Endpoint security is an IT term used to describe security measures taken to protect computer networks and systems from malicious activity. It is a type of cyber security that focuses on the security of individual devices or endpoints that are connected to a network and can potentially access and send data to other endpoints on the network. Endpoint security is also known as endpoint protection and is designed to protect all aspects of a system, from the physical hardware to the data and the software applications running on the device.
Endpoint security is concerned with the protection of the entire system, including the network infrastructure, operating systems, application software, user data, and device hardware. The goal of endpoint security is to identify and protect against any threats that could compromise an organization’s data, systems, and networks. This includes external threats, such as malicious software, like viruses and worms, and internal threats, such as user error or malicious intent. Endpoint security measures can help to prevent unauthorised access, data theft, ransomware attacks, and a variety of other malicious activities.
The endpoint security software typically includes features such as antivirus and malware scans, firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, application security, and network access control. Antivirus and malware scans detect and remove malicious code from computers and other devices. Firewalls monitor network traffic and can be used to restrict access to certain services or applications. Intrusion detection and prevention systems look for suspicious activity in networks and can be configured to take automated action when a threat is detected. Application security helps to protect applications from vulnerabilities by detecting weaknesses in the code and stopping malicious code from being executed. Network access control ensures that only authorised devices are allowed to access certain resources.
Endpoints are vulnerable to attack from a variety of sources, which makes endpoint security measures an important part of an organisation’s cyber security strategy. Endpoint security solutions are designed to detect and respond to malicious activity quickly and efficiently to reduce the risk of data loss or system compromise.
