What is an endpoint? How does an endpoint work?  

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 

Frequently asked questions 

What is called an endpoint? 

An endpoint is any device that is connected to a network that:

• stores, shares, and receives data 
• communicates 
• has a unique identification  

What are Network Endpoints? What is an endpoint in networking? 

In networking, an endpoint is a device with a TCP/IP that communicates information within a network that the device is connected to.  

What is an endpoint in cybersecurity? 

In cybersecurity endpoints are all the devices that are connected to an organizational network that contain, send, and receive data across the network. It comprises devices that store workflow and sensitive data including all the sensitive and confidential information.  

What is an endpoint in API? What are API Endpoints? 

API endpoints are digital paths (URLs) to API that, upon request, can fetch components and resources within the API. Every API has an endpoint.  

What is the role of firewall in protecting network endpoints? 

A firewall acts as a security guard for network traffic. It monitors the incoming and outgoing network traffic and blocks suspicious, unauthorized traffic. A firewall secures the endpoints connecting to the internet from malicious traffic and unauthorized entities by filtering traffic and permitting entry only to authorized traffic.