The IT world is surrounded by a number of Jargons! “Endpoint” is one of them.
Well, the term makes perfect sense to an IT individual but what about a commoner?
An endpoint is a mobile device like a laptop, PC, phone or tablet.
The use of endpoint is increasing in the business world due to workforce mobility. It is a term for the rarity that you’re ever in your office, much less tethered to a desk.
Your mobile devices are pretty vulnerable and all a hacker needs to do to get all your information is to breach into only one of your endpoints.
Thus, you need an endpoint management software to keep your endpoints safe.
What Is Endpoint Management Software And How Does It Work?
It is a software that provides you with a single management interface for all your mobile devices.
Endpoint management software is known to be a better version of MDM solutions!
With the help of endpoint management, a company can easily ensure that no unapproved devices are linked to their systems.
Three Major Features of Endpoint Management
- Asset management
- Patch management
- Compliance evaluation
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) client, an operating system, and an updated antivirus software are the key components of an endpoint management system.
The mobile devices which are not in compliance with the company are restricted from accessing a virtual LAN.
It operates on two models:
- Client-server model
- Software-as-a-service
7 Endpoint Management Trends To Follow in 2019
1. WiFi Endpoint Security
WPA3, which was launched in 2018, helps tighten the wireless security system.
WPA3 was launched to prevent KRACK (Key Reinstallation Attack) from invading endpoint systems.
The increasing number of organizations are now adopting WiFi endpoint security services to combat any risks accompanied with system breaches.
2. Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
An organization is bound to have several endpoints.
That said, a huge amount of data needs to be secured.
Humans need complex security automation that can identify attacks as well as resolve them.
Extensive research is being carried out to improvise Endpoint Threat Detection and Response (EDR), with an aim to detect and deal with security breaches more effectively.
Webroot Threat Intelligence Platform claims to scan almost 95% of the Internet thrice a day to detect any potential threat and provide protection against them.
Machine learning (ML) has now been upgraded to help detect a potential threat and AI puts forward new attack variants.
3. Overstressed Security Claims & Smart Customers
Sites that offer endpoint security are often confusing to customers.
At one glimpse of these sites, they seem to offer complete security like none of their competitors.
However, companies that have had their legacy and followed the policy of “legacy vendors only do signatures”, are long gone.
People often try to trick customers who lack information about the latest trends on the market. And, companies that do this definitely fail.
However, there’s a learning curve with every new technology introduced and customers do their homework before consulting a company.
The increasing number of people are getting acquainted with endpoint security, thus getting smarter by the day.
4. File-less Attacks
Also, called zero-footprint attacks, macro, or non-malware attacks.
These attacks don’t install new software on a user’s computer and hence, the antivirus can’t really detect it.
Fileless attacks are pretty effective, as per a report by Ponemon Institute, 77% of compromised attacks in 2017 were fileless.
Specialists at McAfee have warned us about the increasing number of file-less attacks.
These attacks are mainly directed at Microsoft PowerShell and are more likely to succeed than file-based attacks.
An example of fileless attack would be Operation Cobalt Kitty that targeted an Asian corporation. It used file-less malware to strike PowerShell infrastructure to attack the victim’s computer.
The hackers were undetectable for six long months because a trusted program executed these commands.
The company’s security staff, as well as the security tools it used, assumed the commands were legitimate.
Therefore, to keep your endpoint safe from a fileless attack you need to keep your software up-to-date.
5. Decreased Trust In Antivirus Software
In the year 2017, four out of five companies replaced or upgraded their antivirus solutions.
Antivirus vendors now offer their service as ‘Endpoint Security Suites’.
These mix packages include upgraded attack prevention and detection capabilities.
Clients are free to choose as to what devices they want to protect. For instance, SaaS (Software-as-a-service) on-premise or managed.
You can have add-ons like data security and staff augmentation to your endpoint management technology.
6. Organized Staff
Companies are making changes in their staffing structure.
Along with a good endpoint management solution, they are also hiring specialized security professionals, like computer forensic experts, white-hat hackers, and penetration testers.
This is done to avoid any kind of threat or attack from penetrating their endpoints.
On the flipside, a lot of time and money is invested to hire a team of skilled professionals that fit the hierarchical structure of an IT company.
And, with a new team comes a new infrastructure, which again adds up to the company’s expenses.
By infrastructure, we don’t just mean a roof over their heads but the right tools and software, which aren’t cheap.
However, if you hire an IT service provider such as Xperteks, you’ll say a lot of money and manpower that goes into maintaining these resources.
This, in turn, gives you the luxury to focus on your niche product without any distractions.
7. Simplified Operations & Consolidation
The major reason behind the growing demand for endpoint management is its effective security with simplified operations.
Organizations need software that integrates all their requirements such as incident reporting, automated monitoring, protection against attacks, use of AI, and the capability to secure many OSes among others.
All these requirements demand a more sophisticated and manageable solution, which can be monitored from a high to a low level.
If you are looking to outsource your endpoint management in NYC, then contact Xperteks for their excellent services.
They have been in the line of business for over 20 years, follow them on Facebook and Twitter!