According to ESG, more than three-quarters of organisations (77 per cent) have experienced a cyberattack that started via exploit of an unknown, unmanaged, or poorly managed endpoint. So: What are endpoints, and how can you make sure your endpoints aren’t leaving you vulnerable?

What are endpoints and why should small businesses care?

Endpoints are any devices that connect to a business network and can send or receive data. Traditionally, this meant desktop computers and company-issued laptops. But today’s small business IT landscape is far more complex and spans a growing web of devices, including smartphones and tablets, that employees access from anywhere.

Beyond computers and smartphones, here are some other endpoints you might have in your business:

• POS terminals
• Card readers
• Scanners
• Printers
• Smart home devices like security cameras or lighting
• Digital signage displays

The expansion of endpoints has created new opportunities for productivity, but it’s also increased the complexity of IT environments. Identifying and securing every device connected to a network is no small feat, but failing to do so can leave organisations vulnerable to cyber threats, compliance risks, and operational inefficiencies.

Identifying endpoints

The first step to addressing that complexity is to gain visibility. Without knowing what devices are in play – whether that’s an employee’s personal laptop, a cloud-based application, or an aging point-of-sale system – it’s impossible to secure them. Businesses that rely on ad-hoc IT management often struggle gaining visibility, as devices and applications are added without a structured approach to tracking them.

Here’s how to take control and get the visibility you need:

• Create an inventory of all devices – Start by listing every device that connects to your network, including laptops, mobile devices, servers, routers and even smart office equipment. Consider using an endpoint management tool to automate this process.
• Set access policies – Define who can access business systems and from which devices. This ensures that only authorised endpoints can connect to sensitive data.
• Enforce regular software updates – Many cyberattacks exploit outdated software. Small businesses should ensure that all endpoints receive security updates and patches regularly.
• Establish clear BYOD (bring your own device) guidelines – If employees use personal devices for work, set security policies that require them to use secure connections.

Once you have visibility, prioritise security

This doesn’t mean implementing complex solutions, but rather taking smart, manageable steps that fit the scale of the business. Small businesses should also think beyond traditional cybersecurity measures, for example:

• Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Require employees to verify their identity beyond just a password when accessing business systems.
• Enable endpoint security solutions – Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools that continuously monitor devices for suspicious activity.
• Encrypt data – Ensure that data stored on endpoints is encrypted so that even if a device is lost or stolen, the information remains protected.
• Restrict administrator privileges – Limit the number of employees with administrative access to prevent unauthorised changes to devices.
• Backup endpoint data – Regular backups help ensure that critical data isn’t lost in case of a cyber incident, hardware failure, or accidental deletion.

Cybercriminals don’t discriminate by business size – if there’s a gap, they’ll exploit it. For small businesses, the real risk isn’t just cyberattacks, but assuming they’re too small to be a target. Every laptop, phone, and cloud app are a potential entry point, and without a plan, it’s only a matter of time before something slips through the cracks.

The good news? Managing endpoints isn’t about adding more complexity – it’s about control, and businesses don’t need a large IT team to get endpoint security right. With a proactive approach and the right tools, small businesses can protect their growing network of devices – keeping data safe, operations running smoothly, and cyber threats at bay. A clear inventory of devices, regular security updates, and simple security policies can go a long way in safeguarding business operations.

The post How small businesses can secure their endpoints and prevent cyber threats appeared first on Inside Small Business.

IT professionals tackle complex challenges daily to keep the business secure and running smoothly, often behind the scenes. Here are five ways you can lighten their load and support the critical work they do to keep your employees productive. 

1. Invest in cybersecurity measures

Today’s cyber threats evolve at breakneck speed, and IT leaders are constantly working to keep systems one step ahead. The threat landscape is crowded with risks such as ransomware and phishing attacks. In small businesses, IT professionals are often tasked with overseeing security end-to-end, from developing policies to educating employees. 

A study by the Australian Signals Directorate reports a cyber incident every six minutes. This frequency means that IT must constantly be on guard, working around the clock to monitor for breaches and ensuring compliance with ever-changing regulations. Supporting your IT team’s focus on proactive security is one of the best ways to avoid the costly and damaging impact of a breach. 

2. Educate the whole team about best practices

A lot of IT issues originate from user errors or insufficient cybersecurity awareness. Many small business IT leaders wish their colleagues recognised the importance of basic security training. Building awareness around best practices – like using strong passwords, updating software in a timely manner, and understanding common phishing attack tactics – reduces the likelihood of security breaches. 

When employees know how to recognise common cyber threats, they become an asset in safeguarding the business. Regular training helps employees develop the skills they need to prevent costly mistakes, saving IT time and freeing them up to focus on high-priority projects. 

3. Listen to your IT leaders’ recommendations

Skipping software updates or sticking with outdated systems may save money in the short term, but it creates what we call “tech debt.” Over time, this tech debt adds up, requiring costly fixes and making it harder for IT to focus on strategic projects. IT pros know that addressing these updates and upgrades before they become a problem makes everyone more efficient and productive. 

Every patch or upgrade deferred becomes a more significant issue later. Small businesses that budget for continuous tech improvements empower their IT team to reduce inefficiencies and keep systems running smoothly – without facing sudden, costly repairs down the line. 

4. Give IT a seat at the strategy meeting

One of the most common misconceptions is that IT is purely a support role. In reality, small business IT leaders often double as strategists, helping to align technology with business goals. From selecting cost-effective software to creating a future-proof infrastructure, IT pros play a strategic role in business growth. 

Including IT in decision-making helps ensure that tech choices are scalable and tailored to the company’s needs. Recognising IT as a strategic partner gives your business a competitive edge, as IT leaders can guide you through changes that improve productivity and enable sustainable growth. 

When you support your IT leader in these ways, you’re not just lightening their load – you’re helping them create a stronger, more resilient business. Not only will you have a happier and more engaged IT team, you’ll notice smoother operations, more strategic tech counsel, and a more productive business across the board.  

The post IT leaders need support. Here are four ways small businesses can lighten the IT load appeared first on Inside Small Business.