Why a strategic view of corporate endpoint is needed

Many companies are convinced that they have everything under control. Up-to-date systems, active antivirus, well-defined access policies. But the real question is: how much control do we really have over corporate endpoint?

In today’s working environments, devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets, personal devices) are interconnected and it is imperative that this is the case. However, corporate security postures often rest on weak assumptions: fragmented protections, partial visibility, unified management.

This is the illusion of control: a system that seems to work, until the first cyber incident occurs.

Where do vulnerabilities of endpoint emerge?

The balance between productivity and security is increasingly difficult to maintain. Every new device that enters the corporate ecosystem (be it a corporate laptop, a BYOD-enabled personal smartphone…) is also a potential vector of risk. It is a matter of heterogeneity and lack of consistency in management.

Threats often do not present themselves with a direct and blatant attack. Instead, they creep in quietly by exploiting:

• Operating systems not updated, because patching processes are not centralised;
• Applications installed without authorisation, which escape IT policies;
• Excessive permissions granted to users, which can unintentionally expose sensitive data;
• Lack of mobile data encryption, with lost or compromised devices.

Added to this is a critical factor, namely, partial or absent visibility. Without a centralised picture, it is impossible to know how many devices are active, what networks they connect to, what risks they expose and how well they adhere to corporate policies.

In this context, modern cyber threats move with extreme agility. Cyber criminals exploit automated tools to find security holes in endpoints, intercept credentials, install malware or ransomware that propagates laterally in the network.

Corporate security managers often only realise the problem after the incident has occurred. And at that point, the economic, reputational and operational costs can be very high.

According to our in-depth study on new threats “Mobile device security: today’s threats and those of the future” it becomes clear how attackers exploit blind spots in endpoint management, striking where there is a lack of update, control or awareness.

And even when adopting advanced authentication technologies, the perception of security can be misleading if there is a lack of endpoint management tools capable of ensuring consistent policies and real-time visibility.

Unified endpoint management: the basis of a robust security posture

To break out of the illusion of control, centralised governance is needed. Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) is now a must-have standard for all organisations that want to secure corporate devices without compromising operational agility.

But what does it actually mean to adopt a unified endpoint management strategy?

Means:

• Map all connected devices, regardless of their nature (desktop, laptop, mobile, BYOD);
• Monitor configurations, avoiding vulnerabilities due to incorrect or inconsistent settings;
• Monitor abnormal behaviour and policy deviations;
• Impose updates and patches without relying on individual user initiative;
• Segment access, ensuring that only compliant devices can access certain data and corporate services.

It makes it possible to react quickly to changes in the work environment (new locations, smart working, staff entrances/exits), while keeping the company’s level of exposure under control at all times.

In addition, unified management is essential to address issues such as:

• Regulatory compliance (e.g. GDPR);
• Audits or internal controls;
• Business continuity planning and incident response.

Without EMU, all this becomes a difficult jigsaw puzzle to put together, made up of disconnected instruments and difficult-to-illuminate grey areas.

Do you already have an endpoint management strategy?
If you are not sure, we can help you find out with an initial assessment.
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Mobisec UEM Assessment: much more than technical advice

Mobisec’s UEM Assessment service was created to answer a specific question: ‘Where are we really today in endpoint security management?’

Through in-depth analyses, Mobisec assesses:

• The current device fleet.
• Access and update policies.
• Threat management on mobile devices.
• The company’s ability to respond to incidents on compromised endpoints.

The result is a detailed report with areas for improvement, best practices and a roadmap of priority actions.

Find out more about Mobisec’s UEM Assessment service

From perceived control to real control

All too often, the security of corporate devices relies on partial tools or misaligned solutions. The result is a system that is difficult to monitor, to update and, above all, to truly protect.

A solid security posture starts by recognising that endpoints can be a weak point, and can be turned into a strength through a strategic approach.

Mobisec can guide you on this path.

Want to understand where to start to strengthen your security posture?
Write to us: we will help you define the real picture of your exposure and the priority actions to put in place.
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