What is Endpoint Security? Why it is Essential for Enterprise Systems

Endpoint security refers to the security of network terminals. In IT terminology, network terminals are called endpoints. Network terminals include, for example, PCs, smartphones, and tablets used for work. Furthermore, servers that store data and applications used for work may also be included in endpoints. In recent corporate information security, this endpoint security tends to be weak. This is because endpoint security risks have been increasing in recent years. This article describes the outline of endpoint security and why it is necessary for corporate information security.

What is Endpoint Security?

Endpoints are Network Terminals

Network terminals are called endpoints in IT terminology. Network terminals include the following:

• PCs
• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Mobile Phones
• PDAs
• Servers

Endpoints in enterprises, whether company-owned or personally-owned, are all subject to endpoint security if they are used for business.

What is Endpoint Security?

Endpoint security is a system to prevent cyber attacks on endpoints as described above. A security system installed on the endpoint blocks malware and zero-day attacks. In recent years, the demand for endpoint security has been increasing due to the spread of the COVID-19 infection, because many companies have introduced telework.

Before the pandemic, many people worked inside company buildings. Therefore, endpoints existed within the internal network and could be covered entirely by firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

However, in the post-pandemic world, telework has been promoted, making that system impossible. Telework requires connecting to the company’s system from home or a coworking space, so it always involves connecting via the internet.

Therefore, more advanced endpoint security is needed in a telework environment.

Examples of Cyber Attacks on Endpoints

June 2020: Major Automobile Manufacturer Example

In June 2020, a major Japanese automobile manufacturer suffered damage from a cyber attack on endpoints, causing significant damage such as factory shutdowns and internal system failures.

It is said that ransomware called “Snake” was used at this time. Ransomware is a type of malware that restricts the functions of an infected endpoint and makes it unusable. Only the attacker can unlock it, and they demand a large ransom as compensation for unlocking it.

The problem is that the company’s endpoints had firewalls properly configured. It is said that the attacker infiltrated the internal system by some means, first disabling the firewall settings and then infecting it with malware.

April 2020: High School Example

In April 2020, a high school server was infected with ransomware, resulting in the loss of data containing student information. During school closures due to the state of emergency, a staff member went to school and started up a computer, only to be presented with a message stating that all files had been encrypted and demanding payment of a ransom in Bitcoin to unlock them.

The school did not pay the ransom, so the data could not be recovered and was lost, resulting in a terrible outcome. This case is said to have occurred because of an incorrect remote desktop setting that allowed third-party access.

Differences between Endpoint Security and Conventional Antivirus Measures

Traditional antivirus software regards one endpoint as a single, self-contained system and only protects that one endpoint from external threats. On the other hand, endpoint security monitors the entire corporate network and centrally manages connected endpoints. This is compatible with not only the internal network but also business systems via the Internet.

The advantage of this method is that the security management of endpoints is not left to individual employees but can be done collectively by the information security department. If independent antivirus software is installed on individual endpoints, the user must manage updates and other tasks. Individuals may forget to update or manage it poorly, but with endpoint security, the information security department can manage it centrally, so there is no such concern.

Also, malware evolves very quickly, but endpoint security can quickly respond to new malware using machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Points to Note When Introducing Endpoint Security

Choose Products with Good Detection Rates and Usability

Many companies release endpoint security products, but the detection rate and usability vary depending on the product.

It is important to choose a product with a high detection rate, but user usability is also very important. This is because products with specifications that are too difficult for individual users to use can cause shadow IT to spread.

Shadow IT refers to users secretly using their personally owned smartphones, tablet PCs, etc. for work. This is a very dangerous practice and can cause security to collapse, so you must listen to the voices of users and decide on an easy-to-use product.

Choose Cloud-Based Products

You should choose endpoint security products that can be managed in the cloud. This is because managing in the cloud allows you to immediately share detected threats with other endpoints and prevent the spread of damage.

Leave it to Exosphere Endpoint Protection

Please leave endpoint security to Exosphere Endpoint Protection. Exosphere is a completely cloud-based endpoint security that combines a high detection rate and ease of use.

Centrally Manage the Security of the Entire Network on the Cloud

Exosphere operates on a cloud basis and eliminates the complexity of security operations. To install it, simply create a management account on the cloud and install the app on each endpoint.

You can also easily manage endpoints by accessing the management page from the Web. By installing just one app, you can cover all the functions required for endpoint security, making software asset management very easy.

Prevents Not Only Cyber Attacks but Also Shadow IT

It is pointless if users leak confidential information themselves even if there are no cyber attacks. Such a situation is caused by shadow IT. Leaks occur when users transfer data to their personal smartphones or USB memory devices.

Exosphere has a function to prevent data copying to external media. It monitors media such as USB memory and SD cards, as well as Wi-Fi and tethering, and prevents copying.

Protect Data Integrity with Backup Function

The scariest thing about a cyber attack is data loss. The results you have worked so hard to build up until now will disappear in an instant.

Exosphere has a backup function to protect important data. Of course, you can also target only some important data for backup.

Please consider introducing Exosphere Endpoint Protection.

For further inquiries, please contact globalsupport@jiran.com.