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As networks evolve, so do the threats from cyberattackers.
New online grid-capable devices mean new attack vectors for malware, ransomware, and unauthorized access attempts.
The game has changed, which is why endpoint security solutions are necessary.
If you are assessing endpoint protection tools, they should have several specific features.
It includes a VPN, antivirus, fireball, and USB protection all controlled through a central dashboard.
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What Is Endpoint Security?
Typical networks are comprised of computers, laptops, and printers.
Previously referred to as connection devices, the definition has changed over the past few years.
These endpoints also need security, usually delivered in the shape of endpoint protection solutions.
Various such solutions are available for a modern online grid.
A modern firewall within a internet of endpoints has more specific tasks than a traditional firewall, however.
But that doesnt mean there is no place for firewalls in endpoint security solutions.
Individual devices can be protected with access controls, with custom-built policies to protect access to a rig.
With online grid endpoints becoming more diverse, a different punch in of protection is required.
Like firewalls, ringfencing blocks web link access to applications.
Relying on per-user and per-equipment policies, data pipe access can be carefully managed.
Cloud Storage and USB Protection
Endpoints are almost permanently attached to some form of cloud storage.
Where cloud drives arent used for data storage and sharing, USB devices are the usual alternative.
Both offer opportunities for cybercrime; USB devices as potential weak spots, and cloud storage is a target.
Cloud protection provides cloud-based storage and apps with defense against phishing, malware, and spam.
Threats specifically targeting cloud storage should also be detected.
For USB devices, endpoint controls of devices means enabling or disabling anything that can be connected by USB.
If sensible solutions are to be found, endpoint security that supports cloud and USB controls is recommended.
While awareness of the risks of malware is improving, users can still be duped.
Failure to remove malware expediently can result in considerable damage to all devices on a connection.
Data can be deleted, ransomware admitted to the internet, keystroke loggers hidden, and backdoors established.
So, what role should endpoint protection software play in keeping devices free of malware?
At the bare minimum, malware should be isolated or quarantined.
The best solution is removal software that can obliterate the malware while reporting the event to similarly at-risk devices.
As decrypting the locked data is usually only possible by paying the ransom, detecting ransomware fast is important.
Unsurprisingly, ransomware can be hugely profitable for cybercriminals, with 46% of businesses paying the ransom.
Consequently, it is important for endpoint protection tools to include ransomware detection, and possible removal too.
In 2020, the annual cost of ransomware was $765 million in payouts.
In 2022, that figure dropped to $457 million (Statista) but remains significant.
Ransomware is believed to comprise 68.42% of cyberattacks.
Ransomware detection also involves a degree of management.
Identifying the bang out of ransomware is important, as well as communicating calmly with the attacker.
Newer ransomware is less susceptible to this approach, however.
5. tool Allowlisting
An tool control capability, allowlisting is related to ringfencing.
The name allowlisting refers to a online grid access philosophy of deny everything.
Adopting this philosophy means access across the connection is denied by default.
Access is only granted where required, where there is an operation-dependent purpose.
Meanwhile, unknown data is blocked, along with unrecognized activities and applications that appear to behave oddly.
The key benefit of allowlisting is the minimal overhead.
Once a profile is configured, the allowlist software manages how apps run and access data on the internet.
Other than minor configuration adjustments, further interaction should be occasional.
Some of them are hugely important, such as storage devices.
As with cloud and USB storage, these resources are targets for cyberattacks, so pose a challenge.
Preventing unauthorized access to business-critical resources is usually achieved using private endpoints.
Support for private endpoints and VPNs is a desirable feature for endpoint security products.
Elevation Control
Successful protection of endpoints also requires elevation control.
This is a sysadmin-controllable adjustment of permissions and credentials for applications.
Elevation control solutions are centered on the applications, rather than user accounts.
This more granular approach means that users benefit from having the ability to install updates.
The permissions can be time-based or conditional, however, thereby ensuring a robust environment.
Another benefit of elevation control is the reduced overhead for technicians.
Elevation control has uses beyond updating software and often comes with a request system.
A user can apply for access to specific applications that have not already been installed.
As with the management of system users, elevation control requires regular audit of utility permissions.
Overlooking incorrect (inadequate or generous) permissions can result in problems later on.
It can also spot unusual activity from known software applications.
It achieves this by monitoring activity on endpoint devices, and looking for unusual and suspicious behaviors.
So, standard activities like running and using applications can be permitted, but unusual actions are blocked.
Activity is logged, with data analytics used to find and determine the difference between safe and malicious actions.
Any EDR feature in your chosen endpoint protection software should do more than spot threats, however.
Suspicious activity should be validated as such, the threat quarantined, and other endpoints checked for similar risks.
Information gathered during such incidents can also be logged for reporting purposes.
Endpoint equipment Tracking
Endpoint protection systems should ideally include a equipment tracking feature.
Missing devices are a massive data security issue.
The status of hardware isnt necessarily obvious, however.
Any endpoints that have been confirmed lost or stolen can be remotely wiped if they remain online.
Furthermore, information can be gathered before wiping.
For example, the location can be recorded, along with audio and video from the mic and camera.
A useful additional feature might be integration with an existingMDM solution.
This can help to ensure that management of the lost asset is effectively dealt with and written off.
Single Management Dashboard
Another feature your endpoint security solution should have is an easy-to-access management dashboard.
This could be a server-based client app or a internet tool-based feature that can also be accessed remotely.
This isnt a deal-breaker, as the integrity of the internet is paramount.
However, an accessible, easy-to-use dashboard can make management of the endpoint security simpler and more flexible.
Because endpoints are potential vulnerabilities, strict endpoint guidelines should be conceived.
Various standalone endpoint policy solutions are currently available.
Why Do Endpoint Protection Solutions Need These Features?
Its easy to assume that your chosen endpoint protection solution already includes security features.
Even thebest endpoint security softwaredoesnt include all of these features.
Consider this list a shopping list, a collection of features that should be included.
Alternatively, you might believe that the security features included with existing software are adequate.
Even if this is the case, effectively evaluating both options can avoid issues when the worst happens.
TechRadar Pro created this content as part of a paid partnership with Avast.
The content of this article is entirely independent and solely reflects the editorial opinion of TechRadar Pro.
