The use of smartphones, tablets, laptops, or any other technological device provides an entry point for threats. The adoption of an end point security solution aims to secure these end points connecting to a network to block access of any outside material.

The significance of end point security has been strengthened by the increase in hybrid working. The increase in hybrid working has left networks strained and more susceptible to cyberattacks. The trend of hybrid working looks set to remain with many organisations taking this opportunity to deploy a security strategy that offers both short and long-term value. In parallel with the change in workforce logistics, in addition we are also seeing an increase in ransomware attacks. This type of attack exploits system networks as well as users, launching attacks that hijack the victim's device. This can be either an organisation or an individual. Crucially, these attacks can be hard to detect which makes them very difficult to deal with. Often, they come in the form of phishing emails that act as a pathway to access the victim's machine. In most cases, the ransomware infection happens by a downloadable PDF file, DOC file, or an XLS file etc.

Supporting digital initiatives and a hybrid workforce has led to greater exposure of the edge of the network. Malware and ransomware attacks provide a direct challenge to organisations by exploiting poor connections between homeware devices and networks. The increased sophistication of the cyber threats, coupled with the increase in hybrid and remote working have led to a common understanding within the technology industry that end point security is an essential security function.

For many organisations the idea of adjusting and adapting security functions around a distributed network can seem daunting. The first stage in the process of addressing these security challenges is end point security solutions and a zero-trust model. The ultimate target of an end point security solution is to provide better visibility into devices and their state, as well as strong protection measures and remote monitoring tools. This ensures all devices are constantly monitored, reducing the time for which a cyber-attack can occur. It is also important that any end point solution and zero trust models are flexible enough to be able to ensure user access to any resource or application, irrespective of location.

THE COMPONENTS OF MODERN END POINT SECURITY

Traditional EPP’s that focused primarily on threat intelligence-based prevention have been replaced by newer behaviour-based solutions. However, with the diversity of cyber-attacks, protection can never be 100% over a long period of time. The first generation of end point detection and response has also struggled to adapt to the growing complexity of cyber-attacks. Struggling to filter out the real threats from a great deal of false positives leaves security teams playing catch up. This approach coupled with EPP’s is no longer sufficient or effective with the current hybrid working approach. As a result, end point security solutions must combine these functions with the ability to predict and prevent attacks through attack surface reduction and malware prevention, as well as being able to detect and diffuse threats with real time detection and disarmament. It is crucial that they respond, investigate and diffuse threats with the help of orchestrated remediation and forensic investigation. This ultimately is the critical function of a modern end point security system and underlines the value it brings to organisations.

FORTINET AND ENDPOINT SECURITY

The Fortinet product, FortiEDR, can be defined as an end point security solution that takes a behaviour-based approach, being proactive to infection as well as detection and response. This automated is more effective at stopping ransomware attacks as it blocks and diffuses threats at source, preventing them becoming more advanced. Other vendors, apart from Fortinet, still rely upon a manual response to threats which could take a significant amount of time. This time delay in dealing with threats allows the threat to become more advanced and more difficult to deal with.

A key component of the FortiEDR solution is its granular tackling of system operations, improving visibility into the workings of the system. This added visibility improves the detection rate of false positives, helping to target the actual threats and exert energy into dealing with those. As a result, it lengthens the analytical process.

The Fortinet solution not only allows you secure remote access but also allows all components to be combined through Fortinet security fabric. A security fabric is recognised as an architectural approach that allows you to combine several security features into one integrated approach. This covers your whole distributed network. This is important when you have users connecting from all over the world to resources that could be located anywhere. Crucially, this allows you visibility, enabling you to keep your furthest end points secure