By Robert MacAdams on Thursday, 19 March 2020
Category: Uncategorized

Endpoint Security: Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)

Endpoint security management might be best handled by a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) to monitor and manage, because over 70% of cybersecurity breaches originate from endpoint devices, and almost every company admits they lack the required resources. Our endpoint security management services provide a centralized monitoring and remediation service that proactively discovers device vulnerabilities using real-time cybersecurity AI, monitors for required services needed for protection, blocks malicious applications and ensures endpoints are up to date with required patches according to defined policies. Hackers know endpoints are the easiest way to penetrate a network, and companies’ seldomly have multiple security controls in place that would prevent unauthorized access.
 
Network vulnerabilities caused by mobile devices and remote employees are the number one reason companies need to adopt strict endpoint security controls to prevent malicious intent. A centralized endpoint management solution can automate network access based on polices by identifying the device’s signatures, security level and configuration. The endpoint security management product or service you use needs support all the devices and OS versions you want to allow access your network and which applications and services can be used to connect to your network. All event logs should also be forwarded to a Managed SIEM service for complete visibility.
 
Our endpoint security management services can be for customer owned Carbon Black, Palo Alto, Check Point, Sophos, CrowdStrike, McAfee or Symantec endpoint security solutions. Alternatively, our no charge endpoint assessment service can help recommend the best endpoint security management solution for your environment. Endpoint security management is perhaps one of the most critical components needed today to protect against cybersecurity threats and other malicious plots which require monitoring and prevention efforts 24X7, 365 days a year.
 
What do endpoint security management solutions protect against?
Ransomware attacks are the result of a hacker gaining access to an endpoint or multiple endpoints on the network, and then proceeds to encrypt files on these devices and makes them useless. Most ransomware attacks are successful, and will require an exorbitant amount of time to decrypt your files or you will need to resort to restoring your files from a backup. The hackers are hoping neither will be successful or are acceptable solutions, and will pay their ransom demand to receive the decryption key to gain access to your files. Ransomware attacks are most commonly started through phishing emails that contains a malicious attachment or link to infect the endpoint and if possible, other endpoints on the network.
 
Phishing attacks are hackers disguising themselves or their communications to appear as if they are someone your employees trust to extract information they need to gain access to your network. The sensitive information provided by the victim is also sometimes used for other malicious purposes. Phishing attacks are most commonly performed via email, but are also known to be conducted from websites and over the phone. Phishing attacks have a better success rate when victims are using a mobile device, as many of the noticeable attributes that help identify a phishing attack cannot be seen as easily on a mobile device.
 
Malware is a general category consisting of covert programs designed to reproduce on other endpoints on a network undetected to enable backdoor access, collect data, hijack computer resources or to destroy computing systems and data. Malware programs include spyware, viruses, worms and trojan horses.
 
Exploit attacks do not require a victim to download anything, and can be due to a number of different vulnerabilities such as bugs discovered in applications, websites with malicious scripts, manipulated documents, command and control server, and traffic redirects.
 
Adware 

Our managed endpoint security service provides real-time access control protection, detection and response by very well trained cybersecurity engineers. Our managed endpoint security service also uses advanced cybersecurity threat intelligence from many industry leading sources to maintain up to date blacklisting of malicious sources, and constantly apply new policies to ensure networks and endpoints remain protected and uncompromised. It is scary how many companies have endpoints with unapplied security patches that are many months in arrears. Endpoints are the number one security risk for most companies today, and should never be left unmanaged or put on the backburner for weeks and months. Companies that do not maintain healthy endpoint policies will surely pay a heavier price sooner or later. Larger companies pay an even heavier price when their security incidents make the news.
 
Companies of all sizes have gone on the record and stated they do not have the resources and/or expertise to implement the necessary security access controls needed to protect against these cybersecurity threats. These companies have three choices; hire a managed security service provider (MSSP), make an investment in IT resources needed to maintain in house or wait for the inevitable breach to occur. Roughly half of companies today rely on an MSSP for portions or all of their corporate cybersecurity defenses. Contact us to learn how our Endpoint Security Management Service can protect and save your company money or for monitoring SplunkQRadarAlienVault or Exabeam Managed SIEM services.
 
Until then, the best security defenses for endpoint protection include the following:
  1. Keep cybersecurity defenses up to date.
  2. Patch all IT infrastructure and endpoints regularly and without delay.
  3. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication for all employees.
  4. Do not ignore older legacy systems, whether they are static, in archive status or supporting older applications.
  5. Get your IT, Network and Security teams properly trained for cybersecurity threats, and stay up to date on latest cybersecurity threats.
  6. Conduct regular penetration tests and simulations to prepare and practice incident response.
  7. Complete an annual network security audit.
  8. Train all employees on common sense safeguards, and send regular best practices reminders.
The right approach for security will involve everyone with a vested interest in protecting company assets to identify areas the company is most exposed, and assessing how to best close the gaps as quickly as possible. Companies can seek an audit by a certified risk assessor or use a security risk assessment from an MSSP to help identify weaknesses. To beat cybercriminals, it takes a village, efficient processes, proven technology and highly intelligent resources available 24x7x365 days a year. Our cybersecurity specialists are located in multiple offices in the US and UK, providing Managed Security Services for companies in over 30 countries.