Harden Endpoint Security
Robust endpoint security management is critical for the modern enterprise. Discover proven strategies to strengthen defenses and prevent threats from three IT experts.
Table of contents
Endpoint security has become a cornerstone of enterprise-level protection in today’s digital landscape. With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, organizations must adopt robust endpoint security management practices to safeguard their assets. This article explores proven strategies from IT experts to harden endpoint security, ensuring comprehensive defense against potential threats.
Take a balanced approach to endpoint security
Enterprise endpoints—devices ranging from laptops to tablets—are prime targets for cybercriminals because they hold valuable corporate information and are vulnerable to attacks. According to HP Wolf Security, 75% of security professionals have seen an uptick in attacks over the past year. These evolving threats require organizations to implement robust defenses, combining traditional and innovative endpoint protection solutions. But what specific practices best align security posture with operational realities and user experiences?
"Hardening endpoint security must balance cyber-risk, IT operational overhead, and user impact. A preferred approach consists of a minimum of next-gen anti-virus, augmented by other controls based on the risk tolerance of the organization. Endpoint detection and response (EDR), firmware controls, and advanced options such as browser isolation should be considered. PC hardware acquisition must account for the requirements of such solutions over the lifetime of the device."
Jonathan Gohstand
Director, Technical Product Marketing
As Gohstand emphasizes, endpoint security strategies must include multiple layers to be effective. Integrating advanced technologies like EDR helps identify and respond to threats promptly, minimizing potential damage. Organizations must also carefully evaluate their hardware choices, ensuring devices can support security tools throughout their lifecycle.
Isolate threats with advanced browser protection
Browsers have emerged as a critical vector for cyber threats due to increased reliance on web-based applications in enterprise environments. A study commissioned by Google revealed that, on average, knowledge workers spend approximately 63% of their productive time in the browser, with 48% of business-critical applications being accessed through it. This dependency makes securing browser environments central to effective endpoint security management. Enterprises must deploy browser isolation and sandboxing technologies to reduce potential vulnerabilities.
"We can expect to see an increasing pace of manageability for enterprise browsers and further improvements in advanced security features like sandboxing. More sophisticated sandboxing within the browser will provide a greater level of granularity in terms of what the browser can do and how a system or website interacts with it."
Etienne De Burgh
Senior Security & Compliance Specialist, Google Cloud CISOSource: WSJ
Implementing advanced sandboxing reduces the risk of malware infections by isolating web-based threats from critical systems. As De Burgh points out, the future of browser-based security lies in even more granular control, enabling IT teams to define and restrict browser interactions precisely. Such detailed endpoint protections reduce risk exposure significantly, leading to fewer breaches and improved productivity.
Remotely track and secure PCs
Remote and hybrid work have transformed enterprise endpoint security, making remote tracking and device security essential. Cybersecurity Ventures projects that global cybercrime costs will rise 15% annually, reaching $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, a sharp increase from $3 trillion in 2015. Organizations now require robust mechanisms to manage endpoints remotely, enforce security policies, and respond swiftly to potential incidents across geographically dispersed workforces.
"The attack surface for cyber crimes is ever-expanding as work-from-home policies push enterprise technology beyond its traditional borders. How can organizations respond to this atmosphere of heightened risk? They have two options: hire more people, which is difficult because of the burgeoning skills gap in the talent market, or rely on AI, automation, and analytics to detect and respond to threats in real time."
Mike Chapple
Information Security Leader and IT, Analytics, and Operations Teaching Professor @ University of Notre DameSource: WSJ
As Chapple highlights, AI and automation technologies are critical in securing remote endpoints efficiently. Automating detection and response processes allows security teams to identify vulnerabilities faster, streamline remediation, and reduce operational overhead. Additionally, endpoint analytics provide deep visibility into device status and security posture, enhancing an organization’s proactive capabilities.
In summary, hardening endpoint security is essential for protecting enterprise-level assets from evolving cyber threats. Organizations can significantly enhance their endpoint security management by adopting a balanced approach, isolating threats with advanced browser protection, and leveraging AI and automation to track and secure PCs.
