The digital revolution has made lives easier but has also brought along some unique challenges for growing businesses, one of the most common of which is the increased rate of cyberattacks. In fact, research shows that from 2019 to 2020, 68% of organizations experienced one or more endpoint attacks that successfully compromised data or IT infrastructures.
This is why businesses must enhance their endpoint security and limit unauthorized personnel from accessing critical files. This guide looks at five tips you can take to improve endpoint security for in-person and remote management.
- Identify Vulnerabilities In Endpoints
To increase endpoint security, first identify vulnerabilities in your endpoints by cataloging and assessing the weaker areas. You can then use this data and provide network access to secure and risk-free devices. This is especially relevant in cases of remote management, as hybrid-work models can increase security risks.
- Enhance Your IoT Security
IoT has given cybercriminals a straightforward approach to target unprotected devices. This is because IoT devices and printers come with pre-set settings and passwords. Therefore, it is recommended to change the passwords for these devices regularly. You can also heighten security by updating to new software releases, maintaining hardware and firmware of your systems, using encrypted USB drives, and using automatic deployment rules (ADR) to update your Windows PC.
- Encrypt Critical Data
Another initiative that you can take to increase your endpoint security is to encrypt all your confidential and restricted data. For on-premise storage, you can use encrypted USB drives. You can also encrypt your files on the cloud, either by using a zero-knowledge service or by encrypting the files before uploading them to the cloud. You can also secure in-transit data by updating web communication to secure HTTPS protocols.
- Provide Training Programs
In the case of remote management, you can increase your endpoint security by providing your teams with comprehensive training regarding security protocols. Taking this measure ensures that your teams remain vigilant of cyberattacks.
- Implement a Bring-Your-Own-Device Policy (BYOD)
A BYOD policy is a regulatory measure that limits the number of websites or applications that an endpoint device can access. For example, companies that deal with sensitive information extend their laptops or smartphones to employees with restricted access to specific applications with a BYOD policy. These devices also have message encryption features to certify increased protection.
Increasing your endpoint security can protect your business from becoming a victim of a cyberattack. If you’re looking for tools to improve your endpoint security, you can visit DataLocker to find encrypted hard drives, encrypted USB drives, and other cybersecurity solutions.