Endpoint security is shaping up to be one of the biggest cybersecurity concerns of the coming year. That’s why if you’re a CIO or other IT security professional, you should be working towards developing a robust endpoint security strategy for your organization.
Why Endpoint Security Is Becoming More Complex
Today, any organization that wants to remain competitive has to adopt a digital business model that allows it to connect and share data immediately with customers, employees, suppliers and partners, regardless of where they are. This involves taking advantage of technological trends such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT).
In addition, trends in flexible work arrangements has helped to trigger the explosive growth of BYOD policies that allow employees to connect to employers’ networks with personal devices like smartphones and tablets. Often, these devices have inadequate protection features, causing them to expand network attack surfaces—a concern when many organizations don’t have complete oversight of their networks and endpoints.
At the same time, there has been a distinct advancement in the sophistication of cyber threats. Malware is becoming more intelligent and responsive. Experts predict that over the coming year, we’ll see more autonomous malware that’s situation aware, able to recognize the environment it’s in and make calculated decisions on when and how to attack. Malware of this caliber need find only a single unsecured endpoint to get in.
Why Conventional Approaches Aren’t Enough
Conventional approaches to endpoint security are no longer sufficient to protect companies’ networks. According to Digital Guardian, some of the main issues regarding conventional approaches include failing to deploy security measures to each and every endpoint on the network; relying on ad-hoc security measures instead of integrated defenses; and overlooking the human element to cybersecurity.
Make Smart Endpoint Security Decisions
No organization can afford the kind of damages a serious cyberattack could cause. Think of loss of IP and other proprietary information, employee and client data that’s stolen or compromised or shutdown of the company network. That’s why this year, you need to develop a robust endpoint security strategy. The following three guidelines will help:
- Make employee education about cybersecurity a priority. Your employees need to understand how important security is to the company and their responsibilities. Many aren’t aware that accessing the company’s server from the coffee shop on the corner could compromise security, for example. Provide regular training on best cybersecurity practices such as how to recognize phishing emails, what types of links to avoid and when not to trust a website or server.
- Tighten up your cyber hygiene. Whoever’s responsible for your cybersecurity—whether your IT department or an external supplier—needs the funds and tools to provide good cyber hygiene. You need to make sure all updates for protection software are properly installed, that policies regarding BYOD are effective and enforced, and that there’s a solid incident response plan in place in the event of a cyberattack.
- Implement comprehensive, robust cybersecurity technology. With ever-expanding networks and the rise of the borderless enterprise, top-notch technology is an integral aspect of properly protecting your organization. Instead of relying just on patches and upgrades for a range of siloed systems, you’re best advised to opt for one end-to-end solution. Fortinet, for example, provides a centrally managed, scalable fabric of integrated technology solutions that deliver security for the entire network—including all endpoints.
As a managed security services provider and partner of Fortinet, CCSI can leverage best-in-class cybersecurity technology to deliver top-notch protection for all endpoints, wherever they exist. Contact us.