If your business is growing, you'd doubtlessly have a huge number of computers, laptops, and mobile devices connecting to the main corporate network. Have you given a thought to the seemingly endless points of security lapses that are possible anywhere between these connections? What, if any, is your approach to security with regards to client systems connected to one or many servers in your organization?
In networking parlance, security software that’s installed on each of the client systems –be it a PC, laptop or even a mobile device such as Blackberry but is managed from a centralized location is termed as End-point Security. Apart from the regular end-point devices such as those mentioned above, other peripherals like inventory scanners, kiosks, POS (Point of Sale) terminals are all secured in this manner. While the devices have the software installed, it’s the server (also called as the gateway) that bears the security program. It’s from here that security for connecting devices is managed.
Every time a client system requests information from the server, the security programmed installed on the server verifies every request or user logins while making necessary security updates or downloading patches as and when required. On a very simplistic level, many of us are already familiar with some endpoint security programs like various firewalls, anti-virus software, malware & spyware detection programs, Internet security suites, etc. On the other end of the complexity spectrum, you might end up using Network Access Control Systems to perform various authentication sessions and regulate your network.
The Endpoint Security protocols verify when a device is trying to connect to servers and is programmed to allow only authorized devices to access the network. Endpoint Security programs do everything from regulating access to networks to preventing the set-up and installation of any programs that are unauthorized according to the company policies such as peer-to-peer ( P2P) downloading software, torrent downloading software, games, specified instant messenger programs, etc.
Should you even worry about your network and invest in Network End-point security? If the recent McDonald’s and Gawker episode is anything go by where millions of users details were compromised[1] —along with a long history of hacking attacks in the corporate world – it’s an investment you can’t afford not to make.
If you want a heads-up on the benefits of End-point security or if you’d like to talk to us or arrange for a consulting brief, we‘d be more than happy to help you out through our Managed IT programs (Silver and Gold Support Programs only).
Are you keeping an eye on your network? What are your thoughts regarding End-point Security? We’d love to hear from you. Post your comments below.
[1] ITWorld: Seven Lessons Learned From Gawker and McDonalds Hack Attacks
714-333-9620