Investing in endpoint security improvement is about more than just purchasing software and checking security measures off a list. Companies that are serious about cybersecurity—which, in our current era of increased threats, should be all companies—must also consider what solutions and implementations best fit their existing network infrastructure. For instance, companies working in hybrid or cloud environments will require different security solutions when compared to companies working mostly with physical hardware.
In addition to the wide variety of security solutions available, companies should also consider what unique needs arise from their particular model of operations. For instance, companies may ask questions such as: how big is our IT team, how big is our company, and are we looking to scale?
In order to accommodate different business needs, solutions must be flexible, adaptable to different scenarios, compatible with different environments, and easy to manage. Here are some endpoint security best practices that organizations and MSPs can consider when having critical cybersecurity discussions:
1. Invest in and deploy SIEM solutions
Managing endpoint security is an endless task, especially if you’re constantly managing applications and anticipating possible events. Since most businesses deal with hundreds or even thousands of endpoint devices (both physical and virtual) keeping track of them and the risks they present will require a centralized logging system. But logging data from devices isn’t useful unless this information is correlated to the likelihood of a security event occurring.
SIEM solutions not only centralize documentation for monitoring and compliance purposes, they can also help you stay ahead of security events by identifying vulnerabilities, calculating risks based on the likelihood of an event, and automating security responses. SIEM solutions can also centralize your antivirus, access control, and password management capabilities in one place, making endpoint security easier to monitor across the board.
2. Get IT professionals and business users involved
Endpoint security requires more than a one-time investment in new technology. IT, security teams, and business users must continuously collaborate to ensure security. Business users may have input on how security measures are impacting them, which can affect how closely users are adhering to best practices. MSPs or IT professionals should oversee the implementation of security measures, their efficacy, and their impact on end-user productivity. Balancing security and productivity requires not only assembling a top-notch security team, but getting everyone in the organization involved and invested.
3. Ongoing management
Finally, ensure your organization is treating endpoint security as an ongoing responsibility. Installing firewalls and blocking compromised apps alone will not be enough to protect your networks and sensitive data from potential hackers. As modes and methods of attack evolve, so must your security system. Allow your MSP to function as part of a larger team that’s devoted to an organization’s security at all times.
Help ensure you're protected from breaches by reading through our blogs for other common IT threats.
