10 Ways System Admins & IT Teams Can Reduce Endpoint Security Risks

Endpoint security is a crucial aspect of any organization’s overall cybersecurity strategy. Endpoints, such as laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, are the entry points to an organization’s network, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Indeed, the endpoint is typically the most common attack vector for cybercriminals, who will use a combination of brute force and phishing techniques to gain entry.

As a systems administrator, it is often your responsibility on the frontlines to protect your organization’s data and resources. So here are things you can do to reduce endpoint security risks.

10 Ways to Reduce Endpoint Security Risks

1. Enforce Strong Password Policies

One of the most effective ways to reduce endpoint security risks is to implement and cruciall, enforce, strong password policies. This means requiring users to create strong, complex passwords that are difficult to guess.

Passwords should be changed regularly, and users should be educated on the importance of choosing unique passwords for different accounts. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an important extra layer of security to protect against brute-force attacks.

2. Regularly Update Software and Applications

Outdated software and applications can be exploited by attackers to gain access to an organization’s network. It is crucial to regularly update software and applications to the latest versions and patches to eliminate vulnerabilities.

As a systems administrator, you should ensure that updates are installed on all devices that might be used to access coporate resources.

3. Endpoint Management Software

Very often, IT teams are reliant on individual employees themselves to manually update apps and take other necessary actions at the device level. This is particularly common when managing WFH and BYOD deployments. By utilizing dedicated endpoint management software, IT teams can automatically roll out and enforce patches and updates, as well as enforce strict endpoint access controls.

ThinScale has become the number one choice for Systems Admins and IT teams for efficient endpoint management, even when dealing with BYOD or untrusted third party devices that need access to the corporate infrastructure.

4. Endpoint Security Software

Many organizations rely on a combination of antivirus and network security tools. However, it’s important to understand that these do not protect against some of the most common threats to the endpoint, like screen-scrapers and key-loggers.

This is why we recommend a dedicated endpoint security solution is a key part of your stack, offering you protection against threats at the device level. Learn more about ThinScale’s endpoint security solution.

5. Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software

Antivirus and anti-malware software are essential tools to protect endpoints from malware and other threats. These software programs should be installed and regularly updated on all endpoints. Ensure that the software is configured to run regular scans and automatically update itself to protect against emerging threats.

IT security teams will know, however, that an antivirus tool can be vulnerable to zero-day threats, which are unknown and not stored in the vault of recognized threats. For this reason, solutions like ThinScale’s Application Execution Prevention feature are increasingly popular, as they stop all unknown and unauthorized programmes from running on the endpoint.

6. Control Endpoint Access

Endpoint access control is an essential aspect of endpoint security. Limiting who has access to endpoints can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks. Consider implementing user access controls and privileges to limit access to sensitive data and critical systems. Also, where possible, ensure that endpoints are physically secure by implementing measures such as lockable cabinets, security cameras, and even tracking software in the event of theft or loss.

However, using software like ThinScale would enable you to revoke access and even remotely wipe corporate data from the device in such an event.

7. Encrypt Endpoint Data

Encrypting endpoint data is an effective way to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. Endpoint encryption should be used to protect data both at rest and in transit. Ensure that all endpoints are configured to use encryption and all data is encrypted before it is transmitted.

8. Implement Endpoint Backup and Recovery Plans

Endpoint backup and recovery plans are essential. Data loss can occur due to various reasons, including cyberattacks, hardware failure, and natural disasters.

As a systems administrator, you should implement endpoint backup and recovery plans to ensure that critical data is always backed up and can be restored in the event of data loss.

9. Monitor Endpoint Activity

Monitoring endpoint activity can help detect and prevent cyberattacks. Consider implementing endpoint monitoring solutions that can detect abnormal activity, such as unauthorized access attempts, malware infections, and suspicious network traffic.

Regularly review endpoint logs and monitor for any signs of compromise.

10.Train Users on Endpoint Security Best Practices

Endpoint security is not just the responsibility of systems administrators but also the end-users. Users must be educated on endpoint security best practices, such as identifying phishing emails, avoiding public Wi-Fi, and protecting passwords.

Conduct regular training sessions for end-users to ensure that they are aware of thedangers, can identify a phishing email, and know how to protect themselves and the organization.

Make Endpoint Security Easier with ThinScale

Reducing endpoint security risks is critical to protect an organization’s valuable data and resources. As a systems administrator, you play a vital role in implementing effective endpoint security measures.

ThinScale is the perfect solution for systems admins and IT teams who need to manage and secure a large number of devices, especially for decentralized or distributed workforces.