COMMON ENDPOINT SECURITY ATTACK VECTORS

Cybercriminals continue to change their tactics to keep up with the ever-evolving digital security. The threat landscape has become more sophisticated nowadays but still with the presence of evergreen endpoint security attack vectors.

Take a look at the different ways your defenses can be breached to know how to keep a secure, resilient cybersecurity posture.

Endpoint Security Attack Vectors: Employees

Endpoint Security Attack Vectors: Mobile Devices and BYOD Policies

Since more and more companies shift to a remote work setup, the bring-your-own-devices or BYOD approach proves to be beneficial. It eliminates the need for a number of on-premises endpoints and gives employees comfort as they can work using their own devices.

The downside is, BYOD mobile devices can be primary endpoint security attack vectors. It increases the possibility of reduced visibility in the network, which means devices could go unprotected or unmonitored for a long time. As a result, cybercriminals may take this opportunity to get access to and move sensitive data.

This is something you can take care of through reliable endpoint security solutions. There are well-founded products out there that come with data encryption, data loss prevention, and augmented visibility over mobile devices.

Endpoint Security Attack Vectors: Internet of Things (IoT)

The IoT is another most common endpoint security attack vector. This becomes increasingly alarming as more organizations are adopting IoT as a means to facilitate and streamline communications and workflows.

While the IoT comes with a number of advantages, it becomes counterproductive when the products are without cybersecurity protections, which happens most of the time.

If you’re utilizing IoT devices within your network, make sure they do not become a blind spot for your endpoint security. Implement a solution that increases visibility over IoT devices, as well as the following functionalities:

• Patch management and upgrades
• Patch automation/scheduling
• Timely notification and alerts

Endpoint Security Attack Vectors: Misconfiguration

In addition to insider threats, errors in configuration can also serve as endpoint security attack vectors. When this happens, your network is left open to more threats and risks. To avoid this from happening, implement processes that ensure every part of your network is configured properly. You should also consistently be on the lookout for inconsistencies.

Endpoint Ports

As basic as this may seem, the ports of the endpoints themselves are common endpoint security attack vectors.

There are cases when organizations are fixated on the most modern attack tactics that may fail to give USB ports the attention they deserve to ward off cybercrimes. If you don’t know yet, hackers still like to use infected physical data drives to breach an organization’s system and impose their viruses directly.

Find an endpoint security solution that offers port control. This can help you keep track of the drives connecting to endpoints and ensure malware won’t make its way to your network.

Lack of Encryption

Data encryption translates sensitive data into another form that only authorized recipients can read. This will protect your data during storage or exchange in communication between networks. That said, not utilizing encryption or having a weak one may be a way for a bad actor to get a hold of your data.

Applications

Applications can be endpoint security attack vectors as well when they are left unmoderated. This happens when employees download applications with the approval of your IT security teams. Unsecured applications could be a leeway for attackers to exploit valuable data.

A good endpoint security product can help you develop and implement clear rules about which applications can and cannot be downloaded onto your network. An application control feature would be ideal as well to maintain visibility over your apps and guarantee their authenticity.

Compromised Credentials

Exposed credentials, particularly privileged access credentials may bring detrimental effects on your network. To avoid this scenario, implement an organization-wide strong password generation and strict authentication. You may also want to consider using passwordless authentication for your users, such as biometrics.

The key to maintaining a strong security posture is to keep the attack surface as small as possible. Getting to know the various endpoint security attack vectors may be a basic security measure but it can limit or completely eliminate the impact or damage of an attack.

If you need further help in fortifying your endpoint security, look no further than Xcitium. We have a wide range of cybersecurity solutions that meet your specific needs.