Endpoint Vulnerabilities Cause More Than 70% of Data Breaches
With the rise of BYOD (bring your own device) policies and IoT (Internet of Things), the number of endpoints connecting to corporate networks continues to grow. In fact, analysts estimate that more than 127 new endpoint devices connect to the internet every second, making endpoint security one of the most critical areas of defense for businesses.
Endpoints include laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones, printers, scanners, ATMs, medical devices, and more. If it connects to your network, it’s an endpoint—and it’s a potential risk.
According to Absolute, endpoint vulnerabilities account for more than 70% of all data breaches. Yet, many organizations still overlook proper protections. A BullGuard study revealed that nearly a quarter of SMBs neglect endpoint security entirely, while 32% rely on free, consumer-grade antivirus software that fails to provide enterprise-level protection.
With the surge in remote and hybrid work, centralized protections like firewalls and intrusion detection systems are no longer enough. Companies must adopt endpoint security best practices to stay protected.
What is Endpoint Security?
Endpoint security protects the data and workflows associated with devices connected to your network. It combines endpoint protection platforms (EPP) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to block threats and provide visibility across all devices.
EPP solutions scan files entering your network, enforce policies, and secure login attempts. They can be cloud-based—delivering scalability, faster deployment, patching, and data backups—or on-premises for businesses requiring compliance-driven environments.
7 Types of Endpoint Security
Effective endpoint protection layers multiple solutions to cover every entry point:
1. IoT Protection: Since most IoT manufacturers don’t prioritize security, IoT protection provides visibility, vulnerability scanning, and encryption for connected devices.
2. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): EDR systems continuously monitor endpoint activity, detect fileless malware, ransomware, and suspicious behavior, and provide remediation alerts.
3. Antivirus Solutions: Still important for blocking signature-based threats, but must be paired with other tools since antivirus alone detects less than half of today’s cyber-attacks.
4. Endpoint Encryption: Encryption ensures data is unreadable even if stolen, protecting sensitive information from exploitation.
5. Secure Email Gateways: Since email is the #1 attack vector, gateways filter out malicious messages, block viruses and malware, and archive communications.
6. Sandboxing: Suspicious files are isolated and analyzed in a secure environment before they can reach your network, helping to prevent zero-day exploits.
7. Browser Isolation: Browsers are high-risk for malware. Isolation tools run browsing sessions separately from critical assets, neutralizing malicious code before it reaches endpoints.
Improve Your Endpoint Protection
With BYOD and IoT adoption rising, endpoint security is no longer optional—it’s essential. Proper defenses reduce the risk of breaches, lower downtime, cut remediation costs, and help you stay compliant with industry regulations.
If you think your endpoint protection isn’t strong enough, IntermixIT can help. We’ll review your IT infrastructure and run a penetration test to uncover vulnerabilities. Our services include:
- Cybersecurity services with layered endpoint protection strategies
- Managed IT services for proactive security and monitoring
- Supplemental IT services to support in-house IT teams
- 24/7 IT support for ongoing monitoring and rapid response
- Data backup and recovery to ensure business continuity
We serve businesses in Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Reading, Allentown, Hershey, West Chester, Carlisle, and Philadelphia with managed IT services, supplemental IT services, and always-on IT support.
FAQs: Endpoint Security
Why are endpoints such a big security risk?
Endpoints are often the weakest link in an organization’s defenses. A single compromised laptop, phone, or IoT device can give attackers access to your entire network.
What’s the difference between EPP and EDR?
Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP) prevent threats at the device level, while Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) continuously monitor, detect, and respond to advanced threats.
Do SMBs really need endpoint security?
Yes. SMBs are prime targets because attackers know budgets and resources are limited. Without endpoint protection, even one infected device can cripple a small business.
Does IntermixIT provide endpoint protection?
Yes. IntermixIT offers cybersecurity services with EPP, EDR, email filtering, encryption, and monitoring to secure all of your endpoints.