What is an endpoint device? What do you mean by endpoint?
An endpoint is any device connected to an organization’s network. These are devices that communicate or exchange data or workflows across the network. For example: When an employee prints something, two endpoints come into the picture, a desktop, and a printer.
What are the main components of an endpoint?
The following are characteristics of an endpoint:
Connect & Communicate – Every endpoint can connect and communicate.
Data storing and sharing – Endpoints may either be where data is stored or from where data is shared with other devices or received by other devices.
Unique identifier/ Network Address – All endpoints have a unique network address from which it is identified.
(like an IP address or MAC address)
What are the different kinds of endpoints?
Some of the common kinds of endpoints include:
Printer
IoT devices
Servers
Cameras
Point of Sale systems
Cloud based endpoint devices
Workstations – desktops and laptops
Personal devices – mobile devices/tablets
What devices are not considered as an endpoint?
The devices that are critical for the network to run aren’t considered as endpoints. They are called Customer Premise Equipment (CPE). Customer Premise Equipment primarily includes:
Switches
Load balancers
Routers
Firewalls
LAN and WAN devices
What is endpoint management?
It is the system that monitors, checks the authenticity of connection, and prevents unauthorized access to endpoints on a network.
An endpoint management program administers the devices connected to the network and ensures that they aren’t used for malicious purposes. It prevents unauthorized access by enforcing endpoint security policies and tools across endpoints.
Some of the essential parts of endpoint management are as follows:
Device Management
Access management
Patch Management
Compliance Management
Security Management
Endpoint Management policy examples:
Privileged Access Management (PAM)
Zero Trust
Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD)
What are the benefits of securing network endpoints?
The following are some of the benefits of endpoint security:
It saves an organization from the heavy cost of damages from cyber attacks
It ensures that the most sensitive data stored across endpoints is secured
Offers centralized control and visibility of endpoints connected to the network
Assists an organization to grow securely, integrating more technological solutions IoT into its environment
Helps businesses ensure security in remote work scenarios
Learn about endpoint security, how it works, its benefits and more
