Remote work and hybrid work options are increasing in popularity and experts agree that it’s a trend that will continue. As with any trends that impact your technology, your security needs to pivot to include all variables.

As work solutions continue to move mobile, hybrid, and remote, we see a vast increase in the number of endpoints that access organisational networks. This means that your endpoint management solution must be robust and flexible enough to move with all the changes at a moment’s notice.

Endpoints are the most exploited entryway for malicious actors. In fact, according to IDC, 70% of cybersecurity breaches start at the endpoint. This gives you some idea of how important your endpoint management is – it can prevent 70% of successful breaches.

Companies once protected endpoints by instituting bans on personal devices, but that’s no longer a reasonable or robust enough solution. In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about endpoint management.

What is an Endpoint?

An endpoint is any device that connects to your network. This includes computers and laptop devices, but those are only some of the endpoints that might be connected to your system.

Endpoints can include mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, printers, appliances, switches, servers, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. And the list goes on.

There is a vast number of devices that might be connected to your network at any time and many of your staff might use several devices, creating even more endpoints. You can see why endpoint management needs to be more robust than simply banning devices.

The importance of Endpoint security

Endpoint management is often an aspect of your IT infrastructure management. With more endpoints, it’s impossible to control the individual devices connected to your network. Many people will be using personal devices. So there needs to be a more layered approach to authenticating users. Today’s endpoint security processes are about developing strategic security policies while allowing an agile environment.

Endpoint security is critical because it is the most likely point of attack. Your solutions need to allow employees and clients access to the information they need to serve them while protecting your data and infrastructure from outside actors. All this needs to be executed while adhering to regulatory compliance requirements.

How does an Endpoint management software work?

Endpoint management software is important in securing your network. It authenticates users and enforces policies, making sure a smooth workflow while protect your network from threats. This automated process is essential because handling it manually is complex for most organisations.

These software solutions constantly monitor data exchanges between endpoints and network interfaces in real-time. This vigilance allows them to respond promptly to security threats, maintaining a secure network with dependable connections. Endpoint security management ensures faster threat mitigation, providing optimal network security.

Endpoint management tools also extend to mobile devices, ensuring comprehensive protection for your corporate data. Managed service providers often rely on unified endpoint management solutions to efficiently manage and secure various endpoint devices, offering a holistic approach to network security and asset management.

What is Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)?

Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) relies on software solutions to continuously monitor networks, apply patches, and issue alerts for necessary actions. It simplifies the process by providing a single dedicated dashboard or interface for overseeing all devices and operating systems.

With UEM, you gain a convenient and comprehensive way to monitor everything affecting endpoint management, including user activities and authorised data access. This streamlined approach is essential as workplaces incorporate more devices.

UEM strategies consider legacy systems and various infrastructures used to store sensitive data and maintain business processes, offering robust endpoint security and efficient asset management. Managed service providers often rely on UEM solutions to safeguard corporate data and address security threats effectively.

What services do you get with Endpoint management solutions?

Endpoint management solutions should work to maintain security as more unprotected devices connect to your network. It should offer strategic cybersecurity protocols that are layered to maintain the highest security profile for your critical data without impeding the productivity and efficiency of your processes for staff and clients.

The solution must maintain absolute compliance with regulatory standards while empowering staff and your organisation to connect in real-time. It allows your team to monitor and authenticate users while identifying any cyber threats and applying patches or necessary remediation steps.

Many people who don’t work outside of technology have never heard of endpoint management. It’s an important part of your cybersecurity and network infrastructure management process that must be maintained at all times.

Why is Endpoint management important for IT security?

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) is an integral part of your IT security and IT security compliance process. SIEM solutions provide optimal monitoring and fast solutions to protect your data and infrastructure. Endpoint management is an intricate part of this process because endpoints are the most likely port of entry for most malicious attacks.

As technology advances, your approach to endpoint management needs to include every aspect of your infrastructure and all endpoints. The solutions you employ can mean the difference between detecting an attack immediately and deploying solutions that maintain business continuity while remediating damages, to having your organisation in the news after being taken offline for days or weeks.

Difference between mobile device management and Endpoint security

In previous years, mobile device management (MDM) was the go-to method for protecting corporate networks. However, as the workforce and organisational needs have evolved, MDM has become less reliable. MDM often revolves around a BYOD policy (bring your own device), where organisations allow only approved devices. Unfortunately, this policy was frequently overlooked as busy employees accessed company resources from their personal phones, home computers, and iPads.

While MDM may play a role in training employees on cybersecurity protocols and best practices, it cannot be the sole process relied upon to protect your network.

Modern endpoint management encompasses all aspects of your network, including applications, hardware, and software, offering advanced oversight for your organisation. This approach enhances security without compromising the essential connectivity required by your staff and clients to maintain productivity.

With endpoint management policies, patch management, device configurations, and other essential security features, it ensures a secure environment for your network. Moreover, it provides efficient deployment of necessary software and efficient license management.

Don't let security breaches or malicious software compromise your organisation's network. Upgrade to a robust unified endpoint manager that secures endpoints, maintains security posture, and offers a centralised endpoint management console.

How to choose the right Endpoint management solution

When considering the right IT managed services to provide your endpoint management solution, it’s important that the managed security service provider you partner with offers more than an out-of-the-box solution. Your endpoint management solution should consider the organisation’s current business model, infrastructure, legacy, and modern applications.

At Canon Business Services, we provide services to keep your data secure while streamlining communication for your staff and customer base.

Contact us today if you’d like to discuss your endpoint management needs.