Does Your Business Need Endpoint Security?

By Parker Hansen

Endpoint protection of enterprise systems is an efficient method of managing software deployment and enforcing IT security operations policies. Endpoint security, however, does much more than protect a network from malware. IT administrators can use endpoint security for a number of operation monitoring functions and data backup strategies. Endpoint security software application as system (SaaS) infrastructure is the perfect replacement for older, disaggregated security infrastructures. SaaS endpoint security provides controls for data losses across servers, exchange servers, gateways, storage devices, and workstations. The best endpoint security software also serves in reporting functions for total operations control.

Management Features

The centralized management feature of endpoint security software makes deployment easy. Distribution of security capabilities across the core infrastructure within an enterprise system network is automatic, providing an IT administrator with centralized control over remote workstations. Endpoint solutions synchronize security updates across endpoints so that new protection applications are sourced automatically. Detection of security threats is done with client-side SaaS response.

Data Loss Protection (DLP)

Due to the fact that most organizations now rely on data driven strategies for management operations, data loss protection (DLP) is a priority for IT security strategies. Endpoint security solutions prevent intentional or unintended data loss due to systems breach or failure. The most efficient endpoint solutions will control access violations that are caused by credentialed users such as employees. This means companies can block files transmitted via email, instant chat, or Internet upload. Endpoint encryption is an additional assurance that hides data on a laptop or USB so that access by third parties cannot be attained.

Device protection in endpoint security SaaS secures data transfers to and from external devices (i.e., USB, CD or DVD) as well as Bluetooth and network attached devices. The mobile SaaS interface of endpoint security offers remote feature that will allow administrators to wipe out data on hard drives during a potential systems breach. File security and sharing policies guiding endpoint security operations designates user access to proprietary information, and can halt file requests.

Internet security that's offered with endpoint security SaaS is essential to any organization seeking to reduce the risk of systems threats by viruses and malware. As the best security technology for controlling emergent threats, endpoint security detects and eliminates threats on the spot. Endpoint security also scans server-based client email, chat, and IM communications applications (i.e. Outlook, Google, and Yahoo) used in everyday work operations for risks to IT infrastructure. Endpoint security policies designate access credentials to employee and partner users. Those user credentials may be limited by authority.

Resource Usage

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is often part of an endpoint security strategy. The effectiveness of ERP efficiency in security when compared to other IT security solutions indicates that endpoint solutions save costs in terms of controlling data losses, installation across networks, and with updates. Recovery time to resuming operations is nearly zero, making endpoint security SaaS a leading choice for ERP strategies.

User Ease

When measuring adoption rates by administrators and client users, endpoint security solutions outperform other IT security options. Ease of use features reduce IT resource demands, as well as technical requirements such as automated updates, deployment, and Active Directory integration. Nevertheless, endpoint security software has some limitations. Depending on the hardware system, installation of the Web-based management console onto a server rather than a PC generally means a shorter time to operations. Custom endpoint security solution SaaS packages are developed to address the unique operations needs of a company, yet may require additional backup or data loss prevention tools to meet file requirements.

Endpoint Security as Solution

Justifying the return on investment to integrate an endpoint security solution into an existing enterprise system requires quantifying its effectiveness in vulnerability management, and the calculation of the actual monetary value of assets. Intangible assets such as detriments posed by systems threats may increase the valuation.

Violations of designated user access credentials, intellectual property theft, and employee misuse of internal communications with personal devices can lead to costly litigation and recovery scenarios. Endpoint security software is the best possible method of enforcing IT policy. With endpoint security SaaS, companies can now protect assets and block malware from sabotaging operations and ultimately profits.