Endpoint Security: what it is, what it is for and how it works in practice

To protect yourself and your device from a cyber attack, one of the most efficient strategies is endpoint security. An endpoint is any device that has a connection to a network. For example, desktops, mobile devices or laptops are endpoints.

Once the device is connected to other networks, it is vulnerable to hacker attacks or intrusions. That's why it's so important to invest in device security.

In this article, we are going to talk about what the endpoint security strategy is and what are the benefits of using it to protect your devices. Continue reading and clear your doubts!

How does endpoint security work?

In general, endpoint solutions work like this: Security software runs on an endpoint to detect a cyber attack and protect it from intrusion.

Most endpoint security software has a centralized console where you can connect to the network and do all the administration there. For example, you can track movements or investigate suspicious activity.

Endpoint security with Zero Trust

The zero trust security strategy is focused on the protection of personal data and assumes that no file, be it a trusted contact, personal, work, etc., is completely trusted.

Therefore, all files must be analyzed before having direct contact with a company's operating system.

VPN use for checkpoint

VPN, which stands for Virtual Private Network, is a service that provides users with a secure network connection, even on public networks. With VPN, security is strengthened and the chances of attacks are reduced.

Endpoint Security is compatible with different devices and a great option to protect them.

Endpoint security x Firewall x Antivirus

It is common for those who are not in the cyber security area to confuse the concepts of Endpoint Security, Firewall and Antivirus. “After all, the three serve to guarantee the security of the device”, they think.

However, in practice, this is not the case. Each security solution plays a role and is responsible for protecting the system from some threat.

So that there are no doubts about the function of each one, we have prepared a comparison table with the main differences between Endpoint Security, Firewall and Antivirus:

Main differences between Endpoint Security, Firewall and Antivirus.

What are the benefits of using endpoint security?

Now that you already know what endpoint security is and the importance of this strategy, we have brought some benefits that influence organizations when deciding to use this strategy:

Data protection against cyber attacks

According to a survey by Check Point Research, in 2022 cybercrime increased by 38% compared to the year 2021. With the use of endpoint security, the number of traditional malware attacks or script attacks can be reduced, ensuring greater data protection.

Cost and time savings

As a consequence of greater data protection and the use of endpoint security, financial savings arise. Since the endpoint security system needs a single software or server to protect the entire network, the reduction in costs and staff time to manage security is very large.

Compliance with GDPR

The LGPD is a law that seeks to regularize the use and processing of personal data in the territory. By adopting endpoint security, the company has one more means of ensuring the protection of the personal data of its customers, suppliers, etc.

Vulnerability identification

With the endpoint security strategy, it is possible to identify weak points or inconsistencies in the endpoints, thus being able to promote actions that preserve the security of the information before it is attacked.

What devices is endpoint security applicable to?

Because endpoint security is a security strategy that aims to protect a device connected to a network, several devices can be protected by it.

Devices that endpoint security can run on include:

• Desktops;

• Mobile devices;

• Laptops;

• digital printers;

• smart watches;

• Servers;

• Tablet.

Endpoint security challenges

Despite being a security solution with many positive points, endpoint security still brings some challenges for those who want to implement it in their security system. Below, we list some challenges mentioned by users of the endpoint security strategy:

• Low device security: Generally, people don't review the device after a certain time of use or don't update it to ensure that all security measures are working properly;

• Gateway remediation: Identifying threats and remediating endpoint gateways in a timely manner is a challenge for members of the security department. That's because software security updates often can't keep up with the speed with which new threats emerge;

• New threats: new malware and other forms of attack that can compromise the system appear daily;

• Data theft: Many ransom ware attacks aim to steal sensitive information from systems and are successful through security holes.