What is Endpoint Protection?
Endpoint protection refers to a security strategy that safeguards individual devices (endpoints) on a network, such as laptops, desktops, tablets and mobile phones. These devices can act as entry points for cyber attacks, making them a critical focus for network security. Endpoint protection solutions employ various techniques to detect, prevent and remediate threats on these devices.
Benefits_
- Enhanced malware protection: Endpoint protection goes beyond traditional antivirus software, offering defence against advanced threats like ransomware, zero-day attacks and phishing attempts.
- Improved device security: Endpoint protection solutions can manage security configurations, enforce access control policies and patch vulnerabilities on devices, reducing the attack surface.
- Reduced security risks: By proactively identifying and mitigating threats on endpoints, organisations can minimise the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.
- Streamlined security management: Centralised management consoles offered by endpoint protection solutions allow for efficient deployment, configuration and monitoring of security across all devices.
Use cases_
- Protecting sensitive data: Organisations in highly regulated industries like finance or healthcare can leverage endpoint protection to safeguard sensitive data on employee devices.
- Securing remote workforces: With an increasingly remote workforce, endpoint protection becomes crucial to securing devices used outside the traditional office network.
- Mitigating BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) risks: Endpoint protection helps organisations manage security risks associated with employees using personal devices for work purposes.
- Providing comprehensive network defence: Endpoint protection forms a critical layer in a layered security approach, working alongside firewalls and network security solutions to create a robust defence.
Key components_
- Antivirus/Anti-malware: Detects and removes known malware threats from devices.
- Behaviour monitoring: Analyses device activity to identify suspicious behaviour that might indicate a threat.
- Application control: Limits unauthorised applications from running on devices.
- Web filtering: Blocks access to malicious websites that can distribute malware or phishing attempts.
- Device control: Manages access to external storage devices and ports to prevent data leakage.
- Vulnerability management: Identifies and patches vulnerabilities on devices to minimise attack surfaces.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a comprehensive endpoint protection solution that integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft security products. It offers a wide range of features, including:
- Next-generation antivirus and anti-malware protection
- Endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities for advanced threat hunting and investigation
- Behaviour monitoring and anomaly detection
- Vulnerability management and patching
- Integration with Azure Security Center for centralised management and threat intelligence
