Securing endpoints is one of your most crucial weapons against cyber attacks – yet many small-business owners don’t know what endpoints are, let alone how they can manage them.
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- Enforce regular software updates – Many cyberattacks exploit outdated software.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.
