types of attacks. Phishing emails can be quite targeted, requesting money transfers directly from employees or specific members of the accounts or finance teams as part of an urgent project or asking them to submit a password or other helpful information.
3. Malware
Malware, one of the most frequent risks, can conceal itself in any document, update file, or application. 96% of attacks are sent using the phishing email technique, the most popular way to spread malware.
4. End users
Regardless of the level of technology and digital defenses available to organizations, the biggest weakness in every system is its people. According to IBM data, 95% of hacking attacks result from human error. Since most hacker attacks are human-driven, organizations should also invest in training and awareness campaigns to prevent employees from clicking on malicious links or triggering malware.
Tips to Improve Endpoint Security
Businesses are gravitating more and more toward permanent remote operations. Cyber dangers are increasing as technology advances to enable this new remote working environment. Traditional endpoint security techniques are therefore insufficient nowadays. Securing your work technology can reduce risks and safeguard the company. Below are five tips you should consider to improve endpoint security:
-
Invest in top-notch endpoint security
Thousands of endpoints are used with the internet by businesses. When every device represents a potential weak link, protecting the perimeter alone is not sufficient. Data breaches target endpoints in most cases. However, the majority of businesses underinvest in security. Security value, however, goes beyond only making investments; it also involves ensuring that money is used wisely. IT executives should search for best-in-class features like automatic runtime intrusion detection, multifactor authentication, and behavior-based malware detection.
-
Upgrade your organization’s infrastructure
One of the main reasons why firms have weak endpoint security is due to obsolete or poor infrastructure. It’s crucial to choose next-generation cloud IT architecture for expanding businesses that desire simple yet secure IT solutions.
-
Include IT experts in the process instead of just the procurement team
No choice is too small when every device purchase contains a possible security flaw. Beyond only discussing the technology’s cost, IT procurement must involve other discussions. Security needs to be an intentional and thoughtful selection criterion. To evaluate and pick new technology that complies with the company’s security regulations, experts from the IT and security teams (if there are any) must actively participate. IT experts can evaluate security features to improve organizational productivity with user benefits without jeopardizing business assurance standards. They’ll be able to comprehend how workers behave and determine which security elements work best for their users.
-
Secure threat hunting software
Endpoint security has always placed a lot of emphasis on defense mechanisms like biometrics and multifactor authentication. While businesses need to take these precautions, endpoint security may be significantly improved using threat-hunting software and procedures.
-
Hire security professionals to strengthen defenses
Because endpoint security is essential to any company’s success, many businesses find it wise to outsource the task. According to a recent poll, only 16% of company IT decision-makers view printers as a high-risk target for a security breach, leaving a significant opening that hackers are keen to exploit. By offering specialized security tools and the resources required to correctly complete the task, working with a security specialist can give firms peace of mind.
Partner With Us At Managed IT Asia For Services You Can Rely On
At Managed IT Asia, we work with small businesses to identify their security flaws and give them the appropriate level of security for their entire system, including endpoints. Our managed IT service team has specialized knowledge that enables them to evaluate your system swiftly and assist you in cost-effectively matching your infrastructure with your business needs. Contact us to book a consultation.
MANAGED IT ASIA, we are an IT Support, IT Solutioning and Managed IT Service Provider specializing in serving Small Businesses across Asia. Call us at +65 6748 8776 and let us manage your Small Business IT today!