Managed service providers need to know and understand essential components in their niche. Thus, it is important to discover what the top 5 things that MSPs should know about endpoint security are. In the current MSP landscape, where cyber threats and attacks are constant, knowing this kind of protection is a must. This subject is quite vital as it can either make or break your MSP business in general.
What are the top 5 things MSPs should know about endpoint security?
A comprehensive look into the topic of endpoint security can make a world of difference for your MSP business. It is important in your quest to establish your reputation and overall performance as a managed service provider. So, what exactly are the five most fundamental things you should know and understand about this salient component?
1. How do you define an Endpoint?
Before delving into the essential world of endpoint security, it is a basic necessity to know and understand this topic. What exactly is an endpoint? As the name implies, an endpoint is any device or gadget, which is physically a network’s entry point. However, endpoints are much more than your usual mobile devices or laptops, which you use day in and day out.
By definition, endpoints are any devices or gadgets that you are using remotely. They fundamentally function to send and receive communications with the network of an organization. Here are some of the examples of an endpoint:
- Servers
- Smartphones
- Laptops
- Workstations
- Desktops
- POS systems
- BYOD devices
- Tablets
Other virtual environments can also be called endpoints as long as they have the same functions. Unfortunately, virtual ecosystems have vulnerable points, which are susceptible to cyber-attacks. These may come in different forms such as phishing, malware, ransomware, virus, and the likes.
Companies require robust protection against these cyber threats with the help of MSPs. Thus, is the emergence and demand for MSP IT solutions particularly endpoint protection or security.
2. What is Endpoint Security?
Endpoint security, also referred to as endpoint protection, is a method or practice of securing end-user devices. These devices are also considered the entry points or endpoints, which are most vulnerable as well. Endpoints emerged in popularity because of the way people do business. Such gadgets significantly transform businesses with high bandwidth and low latency.
The downfall of using this endpoint is that they also become the inevitable attack surface for bad actors. It is not news that such opportunities to take advantage of people increased with the expansion of device usage. Therefore, the slew of endpoints and their popularity led to both business risks and opportunities. Proper protection of these endpoints, is thus, necessary now more than ever.
Not Just Security but Management
This is where MSPs and their endpoint security solutions become of utmost importance for businesses across industries. Moreover, it is necessary not to focus on just the protection but the overall management of endpoints. Endpoint management refers to the method or process to manage endpoints centrally with numerous other solutions.
Comprehensive and quality endpoint management includes detecting, provisioning, deploying, updating, and troubleshooting. Protection of endpoints is only possible with proper and effective management. Without good endpoint management, security may be a long shot to consider.
3. Endpoint Security vs Anti-virus vs Firewall vs Network Security
Some businesses may commit a mistake in skipping endpoint security because of misunderstanding its concept. One of the top 5 things MSPs should know about endpoint security is that they are different than anti-virus, firewall, or network protection. Your client should also know these differences to see the real value of securing endpoints for modern businesses.
Endpoint Security vs Anti-Virus
Anti-virus (AV) software functions to remove and detect malware such as trojans, viruses, ransomware, and keyloggers. It is a small part of the IT security solution of the organization.
On the other hand, endpoint protection is a more encompassing and comprehensive system. For instance, it is already inclusive of anti-virus detection but so much more. This much wider and expansive protection system also includes anti-malware software, firewalls, sandboxing, and prevention of data loss.
It may also include the intrusion detection system (IDS) and testing patches or devices in a non-production setting. Therefore, endpoint security considers and covers the whole security infrastructure.
Endpoint Security vs Firewall
A firewall refers to the gateway, which is primarily filtering network traffic. With this kind of concept, the firewall is a kind of network security. This particular function is also the common denominator between a firewall and endpoint protection.
There are two categories of firewalls namely host-based and network firewalls. Host-based firewalls run on endpoints particularly host computers upon installation, controlling network traffic. This traffic is what goes in and out of the host computers or endpoint machines.
Network firewalls, in contrast, do the filtering of traffic but between two or multiple networks. This may include the business network and World Wide Web, running on the hardware of the network.
Endpoint security is a much wider and comprehensive system that may feature firewall technology. It can be part of their bundled services, however, the two offer technically disparate security types.
Endpoint Security vs Network Protection
The main role of network security is to protect networks, which are operating at network levels. Its function is focused on the protection against network-based attacks or threats.
Endpoint security is installed on specific endpoint devices, protecting them from endpoint threats. The main coverage of this type of security is the mobile devices including virtual machines, laptops, and servers.
MSPs have the technology and solutions to finely tune as well as enforce policies on web access. This is done through the filtration of web traffic, using a robust and comprehensive network security solution. With a high-quality endpoint and network security feature, regulatory compliance is ensured and threats are blocked before they can penetrate the network and infect endpoints.
4. Why is Endpoint Security important today?
More and more businesses have proven the importance of robust and reliable endpoint management and security system. MSPs provide the best endpoint protection to help businesses and yield benefits such as the following:
⚫ Top-Notch Round-the-Clock Protection
One of the main purposes of endpoint security is to protect devices such as desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. These are most vulnerable to cyber-attacks but oftentimes are not covered by the usual virtual protectors. Having this security system by MSPs safeguards businesses and devices from key threats. Consequently, it results in better customer engagement and flexibility.
⚫ Time Savings
Secured devices lead to improving their uptime as well as streamlining business management. It saves up time because MSPs may concentrate on the more important core business objectives.
⚫ Cost Efficiency
Businesses and MSPs could save a lot of money and resources by preventing device remediation due to malware and such. Prevention of cyber-attacks also means protecting your intellectual property and trade secrets, which can be easily breached. On top of this, ensuring better device performance can improve the quality of service and overall business growth.
⚫ Compliance Satisfaction
With endpoint security, MSPs and businesses may adhere to numerous data security regulations across industries. This will help you stay on top of your game, knowing that you comply with the regulations. Endpoint protection is one way of conducting the right business operations by covering special precautions against cyber threats.
⚫ Maintaining Reputation
The indirect benefit of endpoint protection is that you can also protect your reputation as an MSP business. You have the confidence that your devices and systems are free from all types of cyber-attacks. This means you can keep your name and reputation away from the bad headlines.
5. How to choose the best Endpoint Security Solution?
One of the most vital things to know is how you can choose the best partner offering endpoint security. The truth is that there are numerous IT providers out there. Is what they are offering the best match for your MSP business? Does this kind of investment ensure good ROI?
You need to have careful consideration when planning to invest in an endpoint security solution. It is a critical decision that you have to make knowing that you are entrusting your salient business data. Moreover, this investment could be financially demanding yet lucrative when you find the right one.
The best endpoint management and security solution can last for years to come. You can always avoid the repercussions that come with not choosing the right endpoint protection. The right partner will be with you from start to finish, offering planning, training, and a top-notch cybersecurity foundation.
Final Thought
MSPs are living in an overly complex and demanding ecosystem especially with the rise of cyber threats and crimes. Thus, it is but a wise and lucrative move to make sure that you are protected from such attacks. Endpoint security is a vital component and investment that all MSPs should seriously consider and prioritize.
The top 5 things that MSPs should know about endpoint security serve as a guideline that keeps you on the right track. Invest in the right tools and resources that will not only protect but also boost your MSP business upfront. Tools such as CWDash are your best resources to thrive and be successful in the present MSP ecosystem. Call now to try our other free tools.
