Endpoint security and network security:
Are you an IT professional who is confused by this regularly heard security jargon, or a cyber security enthusiast who wants to know the difference between the two? Then this is the blog for you. The two pillars of cybersecurity are Endpoint Security and network security, with one responsible for safeguarding your endpoints and the other for securing your network. Cyberattacks are a big threat to all companies, whether private or government. As more businesses adopt a work-from-home culture or use personal devices for work, the demand for adequate cybersecurity measures is at an all-time high.
In the earlier years of the IT sector, cyberattacks were mostly targeted at networks. The primary goal of attackers was to gain unauthorized access to business networks. As technology advanced, network security became an essential component of all IT firms. Cyber-attackers had to devise a new method of gaining access to corporate data.
The next target was endpoints, or end-user devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, PCs, and tablets that had access to business networks. Endpoints are increasingly being targeted by cyberattacks. Companies were forced to reconsider their cybersecurity strategies as a result of this.
Endpoint Security Defined
Endpoint security refers to protecting endpoints or end-user devices such as computers, laptops, and smartphones. Endpoints provide access to a corporate network and establish points of entry that foreign hackers can exploit. Endpoint security software guards against dangerous conduct and/or harmful attacks at these points of entry. Companies can maintain greater control over the growing number and type of network access points if they can assure endpoint compliance with data security requirements.
Why Should You Use Endpoint Security?
Enterprises and their workers are increasingly integrating methods to make data access more flexible. Multiple endpoint vulnerabilities have arisen as a result of the rise in BYOD (bring your device) rules, as well as threats targeting mobile device access and networks.
Furthermore, the company network security perimeter is more vulnerable than ever due to workers working from home or connecting to Wi-Fi networks to work on the go. The majority of security breaches in the past occurred through the network. On the other hand, today’s threats are increasingly pouring in through endpoints, implying that centralized network defense is insufficient. Shifting security perimeters that aren’t clearly defined necessitates the addition of new layers of security using endpoint protection. To avoid the risks that might come from the usage of remote devices, security must retain stronger control over access points.
Most Common Endpoint Security Technologies
1.Endpoint Detection and Response or EDR
2.Antivirus
3.OS update management
4.Intrusion prevention system (IPS)
5.Browser security
6.Email security
7.Encryption
Network Security Defined
The access and management of data in business networks is the focus of network security, which is a subset of cybersecurity. Whether your data is in transit, at rest, or in use, network security protects it.
The necessity for safeguarding corporate access over public networks is growing as more firms adopt a remote work system and allow employees to use personal devices for work. It’s easy for attackers to breach company data if efficient network protection isn’t in place.
Why Should You Use network security?
No matter how little or large your company is, Network Security is one of the most crucial factors to consider while working through the internet, LAN, or another way. While no network is impenetrable to assaults, a reliable and effective network security solution is critical for safeguarding client data. Businesses can limit the risk of data theft and sabotage by implementing a solid network security solution.
Your workstations will be protected from malicious software thanks to network security. It also assures the safety of shared information. By breaking down information into several components, encrypting these parts, and transferring them across distinct pathways, network security infrastructure provides various levels of protection against MiM attacks, preventing scenarios such as eavesdropping.
When you connect to the internet, you will be bombarded with traffic. Massive traffic can wreak havoc on the system’s stability and expose vulnerabilities. Network security improves network dependability by reducing slowness and downtimes by continuously monitoring any suspicious transaction that might compromise the system.
Most Common Network Security Technologies
1.Firewall
2.Wi-Fi security
3.Sandboxing
4.Intrusion prevention system (IPS)
5.VP
6.Zero trust security
7.Network access control (NAC)
Endpoint Security Vs Network Security: Key Differences
There are benefits to network security. The key advantage is that it may create a fairly controlled network environment. Traditional network security measures can hold known attackers at bay brilliantly. Even unknown attacks can be detected and prevented using new generation network security solutions.
The fundamental disadvantage of network security is that if a threat gets past it, it is unable to protect endpoints, which are always the next target. Furthermore, due to the absence of support for endpoint security, fraudsters tend to target endpoints rather than networks. To take cybersecurity seriously, having a high-end network security solution without effective endpoint security is a complete waste of time.
Endpoint Security is an underrated security prerequisite that most businesses overlook. As previously stated, network security alone will not safeguard your company’s data from cyber-attacks. When network security is combined with endpoint security, your company’s data is protected from all sides. Each security mechanism works well with the others and hides the shortcomings of the others.
The Bottom Line
Even if endpoint and network security are combined to create a near-perfect security solution, it cannot provide 100 percent protection against cyber-attacks. Nearly no system can guarantee complete protection against cyberattacks. Apart from utilizing all of these security measures, it is always a good idea to do periodic device inspections. Inspections and audits are a wonderful method to learn more about what’s going on with a company’s equipment and to uncover any unusual activity that could have gone unnoticed.