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Protecting Your Company's Network: The Importance of Endpoint Security

December 5, 2024

The Endpoint Security Checklist: Ensuring Your Company's Safety

A computer generated image of a city connected to a global network.
Endpoints are the backbone of a company's network and IT infrastructure, comprising computers, mobile devices, servers, smart gadgets, and other IoT devices. However, each of these devices poses a risk to the company's defenses, providing an opportunity for hackers to penetrate and gain access to sensitive data. 

The Importance of Endpoint Security 

With the number of endpoints varying by business size, it's essential to have an endpoint security strategy in place. Companies with less than 50 employees have an average of 22 endpoints, while small businesses with 50-100 employees have around 114. Enterprise organizations with 1,000+ employees average 1,920 endpoints. A staggering 64% of organizations have experienced one or more compromising endpoint attacks

A Comprehensive Guide to Endpoint Security 

In this guide, we'll provide straightforward solutions focused on protecting endpoint devices. We'll cover the following topics: 

Addressing Password Vulnerabilities 
  • Training employees on proper password creation and handling 
  • Exploring passwordless solutions, like biometrics 
  • Installing multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts 

Stopping Malware Infection Before OS Boot 

  • Ensuring firmware protection with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and Unified Extensible Firmware       Interface (UEFI) Security 
  • Disabling USB boots to prevent malicious code from running 

Updating Endpoint Security Solutions 

  • Regularly updating endpoint security solutions 
  • Automating software updates whenever possible 
  • Ensuring firmware updates are not forgotten 

Using Modern Device & User Authentication 

  • Implementing contextual authentication and Zero Trust approach 
  • Using MFA and safelisting devices to ensure network security 

Applying Security Policies Throughout the Device Lifecycle 

  • Automating security protocols with tools like Microsoft AutoPilot and SEMM 
  • Ensuring security practices are in place from device purchase to retirement 

Preparing for Device Loss or Theft 

  • Having a sequence of events in place to prevent company risk 
  • Using endpoint security that allows remote lock and wipe for devices 

Reduce Your Endpoint Risk Today! 

Get help putting robust endpoint security in place, step by step. Contact us today for a free consultation. 

HCS Technical Services

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