The network devices act as endpoints. These devices are allowed to access the wider network to which they belong to, only after there is compliance with some form of security policies, ensuring strict adherence to these policies.
The Endpoint Security System will create such a system that blocks the access to these network devices, when they fail to meet the security criteria. Generally, the Endpoint Security software is placed at a Gateway location, on the server and successfully scans all the devices, before they enter into the system. Prevention is always better than cure. So, these network devices are blocked much before they actually enter the network. There is significant damage control, even before it actually happens.
Why do we need an Endpoint Security?
If you undertake effective preventive measures, it is always a better solution than an action that is taken against any possible form of threat. You need to decide on your priorities before the virus even creates a messy situation, around your network. Better be prepared of any eventualities and start using your Endpoint Security system.
Following the Security Best Practices
Cybercrime is rampant nowadays. The security against the malware is not just in the form of a virus protection, but also in the form of layered protection and advanced implementation of policy configurations. There are some best practices for Endpoint Security system and these are:
Reduction of the attacking surface
Restrictions are imposed on allowing the running of applications, the connection of system as well as the actions that are taken by the system, thereby reducing the possible points of infection. The policies that are implemented for the Endpoint Security are beneficial in the reduction of the infection surface, particularly for the more sensitive surfaces as well as the single-user endpoints. (The Point of Sale endpoints or the ATM or embedded ones).
Browser plug-in must be patched
The attackers must not be able to take advantage of the vulnerabilities in the Adobe Reader/Acrobat/Flash or the Microsoft internet Explorer. Install the patches as soon as they are available, while taking advantage of the Software distribution tools or the Auto update features of the Endpoint Management software.
P2P Usage are blocked
Malware is mostly distributed with the peer-to-peer P2P networks or the shared files. A P2P policy is needed, enforcement of the policy happens at the gateway and also the application and device control (ADC) component of the Endpoint Security system is implemented at the desktop.
Layered protections are used
Layered protection is used for the end points. There are various sources of attacks such as mutating malware, drive by downloads, web-based attacks and vulnerabilities caused due the absence of patches and suspicious behavior of some files. All these are tackled by the enabling of the full-protection stack. Network Threat Protection, Firewall, Insight, the Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), SONAR and Antivirus are all activated for the maximum level of effectiveness and efficiency.
Apply the OS patches
There are many threats that originate only by taking advantage of the vulnerabilities in the operations system, from Microsoft and the Apple. These vendors continuously bring service packs, security patches and hot fixes and mend the defects in their operating systems. These patches are effective in making your system invulnerable for your Endpoint Management System.
