Page 153 - Cyber Defense eMagazine April 2023

3. Consider all devices not just one

A device is considered an endpoint if it is connected to a network. With the rise of BYOD (bring your own
device) and IoT (Internet of Things), the number of individual devices linked to a company's network can
easily approach the tens (and hundreds) of thousands.

Endpoint security is frequently focused on laptops and desktops, but tablets and smartphones are just
as critical. This is particularly true today that the workplace has evolved to more agile working methods.
Endpoints (particularly mobile and remote devices) are a favourite target of adversaries because they
serve as entry points for threats and malware. Think of the latest wearable watches, smart devices, voice-
controlled digital assistants, and other IoT-enabled smart devices as examples of mobile endpoint
devices that have evolved beyond Android and iPhones.

As a result, verify that all company-issued devices, including mobile phones and tablets, need to have
endpoint protection, and discourage the use of personal devices unless they have suitable company-
approved security or communications installed.

4. Keep certifications and technology updated

Most businesses resent the numerous procedures required to maintain regulatory compliance, but these
restrictions frequently assist businesses in a variety of ways. They aid in the identification of data that
could be a target for hackers, as well as the procedures that must be followed to protect this data from
cyber-attacks. An organisation can better defend itself from costly data breaches by implementing
suitable compliance rules.

Data integrity and reliability are also improved by adhering to compliance rules. While many standards
are focused on data security, others maintain business continuity so that your company can respond
promptly to a crisis, both physically and online. Furthermore, the standards benefit employees and
customers by improving the ethics employed to operate the company and to retain data.

Government regulations, industry standards, and software licence agreements must all be followed by
all enterprises. That means you need to know where all of your endpoints are, what's running on them,
and how they're used. Ensure that your company's endpoints are patched on a regular basis, and that all
licensing adheres to the most recent compliance and regulatory standards.

5. Update your security and recovery plans on a regular basis

It's also crucial to keep in mind that a security or data recovery plan is a living document that needs to be
updated on a regular basis. Developing a solid disaster and security recovery plan is a time-consuming
process that delves into the nitty gritty of your business and how you'll handle a worst-case situation. It
has numerous business-critical components, and collaboration with third-party experts should be
explored in order to achieve the best-fit approach.

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