In 2023, endpoint protection (EPP) compliance requirements are more stringent than ever, and are expected to intensify further. The consequences of failing to comply, along with the obvious risk of breach make for a compelling argument as to why you need to be confident that your chosen solution is delivering the goods.
However, being able to clearly define your EPP needs, and identify the best fit solution can be hard in the current market. There is a plethora of products now available, each claiming to protect your ends appropriately. Unfortunately, whilst its great to have options, the sheer volume of options can make choosing the right one a bit overwhelming.
“Endpoint protection is a key component of any good cyber security strategy but not all EPP solutions are made the same. It’s incredibly easy to think you have the right solution in place, only to discover vulnerabilities when it’s too late,” says Mark Mann, Cyber Security Consultant at Triforce.
“But it’s not just complacency that can jeopardise your EPP. We have witnessed significant changes to cyber compliance in recent years. Starting with the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill in 2020, in which EPP plays a pivotal role,” explains Mark.
Compliance around the world
In addition to complying with local requirements, Australian companies are also expected to comply with global regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) if they operate in the European Union or deal with EU citizens’ data.
Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to severe financial penalties, reputational damage, and even the suspension of business operations. Therefore, it is essential for Australian organizations to implement robust endpoint protection measures to maintain compliance with these regulations.
“GDPR isn’t new, and many companies have been addressing compliance requirements related to it for some time. However, with so many compliance requirements in place, EPP doesn’t always make it to the top of the list,” says Mark.
“But perhaps more important to note here is that EPP should never be treated as a ‘set and forget’ solution. You need to regularly review your solution to ensure you are confident it continues to meet the needs of your organisation and remains fit-for-purpose,” adds Mark.
Is your EPP fit for purpose?
When reviewing your endpoint protection, Mark recommends assessing your incumbent solution against key elements.
- Protecting endpoints: This is the bread & butter of any EPP solution where threats to the endpoint are identified are attacks targeting the endpoint are prevented. Any good EPP solution these days goes beyond using anti-virus signatures of known threats, leveraging AI/ML intelligence to identify and prevent new attacks based on behavioural analysis.
- Meeting compliance obligations: As discussed earlier, compliance with industry regulations and government mandates is non-negotiable. An endpoint protection solution that aligns with these requirements provides your organization with the necessary assurances and peace of mind.
- Enhancing Incident Response Capabilities: Despite the best preventive measures, it is impossible to eliminate all cyber threats. However, a reliable endpoint protection solution should offer advanced threat detection and incident response capabilities, enabling your organisation to respond quickly and effectively to any potential breaches.
- Ensuring Business Continuity: If you are not confident that your EPP will ensure business continuity, it is a fair sign that it is not up to scratch.
Choosing a fit-for-purpose EPP solution in 2023
With EPP being a critical component of your cybersecurity strategy, selecting the right solution is of utmost importance.
“Remember, the cost of a cyber breach can far exceed the investment in cybersecurity measures, making endpoint protection an indispensable pillar of your organisation’s overall cybersecurity strategy,” says Mark.
Mark recommends focusing on five key factors when evaluating EPP solutions.
Comprehensive Protection: Look for solutions that offer multi-layered protection, combining features such as antivirus, anti-malware, firewall, intrusion detection, and behavioural analysis to ensure all-round security.
Real-time Threat Intelligence: A solution that leverages real-time threat intelligence and machine learning can proactively identify and mitigate emerging threats before they cause harm.
Ease of Management: In 2023, an EPP solution should be easy to deploy, manage, and update. Centralised management consoles can streamline security operations and provide a holistic view of your organization’s security posture.
Scalability: Ensure that the chosen solution can scale to accommodate your organisation’s growth and future requirements effectively.
Integration Capabilities: Consider solutions that can integrate with your existing security infrastructure to enhance overall effectiveness and minimise disruptions during implementation.
Need help?
Working with leading Endpoint Protection specialists, SentinelOne, Triforce is currently offering a complementary discovery session to delve into your endpoint protection. Each session is tailored to address any concerns or priorities and provide a greater understanding of your business’ endpoint needs. Find out more.
