No organization is totally safe from the security risks of today’s endpoints. This is especially true since modern hackers have learned how to implant code into operating systems and their underlying applications.
Let’s take a closer look at IT Security EDR and the best ways to minimize endpoint incidents in your network.
What is Endpoint Detection and Response?
The communication entry and exit point of an organization’s network is what we call an endpoint. It can also be defined as any device that contains the operating system and applications, which allow us to connect to the Internet. This could be:
Laptops
Workstations
Servers
Tablets
Smartphones
In that sense, endpoint detection and response (EDR) technology is designed to continuously monitor and record system activities and events that take place on endpoints. This provides IT security teams with the visibility they need to determine incidents that would otherwise remain invisible.
How does IT Security EDR works?
An IT security EDR must be installed on an endpoint for it to learn and keep track of that endpoint. This installation could be in the form of an agent or software package that is implemented to the endpoint. The agent lives on the endpoint where it starts to gather data and report to a back-end database system on-premise or to a cloud.
Fool-proof tactics to minimize endpoint incidents
In order for you to get a better understanding of your security requirements, it’s ideal to use a free tool at first, which can map the endpoints on your network.
Some endpoint security solutions may provide you with software to help you deploy the following strategies:
Network analysis
A dark endpoint, rogue access point, or blind spot is an endpoint you don’t know exists. How are you going to protect it if you’re not aware it’s even there? As such, you should utilize an automated network discovery tool to catalog your endpoints, determine who is accessing them and what software they are running.
Get to know specialized endpoint security solution options
There is a wide range of professional endpoint security suites on the market, which can be confusing to choose from. That’s why it’s important to do your research and learn what questions to ask before you choose a solution.
Prioritize automated EDR
IT security EDR has the capacity to proactively hunt for potential threats. That said, it’s essential for your EDR solution to be the cornerstone of your strategy, which you should focus a lot on and consider making investments.
Implement an endpoint security policy
An IT security EDR should be a written document that contains information about the software and hardware you run to protect your network endpoints. It should also provide security guidelines for employees, such as how to secure their BYOD endpoints.
Best IT Security EDR Practices
There are different ways to fortify your EDR solution and ensure it’s working in its top condition. Here are some tips that you should consider:
Don’t ignore users
Users could be the catalyst to major or multiple endpoint incidents. Some scenarios where this might happen:
When users unintentionally share files
When they unknowingly modify data
When they fall victim to credential theft
When users undermine security efforts by working around systems
As such, it’s important to ensure that they are properly educated on the security measures you deploy and why those measures are important. You can also restrict users from controlling security configurations or settings and ensure that your security solutions are as transparent as possible.
Integrate your tools
You may want to integrate your IT security EDR with other solutions, like authentication and encryption tools. This would ensure that your entire system is protected, as opposed to your network perimeter alone.
Segment your network
Network segmentation is an approach that segregates data, services, and applications based on priority level. Doing so will allow you to implement a set of protections and control who and what has access to your network assets. Segmentation also allows you to restrict the ability of attackers to travel laterally across your network, mitigating the damage they may cause.
Take proactive measures
EDR may help you respond to attacks and mitigate damage in real-time. Still, this doesn’t mean that you should rely on this solution alone. That’s why it’s essential that you consider taking proactive measures to minimize your system vulnerabilities and eradicate pathways for an attack. You can do this by regularly auditing your systems for known security issues, like out-dated software or misconfigurations. Identify if you have unused open ports or credentials that are no longer needed and discard them whenever possible.
Final Thoughts
An IT security EDR is important as it provides an additional layer of endpoint protection, which may not be available with traditional anti-virus software. To fight off the hidden threats aimed at exploiting the endpoint by hackers, this layer of endpoint protection is crucial.
Do you want to have a system that detects and responds rapidly to modern-day threats? Contact us now at Comodo to get your EDR security!
