What is Endpoint Management?

The "new normal" has introduced new challenges across industries. As companies increasingly adopt remote or hybrid models and workforces become more mobile, virtually all employees need the ability to access company networks and sensitive information at any time, from any place.

However, this shift has also left companies increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. According to a recent IDC study, endpoint devices accounted for 70 percent of all successful breaches.

That's why it's crucial for every business to have a strong endpoint management system. One that secures all network devices, that potentially moves devices off the domain, and that offers the flexibility and resiliency needed for the business to grow.

In this article, we break down what endpoint management is, why it's important, and its various benefits.

What is endpoint management?

Endpoint management is the process of securing and supervising the access of endpoint devices to an organization's network. It includes deploying, updating and troubleshooting devices as well as preventing external actors from accessing the network.

Endpoint management can include a variety of things such as:

• Monitoring the security of endpoint devices
• Managing application installation, updates and decommissions
• Detecting and remediating threats

Endpoint devices include desktop computers, laptops, point of sale (POS) systems, mobile devices, tablets, servers and more.

Why is endpoint management important?

In today's business environment, with ever-shifting org structures and remote work models, the ability to manage and secure all devices with access to the corporate network has become increasingly important. Especially as endpoint devices are particularly susceptible to external security threats. 

From the operational side of the business, endpoint management is vital because it helps maintain an accurate and current inventory of all user devices and applications. It also provides full visibility into the data shared and the connections between devices.

In industries with more complex legal issues and regulatory requirements, it can often be difficult to keep a fleet of devices up to date. A good endpoint management system can help businesses in such industries streamline their provisioning and compliance programs to keep all devices updated and secure.

The benefits of endpoint management

Endpoint management offers many advantages:

• Increased security: As mentioned above, endpoint devices are particularly susceptible to cybersecurity threats. A good endpoint management system is vital to continuously monitoring and securing devices across trusted and untrusted networks.
• Enhanced visibility: Endpoint management helps businesses keep better track of all devices and assess available resources. When new hires bring their own devices, businesses can use endpoint management to efficiently update new devices with a range of software while giving employees the flexibility needed to use their own devices for work.
• Improved reliability & resiliency: To avoid vulnerabilities, businesses need the ability to streamline the management of code updates and patches from leading software providers like Microsoft, Oracle, Adobe and Apple. A good endpoint management system cam help businesses push changes more quickly and recover faster in the case of an identified vulnerability or cyberattack. It can also allow devices to be accessed outside of corporate networks without requiring a VPN connection.
• Greater scalability: Last but not least, businesses will struggle to scale without proper endpoint management. If all desktop computers, laptops, mobile devices and servers are accounted for, updated and secured regularly, an organization will have an easier time adding more devices to its network. With the right endpoint management system, companies can scale with peace of mind, knowing that new devices are secure and that employees can access the resources needed to succeed.

Mitigate security threats

Endpoint management is crucial for every organization. It helps companies see and secure all devices across networks, patch vulnerabilities quicker, and be more resilient and flexible in response to employee needs. 

Recent studies show that only 37 percent of companies surveyed said they currently have the resources to sufficiently mitigate today's security threats. That's where we can help. WWT offers an all-in-one solution for your endpoint management needs. Learn how we can set up the right software to help your business achieve the flexibility and security it needs to scale.