In IT, endpoint security refers to a methodology of protecting the business network when accessed through such remote devices.
In the last few years, IT industry’s focus had shifted from a perimeter network security to an endpoint and data security solutions. Network security solutions are important but not flawless, and businesses need to start additionally protecting their corporate data where it resides on the endpoint (local and external devices), and not just on their local networks and in the data center cloud.
Remote mobile devices such as laptops, tablets, etc. with a remote connection to the corporate network create a potential entry point for security threats.
11 Tips on taking precautions to secure your endpoint technology and keep your network protected from external threats.
Be smart about secure connection
1. WiFi hotspots: Public WiFi and wireless networks are generally not secure. Accessing your device via public hotspot means that anyone with some understanding of how hotspots work could potentially see what you are doing on your device while you are connected.
- Avoid using public WiFi
- Limit what you do on public WiFi
- Do not log into important accounts containing PII (personally identifiable information) like email, financial, insurance, and other data-sensitive services.
Use a VPN (virtual private network) if you need a more secure connection, especially when accessing your business network when on the go.
2. Disable WiFi and Bluetooth when not in use. Some places, like stores, restaurants, and other consumer service establishments scan for devices with WiFi or Bluetooth turned on while you are in the range of their location to track you.
3. Beware of malware: Spam-scam SMS text, direct phone calls, and voice messages are on the rise. Do not respond to any requests for personally identifiable information.
Guard Your Business Sensitive, Private, and Personal Information
4. Secure your devices: To prevent loss and theft of your phone, laptop, tablet or other endpoint devices, keep them with you at all times, If you must leave them unattended, use physical security precautions: lock your car, your house, your office cabinet drawer; if staying at a hotel, place your devices in a safe before leaving your room.
5. Mind your business: Make sure you do note store any information that can compromise your business on your mobile devices: do not keep your employees’, your clients’, nor your own business records of any type on your devices, even if they are presumably secured. Make sure your VPN access is secured, and your authentication factors are secured. Again, KEEP AND REGULARLY UPDATE STRONG PASSWORDS, especially for accessing your business computer network. Demand the same of your employees.
6. Guard your data: Use strong passwords, passcodes or other features such as touch identification to lock your devices. Securing your device can help protect your information if your device is lost or stolen and keep prying eyes out.
7. Turn off both autofill function and cookies. Those features are a convenience, but they can also be a huge privacy threat. If your mobile device automatically enters passwords and login information into Websites you visit frequently, turn that feature off immediately. If you can’t live without the autofill, ask your IT service provider to recommend a secure try third-party app that can manage saved logins with a greater level of security. While using those apps is still not as secure as disabling an autofill feature altogether, it is better than leaving your autofill unprotected and potentially compromised (especially if you are using public unencrypted WiFi – a major No-No.)
8. Protect your online privacy: Nowadays virtually all web browsers and apps collect information about you, such as sites you visit, your search history, your shopping and gaming habits, places you visit, etc. Pay attention to how that information is collected through websites and apps. All of them must have privacy policy and information on how they use that data. Sometimes, but not always you will be asked for permission to access and use your data – your images, your profiles, lists of your contacts, etc. Avoid or limit sharing your information with websites and apps whenever possible: use their security and privacy settings to manage your data access by third parties.
Maintain Device Security Hygiene
9. Keep security software current: Having the most up-to-date mobile operating system, security software, web browser, and apps on all devices that connect to the Internet (and especially to your business network) is the best defense against malicious threats such as computer viruses, adware, malware, spyware, ransomware, and other online threats. If your IT service provider includes BYOD security services, they should be able to guide you through that process if you are not sure about handling it yourself.
10. Discard what is not in use: People often download apps that stop being useful – and used – after a period of time, or apps that were installed for specific short-term purposes, such as attending an event or planning a trip. If you no longer need a certain app it is a healthy security practice to remove those apps from all of your mobile devices.
Avoid Using 3rd party Devices
11. Public Computers: Do not use any public devices, such as computers at internet cafes, hotels, libraries, and tradeshows. There is never a guaranty that that computer device was not infected before you use it. If you must use a 3rd party device, do not access any services that require you provide personally identifiable information (PII), nor authentication details, such as username and password.
The most important thing small businesses can do ensure endpoint security is to let their IT and security professionals proactively implement and protect mission-critical business elements and processes:
- backup essential systems and data;
- regularly run backup and practice restore procedures;
- create a disaster recovery plan;
- implement programs for timely patch management;
- procedures;
- create and practice a disaster rec
- implement necessary measures to harden business and user systems;
- constantly monitor systems security.
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Call us (855) 551-7760 to speak to our IT Security experts or to request a consultation today. Let’s start a conversation to make sure your business continuity is secured.
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