An endpoint is a remote device — either physical or virtual — that connects to a network. This architecture makes sharing information and transferring files fast, easy, and reliable. That’s the good news.
The bad news, is that cybercriminals are relentlessly hunting endpoints, in the hopes that they will find a vulnerability to exploit. Think of it like burglars who case houses, searching for an unlocked door or window. It only takes one opening for victims to endure a costly, stressful nightmare.
Fortunately, there is a way to keep a close, constant eye on endpoints in order to proactively identify and fix vulnerabilities, as well as catch cybercriminals in the act to keep them from stealing data: endpoint monitoring.
In this article, we explore what endpoint monitoring is (and what it isn’t), and discuss some best practices. We wrap things up by highlighting the smartest, safest, and most cost-effective way that most small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) can monitor and protect all of the endpoints now and into the future.
What is Endpoint Monitoring?
Simply put, endpoint monitoring is a practice that identifies, tracks, and (if necessary due to a breach) controls all of the endpoints on a network. Examples of endpoints include (but are not limited to):
- Desktop PCs
- Servers
- Laptops
- Mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.)
- Handheld scanners
- IoT devices
By now, some readers may be thinking: “Hang on a second — we already use antivirus software to keep an eye on our endpoints, so that means we’re already doing endpoint monitoring, right?” While this is an astute and relevant question, the answer is clear: no, antivirus software is not the same thing as endpoint monitoring. We explain why in the next section.
Antivirus Software vs. Endpoint Monitoring
Endpoint monitoring and anti-virus software share common aspects such as device protection, but there are critical differences. Understanding them is key to ensuring total protection against breaches — including those carried out by rogue insiders, or those triggered by careless and negligent employees. And yes, this is a big problem. A study found that a staggering 88% of data breaches are caused by employee mistakes).
Antivirus software is based on detecting signatures, and only work as intended if installed signatures are up to date. Simply put: if the antivirus software does not know exactly what to look for, then it can allow threats to slips past their defenses. What’s more, traditional antivirus software safeguards a single endpoint, such as a desktop PC. It cannot effectively detect unauthorized activities that may be happening on other devices attached to the network.
Endpoint monitoring does not have this major blind spot. Rather, it provides a broad, holistic view of the entire network by providing full visibility of all connected endpoints. What’s more, this information is available from a single, centralized location. Think of it like an air traffic control tower for endpoints instead of aircraft.
Benefits of Endpoint Monitoring
There are several reasons why endpoint monitoring is highly beneficial, and should be viewed as mandatory rather than optional:
- Early detection: Endpoint monitoring can spot weaknesses, vulnerabilities and breaches before damage is done.
- Total visibility: As mentioned a moment ago, endpoint monitoring offers a view of all connected devices and their activities for managing and keeping them safe.
- Access management: Endpoint monitoring supports identity and access management (IAM) by helping businesses determine which employees should have access to what endpoints, and what access levels they should have.
- Provisioning: Endpoint monitoring helps organizations onboard new employees and their associated devices, because IT know which subnet and IP address to use.
- Reduced disruptions: Endpoint monitoring helps ensure the optimal efficiency of connected devices, which can prevent issues and avoid downtime.
- Best practices and compliance: Endpoint monitoring helps organizations comply with IT security compliance standards (e.g. ISO/IEC 27001, PCI DSS, etc.), and align with best practices.
What to Look for in an Endpoint Monitoring Solution
When evaluating and ultimately choosing an endpoint monitoring solution, organizations should focus on the following core functions:
- Total endpoint visibility: Most organizations — including smaller businesses — are shocked to discover just how many endpoints they actually have, and establishing complete visibility is vital. Remember, everything that connects to a network is an endpoint, including devices that may only be used on occasion vs. on a daily basis.
- Endpoint software control: In the event that an endpoint is lost or stolen, organizations want the option to immediately take control of the device to prevent data loss.
- IT asset management (ITAM): This refers to the end-to-end tracking and management of an organization’s IT assets, and ensures that all devices are used appropriately and in compliance. Establishing a strong ITAM program is critical to preventing future security incidents.
- Threat detection (including alerts and reports): An effective endpoint monitoring solution should identify a range of security threats before they happen, regardless of whether they are carried out by external hackers or internal rogue users.
The Problem for SMBs — and the Solution
When it comes to threats like malware and ransomware, hackers are not just focusing on large enterprises. Increasingly, they are targeting SMBs to exploit weak (and in some cases essentially non-existent) cybersecurity defenses. Consider the following:
- 43% of all cyberattacks worldwide now target SMBs.
- The average cost of a major data breach for SMBs has climbed to $2.98 USD million per incident.
- 69% of SMBs have experienced at least one cyberattack in the last year.
Given these alarming statistics, comprehensive endpoint monitoring should be a “no-brainer” for SMBs, right? In theory, yes. But in practice, there is more to the story.
The reality for most SMBs is that they do not have the large IT security budget or the specialized in-house staff to implement, monitor, optimize, and over time evolve a comprehensive endpoint monitoring program. Fortunately, there is an option that give SMBs the endpoint protection they need, but without having to face excessive — and for many, prohibitive — costs: partner with SSRS Technology.
The SRSS Technology Advantage
SSRS Technology provides comprehensive endpoint monitoring that keeps SMBs secure, compliant, and productive. Our expertise is world-class, and our solution is highly cost-effective. Simply put, we give our clients the clarity and peace of mind they need to focus on growing their business — while we take care of their comprehensive endpoint monitoring.
