4 common endpoints you should be protecting
In the world of information technology, an endpoint is what it sounds like. It’s a machine or device with which a person (the end user) accesses a company’s network and the internet in general. A list of endpoints includes computers, mobile phones, tablets, printers, and retail kiosks.
These days, many corporate cybersecurity plans emphasize techniques for defending mobile applications and operating systems. Nevertheless, it’s still vital to protect those precious endpoints. They can be attacked in various ways, making your entire digital infrastructure susceptible to criminal behavior.
Here are 4 endpoints you should always protect and some suggestions for keeping them safe.
Desktop and laptop computers
Don’t believe otherwise: You still have to install up-to-date firewalls and antivirus software on all of your computers.
Some people argue that antivirus programs are unhelpful because of zero-day attacks. A zero-day attack is one in which, on the day a software flaw is found, hackers break into IT networks via that weakness. In such situations, antivirus programs likely can’t save the day. However, around 70% of hacking attempts are not zero-day attacks, and antivirus programs can usually stop them effectively.
Believe it or not, the majority of data breaches occur when computers and laptops are stolen. For that reason, you should take special care to physically secure those machines. Chain them down whenever possible, and keep them inside locked rooms at night. Set up security cameras and alarms, too. And, if you have the budget to do so, you might hire an around-the-clock security team.
Phones and tablets
Many small businesses find it convenient to let their employees work remotely and even sometimes in the office, on mobile devices. To protect sensitive information, though, you should remind all of your workers to be extremely cautious with those tools.
It’s of the utmost importance that your staff members know what they’re doing and what they’re using at all times. That is, they shouldn’t click on any link, respond to any text message, use any public WiFi network or install any app on their mobile devices unless they are positive that they can trust the source.
On top of all that, when these cell phones and tablets are not in use, their Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities should be turned off.
Partners in protection
Of course, when it comes to endpoint safety, you never have to go it alone. To the contrary, reputable IT consultants can make sure that you have the strongest possible security measures in place. They can also review your company’s existing security policies and verify that they’re robust enough to counter today’s potent threats.
Perhaps above all, these consultants can educate your staff members. That way, your workers will understand what their responsibilities are when it comes to endpoint security. Respectful and thorough training programs reduce the kinds of employee errors that so often lead to hacks and breaches.
In sum, when endpoint protection becomes a company-wide priority, you can feel much more confident that your business secrets will stay secret and that your data will remain in the right hands.
