These days, it seems like the majority of
network perimeter security concerns are related to
telecommuters,
remote access and VPNs. Hardening these areas is clearly of
great concern as the mobile workforce serves as a treasure chest
for clever hackers if they can take advantage of an unsuspecting
remote user.
But what about physical
endpoint security like laptops, desktops and removable storage
devices? Just because these types of hardware might represent a
more traditional network perimeter, physical endpoint security is
no less important today than it ever was. If a hacker finds a way
to get his hands on a laptop that has important files from your
network on it, you could be facing disaster. Learn about endpoint
security best practices by checking out the tips below.
What is endpoint security?
Without a proper understanding of endpoint security -- for example
how to protect access (entry) points into your network -- you leave
yourself vulnerable to viruses and hackers. Here's Jonathan
Hassell's explanation of endpoint security and why you should care
about it, including his step-by-step guide for installing
Microsoft's endpoint security feature called "network access
quarantine control."
Use Group Policy to secure removable storage
devices
Removable devices can be deadly to a Windows network. Check out
this tip series to learn how to use Group Policy to prevent devices
like USB drives from destroying your network.
Endpoint security: Guard your network at the
desktop
Network security has moved from the perimeter to the endpoints.
This primer describes some endpoint security techniques.
Discussion: Laptop security
Read this discussion from our ITKnowledge exchange for advice on
how to secure sensitive data on a mobile system.
Endpoint security
Guest instructor Ben Rothke shares tactics for endpoint security,
policies for controlling endpoints and insight into where endpoint
security technology is headed.
Effective endpoint security without a
significant investment
Most organizations already employ three effective endpoint security
controls. Learn how to protect those endpoints in a cost-effective
way in this tip.