What Is an Endpoint? Key Concepts and Security Best Practices

You’re a business owner trying to keep your operations smooth, productive, and safe, but there’s a lurking threat you can’t see. It’s hidden behind every laptop, smartphone, and even on your new IoT devices. These aren’t just everyday gadgets—they’re what we call endpoints. Each device connected to your network is a potential doorway for cybercriminals to slip through, putting your data, reputation, and money at risk.

So, what exactly is an endpoint? And how do you go about protecting them without turning your business into a fortress? The reality is, your endpoints are the entry points that cyber threats often target, and keeping them secure goes beyond installing traditional antivirus software. This guide will walk you through the essential concepts of endpoint security, explain how different solutions work, and offer effective best practices to secure your business against attacks.

Ready to take control and strengthen your security posture? Let’s dive in.

What is an endpoint security?

Endpoint security is the practice of protecting endpoint devices—such as desktop computers, mobile devices, and IoT devices—from security threats like malware, data breaches, and unauthorised access. Each endpoint serves as a vulnerable point of entry into your computer network. Whether it's a URL of a server or the customer premise equipment running your network, any unprotected device can be an easy target for malicious actors.

Traditionally, endpoints were safeguarded using basic antivirus software. However, today’s cyberattacks are more sophisticated, targeting everything from APIs and application programming interfaces to connected printers and remote workstations. To tackle this, modern endpoint security solutions go beyond basic protection to deliver advanced capabilities like detection and response (EDR) and extended detection and response (XDR), both of which help detect and respond to threats in real time.

By investing in endpoint protection, you’re essentially closing off potential entryways and ensuring that every device connected to your network is safe, reducing the chances of a security breach that could disrupt your operations.

How does endpoint detection and response (EDR) work?

At its core, endpoint detection and response (EDR) is an advanced security solution designed to provide visibility into endpoint activity, helping businesses detect unusual behaviour that may indicate a cyberattack. But how does it actually function?

EDR works by continuously monitoring and recording the actions on endpoints—such as file changes, process launches, and network activity—using a small agent installed on each device. This data is then analysed using behavioural algorithms to detect signs of compromise, allowing your security team to respond quickly and prevent further damage.

For example, if an attacker tries to access sensitive data through a seemingly legitimate process, the EDR tool will generate an alert and flag the suspicious behaviour. This helps companies address issues before they escalate into major incidents. Unlike traditional security tools, EDR focuses on providing contextual information and automating response actions, making it easier to identify and remediate threats as they occur.

For companies looking to step up their endpoint security, EDR offers a robust way to monitor, detect, and respond to security risks—all from a centralised dashboard.

Why is endpoint security important?

For business owners like you, the security of your endpoints isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a critical business priority. As digital transformation accelerates, your employees are likely using multiple devices, from laptops and smartphones to IoT devices, each acting as a potential doorway for cybercriminals. If even one endpoint is compromised, it can serve as a launchpad for a devastating data breach or a sophisticated attack on your entire network.

The reality is that every endpoint is a potential weak link in your security chain. Without strong endpoint protection, attackers can use these devices to gain access to sensitive data, disrupt operations, and even hijack your systems. These security threats can lead to financial loss, reputational damage, and legal repercussions, especially if your business handles sensitive information or is subject to strict security and compliance requirements.

Moreover, the increasing adoption of APIs and cloud services has expanded the attack surface, making traditional security models less effective. By implementing comprehensive endpoint security solutions, you not only safeguard your devices but also ensure a more resilient security posture across your business. This is why protecting endpoints is crucial—not just for large enterprises but for any business that wants to stay secure.

Endpoint security strategies

Securing your endpoints requires a layered approach that combines various security measures to protect against the ever-evolving tactics of cybercriminals. Here are some proven strategies that you can adopt to create a robust endpoint security framework:

Implement an endpoint protection platform (EPP)

An endpoint protection platform (EPP) offers a baseline of protection by using techniques like malware scanning, signature matching, and file integrity monitoring. EPP tools provide essential endpoint protection and help defend against known threats before they reach your critical systems.

Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR)

While EPP handles the basics, adding EDR strengthens your security by providing deeper visibility into endpoint activities. With EDR, you can track suspicious behaviours in real-time and automate responses, significantly reducing the chances of a security breach.

Use Zero Trust security models

The Zero Trust approach means never assuming trust for any device or user, regardless of their location. This strategy continuously validates every user and device that tries to access web services or connect to a network. By limiting the trust given to each endpoint, you prevent attackers from moving laterally through your network if they compromise one endpoint.

Secure API endpoints

If your business relies on API-based applications, make sure to secure every API endpoint. Unprotected API endpoints can expose sensitive data and serve as a target for malicious actors. Implement strong authentication, encryption, and monitoring tools to keep your API endpoints safe from exploitation.

Enable device control and software updates

Restricting the use of USBs and external storage devices through device control reduces the risk of accidental or intentional data loss. Additionally, make sure your software, operating systems, and security tools are always up-to-date. Patching known vulnerabilities is one of the most effective ways to keep your endpoints secure.

Conclusion

Every device that connects to your network, whether it’s a laptop, smartphone, or even the URL of a server, is a potential endpoint that requires vigilant protection. Implementing robust endpoint security solutions is no longer optional—it’s essential for safeguarding your business and maintaining a strong security posture. Whether you choose an EPP, EDR, or a more comprehensive endpoint protection platform, securing your endpoints should be at the core of your cybersecurity strategy.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the growing complexity of securing your devices and infrastructure, you’re not alone. That’s where Clarity IT can help. As a trusted IT partner with a nationwide reach, we provide bespoke solutions to strengthen your endpoint security and keep your business safe—so you can focus on what you do best.

If you’re ready to know what an endpoint is and would like to protect your business, contact us today for a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

How do endpoints work?

Endpoints are the devices that connect to your network, such as desktop computers, laptops, or smartphones. Each endpoint serves as one end of a communication channel, where data is exchanged between the server or service and the device. The main function of endpoints is to send a request or receive a response from a network server, enabling users to access the resources they need. Protecting these target endpoints is crucial as they can become vulnerable entry points for attackers.

What are the examples of endpoints?

Examples of endpoints include physical devices like computers, smartphones, printers, and even IoT devices. These are the endpoint devices that connect to a computer network and serve as points of entry for data transfer. Additional examples of endpoints include software-based API endpoints, where API requests are made to access web applications or a server or service.

What are endpoint security solutions?

Endpoint security solutions are comprehensive security tools designed to protect endpoints from various security risks. These solutions can include EPP (Endpoint Protection Platforms), EDR, and even XDR to handle more sophisticated attacker tactics. By implementing these solutions, businesses can safeguard their endpoint devices from cyber threats, monitor endpoint activity, and respond swiftly to any alert indicating potential security risks.

Why are API endpoints important?

API endpoints are crucial because they enable communication between software applications and servers, allowing data to flow seamlessly between systems. When an API receives requests, it’s processed using HTTP methods like GET, POST, or PUT. However, these endpoints are on the network and can be a prime target for attackers if not properly secured. Implementing the right endpoint security measures, such as encryption and authentication, helps protect these URLs and prevents unauthorised access.

What are some best practices for securing endpoints?

To effectively secure your endpoints, consider implementing the following best practices:

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all endpoint devices.

• Regularly apply software updates and patches to minimise vulnerabilities.

• Deploy automation tools to monitor for unusual behaviour and potential security risks.

• Utilise Zero Trust models to continuously verify and authenticate each endpoint.

• Invest in EDR or XDR solutions for real-time detection and response capabilities.