Endpoint security: What is it and is it the next big threat

The term ‘endpoint’ comes up a lot when talking about cybersecurity. But what is it, and why is it important to your business?

Let’s start with the word ‘endpoint’ itself. An endpoint is any device on a company network – such as laptops and smartphones. Protecting these is crucial as endpoints can represent an ‘entry point’ for a hacker to get into a company network.

With hybrid working here to stay, the need for a secure network, wherever your team is working from, is now more important than ever.

What exactly is it and how does it work?

Endpoint protection means spotting and acting on cyberattacks for any device, whether it’s connected to a traditional network or in the cloud. It couldn’t be more vital, especially since security attacks increased 31% from 2020 to 2021, according to Accenture's "State of Cybersecurity Resilience 2021" report.

The aim of this technology is to protect sensitive information and operations related to individual endpoints – and ultimately stop cybercriminals from gaining access to a business’ internal system.

Most cybersecurity programmes focus on the system itself, keeping an eye out for possible cyberattacks from the inside. Endpoint security concentrates on possible breaches from the outside through these external devices.

The three types of endpoint security

Protecting your endpoints clearly is important. Luckily, that’s where we’re here to help and inform you. There are a few different ways you can introduce endpoint security for your business – depending on what works best for you.

The three options below are the bronze, silver and gold of endpoint security. EPP is your basic level, EDR is in the middle, and XDR is the most thorough and covers all areas.

Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)

The goal of an EPP is to prevent attacks on endpoints from threats like malware. It does this using several methods – such as using machine learning to report unusual or suspicious activity on the device. Most EPPs also have a cloud-based solutions that can collect the information about what happened, analyse it and even provide helpful access to security analysts.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

EDR solutions, on the other hand, continuously monitor and gather data from devices to spot cyberthreats in real time. Also known as Endpoint Threat Detection and Response (ETDR), EDR extends the capabilities of an EPP by proactively identifying cyberthreats and preventing widespread security incidents.

Extended Detection and Response (XDR)

XDR is a unified cybersecurity solution that collects and analyses data from multiple sources to prevent, discover, and respond to cyberattacks. XDR goes further than EDR, which is limited to endpoints. In comparison, XDR identifies and addresses cyber threats across an enterprise's entire digital environment, including its network, cloud storage, applications, and endpoints.

Through XDR, security teams can achieve a rounded view of an enterprise's technology landscape for cybersecurity.

Which should I go for?

Choosing the right method of endpoint security will depend on a few things; your business’ computer environment, its architecture and the type of security controls needed to protect critical assets.

With research showing that cybercrime has risen by as much as 238% since early 2020, you might feel more confident going for the highest protection possible, especially if your business offers remote working. It’s no surprise that remote workers will continue to be a target for cybercriminals.

XDR goes the extra mile by enabling a business’ security platform to collate system-wide information, providing more accurate data on previous attacks as well as those in progress.

While EPP and EDR have their limitations, they are an excellent starting point for any business who wants to ensure a basic level of cover in this area. However, XDR offers complete protection to the network and systems with increased network distribution, incorporation of external services, and broader system access. In short, it is ideal for offering comprehensive security.

Endpoint security for peace of mind

At the end of the day, cybersecurity is all about offering you the peace of mind to know your business is protected. Endpoint security, and its focus on devices, is an important ingredient in the security of your business. Once you have the right measures in place to protect your whole network, you can carry on with the important task of running and growing your business.

While you’re weighing up which endpoint security route to go down for your business, with remote working set to stay, perhaps you’d like to read our tips on secure remote working.