Expanded Definition: Endpoint Security

What is endpoint security?

Endpoint security refers to the strategies, solutions, and technologies used to protect endpoints, such as desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and servers, from cyberthreats. In today’s hybrid and remote work environments, endpoint security is a critical part of an organization’s overall cybersecurity strategy.

Endpoints serve as entry points to corporate networks, so they’re frequent targets for malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other cyberthreats. Effective endpoint security tools, including endpoint management software, help detect, prevent, and respond to these threats in real time.

Why is endpoint security important?

Endpoints are often the weakest link in your cybersecurity chain. With users connecting from various devices and locations, especially in remote or hybrid setups, each endpoint becomes a potential attack vector. Cybercriminals exploit these vulnerabilities to steal data, deploy ransomware, or gain unauthorized access to corporate systems.

Endpoint security, when combined with robust endpoint management, ensures devices stay compliant with security policies, patches are applied promptly, and threats are identified and addressed quickly.

Endpoint security is essential for:

• Protecting sensitive data from breaches and leaks
• Preventing unauthorized access to your IT environment
• Maintaining business continuity by minimizing downtime
• Meeting compliance requirements for data protection (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR)

The result: Strong endpoint protection and management minimize your attack surface and play a vital role in securing your organization’s digital assets.

What are endpoints?

Endpoints are any devices that connect to a network and interact with business systems or data. Common types of endpoints include:

• Desktops and laptops
• Mobile devices (smartphones, tablets)
• Servers (both physical and virtual)
• IoT devices (such as smart printers, sensors, and security cameras)
• Point-of-sale (POS) systems
• Remote or virtual desktops (VDI)
• API endpoints (interfaces through which applications communicate over a network)

Each type of endpoint presents unique security challenges. For example, physical devices can be lost or stolen, while attackers may exploit API endpoints to gain unauthorized access to systems or data. Protecting this diverse range of endpoints requires a layered approach that combines security solutions with proactive endpoint management for configuration control, patching, and visibility.

How does endpoint security work?

Endpoint security works by deploying software, known as an endpoint protection platform (EPP), that can prevent, detect, and respond to threats for every device connected to a network. These platforms monitor activity, scan for malicious behavior, and enforce security policies.  

Modern solutions also integrate endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities for laptops, desktops, and servers (physical or virtual), which go beyond prevention to include threat hunting and automated response actions. Many even leverage AI and machine learning to identify zero-day threats and advanced persistent threats (APTs) for protection against current and future threats.

Key features of an EPP include:

• Antivirus, anti-ransomware, and anti-malware protection
• Threat detection and incident response
• Device control and encryption
• Application and patch management
• Behavioral analytics and AI-based threat detection

Types of endpoint security solutions

There are several types of endpoint security tools available to suit different business needs:

• Endpoint protection platforms (EPP): A true platform providing comprehensive coverage, including endpoint security, device control, and policy enforcement
• Traditional antivirus: Basic protection against known viruses and malware
• Endpoint detection and response (EDR): Virus, ransomware, and malware protection with advanced threat hunting and real-time remediation
• Extended detection and response (XDR): Extends the reach of EDR by integrating endpoint and many network and cloud SaaS security solutions for increased defense
• Security information and event management (SIEM): Provides complete visibility to a technology infrastructure, including network, SaaS, endpoint, and IoT, and may include advanced features such as embedded EDR and security, orchestration, automation, and response for incident remediation
• Managed/co-managed endpoint security services: Outsourced monitoring and management of endpoint security, ideal for small and midsized businesses (SMBs) and managed service providers (MSPs)
• Endpoint management solutions: Enable centralized control over device settings, patching, remote remediation, and compliance enforcement, making it easier to support and scale endpoint security

Download our SIEM vs EDR eBook to explore the key differences between these complementary security solutions and learn when to use each.

Endpoint security for MSPs and IT teams

For MSPs and IT teams, managing endpoint security at scale requires robust solutions that support centralized visibility, automation, and remote remediation. Integrated tools with remote monitoring and management (RMM) software and SIEM capabilities can improve operational efficiency and reduce incident response time.

ConnectWise offers an endpoint security suite that empowers MSPs to:

• Secure endpoints across multiple client environments
• Automate threat detection and response
• Monitor devices with real-time alerts and analytics
• Integrate endpoint protection with security operations center (SOC) and SIEM services

Stay informed about today’s evolving threat landscape and how to respond effectively with these helpful resources:

• Download the MSP Threat Report for insights into the latest attack trends and how MSPs can protect clients
• Read the State of SMB Cybersecurity to understand the unique risks and priorities facing small and midsized businesses (SMBs)  

How endpoint security helps stop cyberthreats

A well-implemented endpoint security strategy can stop a wide range of cyberthreats, including:

• Ransomware: Blocks encryption attempts and isolates infected devices
• Phishing attacks: Detects malicious links or attachments from compromised endpoints
• Malware and spyware: Scans and quarantines suspicious files before damage occurs
• Zero-day threats: Uses AI and behavioral analytics to identify previously unknown exploits

Strengthen your endpoint security strategy

Whether you’re an MSP securing multiple client networks or an IT leader protecting a hybrid workforce, endpoint security is a foundational component of your cybersecurity posture. By combining proactive protection, real-time detection, and automated response, modern endpoint security solutions keep your users and data safe, wherever work happens.

Explore ConnectWise cybersecurity solutions

ConnectWise cybersecurity solutions help MSPs and IT teams implement advanced endpoint security strategies with fully integrated, scalable tools. Discover how our endpoint protection, SIEM, SOC, and managed detection and response (MDR) solutions can secure every device in your environment.