Endpoints are the devices or machines, such as desktops, laptops, mobile devices, servers, and IoT devices, that connect to a network. Securing endpoints is a critical component of modern cybersecurity architecture because they are often the primary target for cyberattacks. Malicious actors can use endpoints as a gateway to gain access to a network and its sensitive data.

In August 2023, UK’s Electoral Commission suffered a cyberattack in which malicious actors gained access to the country’s electoral registers containing personal information of approximately 40 million people. The personal data included voters’ names, addresses, and the date on which they became of voting age.

Deploying an advanced threat detection and response solution, such as EDR, can help you protect devices as well as users, ensuring a robust defence against any cybersecurity threats.

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What is Endpoint Detection and Response?

Endpoint detection and response (EDR) is a cyber security solution that provides real-time visibility into endpoints and enables rapid response to cyber threats. By combining threat detection capabilities, such as machine learning and behavioural analysis, with automated response actions, you can quickly detect and respond to cyber-attacks, leading to more good days.

EDR solutions protect devices and users from modern cybersecurity threats in several ways:

• Real-time monitoring: Endpoint detection and response solutions continuously monitor endpoint activities such as connections and file processes in real-time, providing visibility into potential threats and anomalies.
  
  
• Behavioural analysis: EDR solutions use machine learning and behavioural analysis to detect abnormal activities and patterns that indicate a potential cyber threat.
  
  
• Threat hunting: By using an advanced endpoint detection and response solution, security teams can proactively search and investigate suspicious activities that could stem from any potential threats.
  
  
• Automated response: EDR solutions use automated response actions to quickly respond to potential threats and prevent them from causing damage. These responses can include isolating an infected endpoint, terminating malicious processes, or blocking communication with critical infrastructure and applications.
  
  
• Incident response: Such state-of-the-art solutions enable security teams to quickly respond to security incidents and investigate their root cause.

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How does EDR protect my business?

It protects your sensitive data

Endpoints are where most sensitive data resides, and are highly vulnerable to data breaches, malware attacks, and other types of cyber threats if proper security is not maintained. When you secure these endpoints, it helps protect sensitive data from theft, unauthorised access, or other types of cyber-attacks. For critical infrastructure, it is important to understand how files operate and interact within the device, and how the host communicates with other parts of the infrastructure. If you understand this, you can know when there is anomalous activity.

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It prevents malware attacks

Endpoints are a primary target for malware attacks, which can take many forms, including viruses, trojans, and ransomware. Malware can infect endpoints through email, web downloads, USB drives, or other means. Securing endpoints with antivirus software, device firewalls, and other security measures such as DNS security to block command and control connections can help prevent malware attacks and protect the network from harm.

Guaranteed protection against insider threats

Insider threats are a significant risk to organisations, with employees or contractors intentionally or unintentionally exposing sensitive data or sabotaging network security. Securing endpoints with proper access controls, monitoring, and security protocols can help prevent insider threats and minimise the risk of data breaches or data exfiltration.

Easy compliance with regulatory requirements

Many organisations have legal or regulatory requirements to secure their data and network endpoints. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires organisations to secure personal data and notify authorities of data breaches within 72 hours. Securing endpoints with next generation EDR solutions can help organisations meet compliance requirements and avoid costly fines and legal penalties.

Protect your remote workers

There is a collective inclination towards remote working in the recent past. 84% of people who are working from home since the onset of the pandemic said that they are more likely to carry out a mix of remote working and office working in the coming years, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Since remote workers are not in the office environments, they can be more vulnerable to cyber-attacks, especially if they are using unsecured networks or devices. Securing endpoints used by remote workers can help prevent data breaches and other types of cyber-attacks. The key for remote working is visibility. Once we understand the connections remote workers are making, we can ensure we protect them from accessing destinations that may pose a risk to the corporate environment.

In a nutshell, EDR solutions provide a comprehensive approach to endpoint security, helping organisations to detect and respond to cyber threats in real-time. By combining advanced threat detection and response capabilities, EDR solutions provide a powerful defence against modern cybersecurity threats.

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