Endpoint Security
Within an organization, it is becoming exceedingly important to be able to protect and control endpoints such as Desktops, Laptops, Smartphones. Endpoint Security concept consists of a set of tools to help protect and manage the endpoints.
Due to rise in demand, vendors started to provide all-in-one solutions for Endpoint Security that usually include components such as; Anti-Virus, Anti-Malware, Anti-Spyware, Operating System / Patch Management, Device Control, Centralized Management features, Data Encryption, Host-based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) and Application Control.
Traditional signature based Anti-Virus solutions cannot protect against most threats organizations face nowadays. As a result, Software Security vendors consistently upgrade their protection. Heuristic Analysis coupled with Cloud-Based protection has become the norm, which help protect endpoints from known and unknown threats.
Endpoint Security systems generally operate on a client-server model, where the central server(s) provide database and software module updates and management features including remote zero-touch installation, remote control and more.
As BYOD concept is becoming increasingly popular, administrators are faced with the challenge of properly managing those devices. With proper identification and grouping of these devices, it is possible to apply different policies to any device based on your needs.
Anti-virus solutions now also include Anti-Malware and Anti-Spyware solutions. No longer relying on just signature based protection, Anti-Virus solutions now include Heuristics, Machine Learning and Cloud-Based protection.
Device Control feature enable administrators to minimize the risk of malware infections and data theft by removal devices. It is now possible to enforce a company-wide Device Control policy via central management of an Endpoint Security System.
DLP Solutions run on endpoints and prevent unauthorized data flow between users, devices or outside world. They’re used to control information flow, including e-mails, instant messaging, access to physical devices, and they prevent copying or sending of sensitive information, intentional or unintentional, to unauthorized destinations.
HIPS is included in modern Anti-Virus solutions, it is designed to detect and block malicious program activity (both local and network) in real-time. It’s an integral component in Endpoint Security that allows for a high level of protection.
Patch management is part of systems management practices. It allows for administrators to apply patches to third party applications via a single management console. Patch management is an important feature for keeping endpoints safe, as malicious code can run on an endpoint using vulnerabilities of third party applications.