Top 13 Endpoint Security Best Practices for Small Businesses

Do you know that 70% of security breaches originate on Endpoint devices?

Remote work has transformed the modern workplace, offering increased flexibility and convenience for employees and small businesses. However, it has also introduced significant security challenges, particularly endpoint security.

With employees now accessing corporate networks and sensitive data from various locations and devices, securing endpoints has become essential to maintaining cybersecurity.

Let’s explore the critical need for endpoint security for small businesses and the best practices for effectively implementing it.

1. Carry Out an Endpoint Audit

Auditing all devices connected to your network is a critical step in securing your endpoints. It includes identifying every device, from desktops and laptops to mobile devices and even IoT devices, and understanding their access levels in the organization.

An endpoint audit can identify hardware or software that needs upgrading and highlight vulnerabilities. With a correct inventory and baseline configuration, organizations can detect new or rogue devices when they come online later, maintaining better endpoint control and security across the board.

2. Educate Employees

One of the major causes of cybersecurity incidents is human error. Therefore, the first step in risk minimization is educating employees on endpoint security best practices. Such training sessions should include basics like identifying phishing scams, password management, and staying clear of untrusted links and downloads.

Employees must be aware that they must not use unauthorized devices or software that can endanger the company data. Moreover, phishing simulations and security drills can also help prepare employees and create a cyber-aware culture where they actively become the first line of defense against threats.

3. Implement BYOD Policies

As remote work has grown, some small businesses permit employees to work on personal devices. This organizational policy is known as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). This practice, while convenient, poses a security risk as personal devices do not possess the same level of protection as company-owned devices.

An effective BYOD strategy helps define acceptable use, outline security requirements, and place data accessibility restrictions. Moreover, companies should ask employees to have antivirus software, keep their devices updated, and encrypt company data.

In addition, remote wipe capabilities enable the business to remove corporate information from a personal device if it goes missing or an employee leaves, which minimizes data leakage risks.

4. Implement Stringent Password Requirements

Passwords are like a gateway to all your personal and critical information. However, most companies seem to neglect this fact and depend on advanced tools for endpoint protection. Hence, you must deploy a strong password policy that ensures employees create a strong password.

 For instance, implement a password policy where the employee has to use a complex password of 12+ characters and mix letters with numbers and special characters. They must also change the passwords every 60-90 days to minimize possible compromise.

Moreover, small businesses can make it easier for employees to manage the number of passwords they use by offering them access to secure password managers that generate and store unique passwords.

5. Take Backup And Store Data In a Secure Manner

Data loss can be catastrophic for small businesses due to cyberattacks, hardware failures, or accidental deletions. Hence, implementing regular data backups is essential for data recovery.

You must deploy automated daily or weekly backups, ensuring the most recent data is always accessible. Moreover, store backups securely in offsite locations or with reputable cloud providers offering end-to-end encryption. You must also test the data recovery process regularly to confirm the integrity of backups and ensure quick restoration during a breach. Secure storage practices prevent data loss and enhance recovery efforts, helping businesses resume operations swiftly.

6. Deploy Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA)

Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA) is a cyber security model that, by default, treats every user or infrastructure component as untrustworthy regardless of its location inside or outside the network boundary. Under ZTNA, all devices and users must be verified with an identity-first approach, alongside 24/7 monitoring.

You must also segment the network into smaller, more secure pieces to contain lateral movement across the network, meaning if one endpoint gets compromised, the information still has a more challenging time traveling throughout the threat.

7. Conduct Penetration Tests

Penetration testing is the process of simulating cyberattacks to identify possible vulnerabilities in the security infrastructure. Periodic penetration tests by certified cybersecurity professionals expose endpoint security vulnerabilities. 

Small businesses can keep pace with evolving threats by focusing on and remediating the weaknesses discovered through these tests. These tests should be performed every year or following major updates to IT infrastructure, as maintaining effective security relies on keeping up with threats.

8. Implement Automated Patching

Software patches are updates that add the latest security features to the application. Regularly updating software and systems is crucial for defending endpoints from known weaknesses that cybercriminals can target.

Automated patching helps close the attack surface window by ensuring devices have the latest security updates without manual intervention. For example, small businesses find it practical to schedule patch installation outside business hours.

You must patch organization-wide, but first, test patches on a couple of devices to ensure they are compatible with the deployed OS. Automatic patching offers an efficient way to keep endpoint safety running with 24/7 security on systems.

9. Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) refers to a mechanism that asks users to verify their identity using more than just a password, adding an extra layer of security. This verification step could include biometrics, a one-time code sent to a mobile device, or a hardware token.

MFA is particularly important for users with sensitive data or administrative privileges. Using secure authentication methods, such as app-based authenticators or biometrics, over SMS-based codes can further enhance security.

10. App Whitelisting and Blacklisting

Restricting the applications that can be installed on company devices is one of the most vital processes to reduce endpoint exposures. Whitelisting permits the usage of applications that are pre-approved, while Blacklisting prevents known bad or dubious applications from being used for business purposes. This prevents the installation of untrustworthy software that might put endpoints at risk by exposing them to malware or other dangers.

You must update both the whitelist and blacklist regularly as new apps and potential threats emerge. Limiting access to applications that may threaten endpoint security adds an extra layer of protection for business networks.

11. Creating an Incident Response Plan

An incident response plan (IRP) is a procedure that helps organizations prepare for possible cybersecurity incidents. It ensures your team knows what to do when any endpoint is compromised.

You must define exact roles and responsibilities and set unambiguous procedures for detecting, containment, or mitigation. Conducting drills frequently ensures that your team can execute the plan efficiently under pressure, lessening the impact of a breach. An incident response plan assists in responding quickly and effectively during a security breach, creating little to no downtime while safeguarding critical data.

12. Utilize Endpoint Security Software

Advanced endpoint security solutions provide real-time protection, monitoring, and management capabilities. Although antivirus and antimalware are essential for detecting and removing malicious programs, more advanced solutions, like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools, offer enhanced protection.

The EDR solutions monitor end-points for unusual behavior and alert IT teams of potential threats. Moreover, cloud-based endpoint security solutions provide additional scalability and flexibility, making them ideal for small businesses that need affordable, easily managed security. Investing in comprehensive endpoint security software is critical to keeping devices secure.

13. Enforce a Robust VPN Policy

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) often provide secure remote access to company resources. However, they can also pose data security vulnerabilities if not managed efficiently.

A strict VPN access policy should permit only authorized users and approved devices. Secure the VPN with strong encryption protocols such as AES-256, and regularly check usage logs for unauthorized access signs. People who no longer require VPN access should also have this privilege withdrawn. A clear VPN access policy reduces the risk of unauthorized access, ensuring sensitive business data is protected during remote working.

Endpoint Security is Critical for Small Businesses

When working from home, users are more likely to be mobile, which may seem fine until you realize that endpoint security will be a major hurdle. An in-depth overview of the challenges can lead to a more complete solution that will help keep remote workers protected. Endpoint security must be part of a complete cybersecurity plan that includes strong access controls, employee training, constant monitoring, and good incident response. Keep your business safe with the best endpoint security services for small business from Ace Cloud Hosting.