Every year, cybercriminals invent new ways to attack business servers. Most businesses focus cybersecurity resources on their most valuable assets, like computers. In response to this, hackers have shifted their targets. They are now going after devices that don’t typically have as many security protections, but still connect into main servers. These are called network endpoints.
What is an Endpoint?
Endpoints refer to secondary devices that connect to a business network. This could include smart TVs, digital medical devices, and even printers. These devices can pose a huge risk to your organization’s cybersecurity. In fact, according to IDC, 70 percent of successful breaches originate with endpoints.
Endpoints are so dangerous to business cybersecurity because they are not typically secure by design. You should always look for devices that are created with cybersecurity at the forefront, not as an afterthought. One feature to look for in devices that will tell you they are inherently secure is Endpoint Detection and Response(EDR).
What is EDR Security?
EDR is a security solution that actively monitors network endpoints to detect and respond to attacks. As a more sophisticated evolution of antivirus, it uses innovative techniques to resolve threats. Through artificial intelligence technology, EDR scans for any abnormalities, whether recognized or unrecognized. If it detects an attack, it will act not only as a fire alarm, but a sprinkler system that will also call the fire department.
This is because EDR works to solve the problem before cybercriminals can do any significant damage. For example, say a device with this technology is attacked by ransomware or another kind of malicious activity. With EDR, the threat would be automatically detected it and the device would reboot to a safe state. This means you might not even realize you’re under attack, and the device will have already saved itself from the threat.
Zero-Day Threat Detection and Response
A key benefit of EDR is its ability to defend against zero-day attacks. These are attacks that capitalize on security vulnerabilities that no owner or developer has caught or is aware of yet. These holes in security are so new that no software patches will exist for them. Cybercriminals will take advantage of this opportunity to gain access to your network. Through advanced machine learning, EDR can detect these zero-day attacks and defend endpoints from them.
What is the Difference Between Antivirus and EDR?
There are many stark differences between antivirus and EDR. The most important differences are their defenses against zero-day attacks, and how they respectively respond to threats.
Detecting Known & Unknown Threats
Antivirus software will only detect and block known types of cyber threats. It will only scan for recognizable threat patterns. This makes your network vulnerable to new and undiscovered vulnerabilities.
EDR works much differently. It will scan for both recognized and brand new cyber attacks. With all of the same pattern recognition of antivirus, EDR is a much more advanced version. This is because it oversees and maintains overall security and control over multiple devices on a network.
Responding to Threats
When EDR software detects a malicious threat, it will mitigate the issue in a number of ways. These might include:
- Isolating the infected part of the network from uncorrupted segments to stop malware from spreading
- Alerting appropriate administrators about the breach and reporting on its origins
- Shutting down the endpoint (ie. a printer) and rebooting it to a safe state
Antivirus does not have such a robust response to detected threats. Its signature-based detection design scans devices for familiar attacks stored within its database. This means that antivirus software would be useless in detecting and remediating a zero-day threat.
Antivirus is largely a preventative tool. It's designed to remove only basic forms of viruses such as adware, trojans, and spyware. It will also notify you about potential threats. However, it does very little to help your security team trace where attacks originate or recognize threat patterns.
Why is Endpoint Security Important for Business?
Leaving an endpoint vulnerable is like leaving your car unlocked in a dangerous neighborhood. Attackers know to target your weak spots, and endpoints are an often-overlooked vulnerability. When you’re budgeting for cybersecurity, remember that EDR is a small price to pay to protect your network from cybercriminals.
Other Ways To Protect Endpoints
EDR has become more standardized for devices that connect to business networks. Printers are especially vulnerable to cyberattacks, as they aren’t often secure by design. When choosing endpoint devices like printers, ask your managed print or IT provider about EDR. This tool will allow you to manage security for multiple devices on one network. You can also track down threats instead of creating a band-aid solution.
How to Implement EDR
To learn more about endpoint security, read our blog: Top 4 Cybersecurity Tools To Look For In A Business Printer.
If you’re ready to invest in the best network security tools on the market, it’s crucial that you find the right IT provider to partner with. They will help you decide which solutions fit your needs and budget the best. A quality provider will also advise you on devices that come with built-in security to mitigate cyber risks. To get a head start on your endpoint security strategy, click the button below to get a print assessment from a print security expert.
