Endpoint Security Game-Changer: Are You Ready?

Key Additions and Their Implications

Gartner recently released their 2020 Hype Cycle for Endpoint Security, and the focus is crucial to the security defense, successful implementation, and daily operation of businesses everywhere, especially now. Cybersecurity practitioners realize the spotlight is squarely on the endpoint, as it should be, for enterprise security leaders asked to pull a rabbit out of their hat. The rabbit, in this case, is the business requirement for any user to access a litany of applications, over any network, from any connected device, while ensuring a stellar user experience. Sound familiar to my fellow cyber defenders?

What Is Gartner’s Hype Cycle?

Gartner’s Hype Cycle, shown in the figure below, shows the various stages that security leaders walkthrough in the midst of enterprise tool implementation, in this case specifically around endpoint security.

Five Phases of the Hype Cycle

• Hype cycles highlight five main phases that new technology goes through as it matures. These phases are:
• Innovation trigger
• Peak of inflated expectations
• Trough of disillusionment
• Slope of enlightenment
• Plateau of productivity

What’s New in 2020

Gartner’s five additions to its hype cycle are critical to understanding where the highest value of protection can secure the value of enterprises worldwide. Those additions are:

• Unified Endpoint Security (UES)
• Extended Detection & Response (XDR)
• Bring Your Own PC (BYOPC)
• Business Email Compromise Protection (BEC)
• Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

Unified Endpoint Security (UES)

Unified endpoint security includes EPP and EDR for ALL endpoints (including assets, mobile, and cloud) with aggregated mature protection along with advanced response capabilities in the platforms to consolidate security effectiveness. A byproduct may be that this consolidates vendor selection as well from the business, GRC (governance, risk management, and compliance), and financial perspective.

Extended Detection & Response (XDR)

XDR is specified as vendor-specific threat detection and incident response tools unifying multiple security products into a system of sorts. Gamestanza’s view is that Managed Detection & Response (MDR) platforms that offer aggregation of multiple tools, including SIEM, can offer the same definition but result in the resolution of EVERY alert across those toolsets to secure environments efficiently.

Business Email Compromise Protection (BEC)

Business email compromise involves an attacker fraudulently accessing a business email account to act as a representative of the company. Malicious actors effectively attack users with well-informed, specific victim knowledge to impersonate other businesses, direct funds or data maliciously, or acquire a victim’s legitimate credentials. These are often hard to detect because of the lack of malicious attachments or links. Instead, these attacks rely on social engineering to produce valid fund transfers to the attackers or gain access to legitimate credentials. Enterprises must deal with this top priority attack vector with email protection systems and add-ons that effectively limit the risk of BEC.

Bring Your Own PC (BYOPC) Security

BYOPC security returns to the list this year because of the noted 100% increase in personal devices used to access corporate applications, data, and/or assets. This is an enormous, immediate area of concern. But Gamestanza sees tools like cloud access security brokers (CASBs), EDR, Zero-Trust (including identity infrastructure), and secure email gateways (SEGs) to counter this unfortunate gap. The primary recommendation is providing secured, corporate-owned devices to accordingly operate with your enterprise security tools and necessary policies.

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

SASE is a term minted by Gartner that includes multiple service categories that are converging to support the needs of the modern distributed workforce. SASE combines wide area network (WAN) capabilities with network security functions, enabling secure and consistent connectivity for users regardless of location.

From Hype to Reality

Gartner’s Hype Cycle helps us understand where these technologies stand in their maturity, but the real question is: how can Gamestanza leverage these advancements to strengthen its security posture?

Practical Implementation Challenges

Each of these technologies comes with its own set of challenges when it comes to implementation. For example:

• UES: Integrating disparate endpoint security solutions into a unified platform can be complex, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure seamless data sharing and efficient threat response.
• XDR: While XDR promises enhanced threat detection and response, it relies heavily on accurate data correlation and analysis. Implementing XDR effectively requires a robust security information and event management (SIEM) system and skilled security analysts.
• BEC Protection: BEC attacks are sophisticated and often target human vulnerabilities. Building a strong defense against BEC requires a multi-layered approach, including user education, email security solutions, and strong internal controls.
• BYOPC: Managing and securing personal devices used for corporate purposes can be challenging. Implementing strong security policies, using mobile device management (MDM) solutions, and providing clear guidelines for BYOPC are essential.
• SASE: Migrating to a SASE architecture requires a significant investment in infrastructure and expertise. Carefully evaluating existing network infrastructure and security tools is crucial to ensure a smooth transition.

Potential Benefits

Despite the challenges, the potential benefits of implementing these technologies are significant:

• Enhanced Threat Detection and Response: UES, XDR, and SASE can provide a more comprehensive and effective approach to threat detection and response, helping to identify and mitigate threats faster and more efficiently.
• Improved User Experience: SASE and BYOPC can improve user experience by providing seamless and secure access to applications and data from any location.
• Reduced Security Costs: Consolidating security tools and adopting a more proactive approach to security can help reduce overall security costs.
• Increased Business Agility: By providing secure and reliable access to applications and data, these technologies can empower employees to work from anywhere, enhancing business agility.

Strategic Decision-Making

Evaluating and selecting the right endpoint security solutions for Gamestanza requires a careful and strategic approach. Here are some key considerations:

Business Needs and Resources

Gamestanza’s specific security needs and resources should drive technology choices. Consider the following:

• Risk Profile: What are the most significant security threats facing Gamestanza?
• Budget Constraints: What is the financial investment that can be made in endpoint security?
• Technical Expertise: Does Gamestanza have the in-house expertise to manage and maintain these technologies?

Solution Features and Capabilities

Once Gamestanza understands its needs, it should evaluate different solutions based on their features and capabilities. Consider:

• Endpoint Protection: Does the solution offer comprehensive protection against malware, ransomware, and other threats?
• Threat Detection and Response: How effectively does the solution detect and respond to threats?
• User Experience: Is the solution easy to use and manage for both IT administrators and end users?
• Integration with Existing Systems: Does the solution integrate seamlessly with Gamestanza’s existing security infrastructure?

Vendor Selection and Support

Choose a vendor with a strong reputation for security, reliability, and customer support.

• Track Record: What is the vendor’s history of innovation and security product development?
• Customer Reviews: What do other customers say about the vendor’s products and support?
• Support Options: Does the vendor offer comprehensive support options?

Alignment with Business Objectives

Ultimately, the chosen endpoint security solutions should align with Gamestanza’s overall business objectives.

• Business Continuity: How will the solutions help ensure business continuity in the event of a security incident?
• Compliance Requirements: Do the solutions meet Gamestanza’s regulatory and compliance requirements?
• Growth and Scalability: Can the solutions scale to meet Gamestanza’s future needs?

Building a Culture of Security: Beyond Technology

Technology is crucial, but building a strong security posture goes beyond simply deploying the right tools. It requires a proactive and collaborative approach that engages employees at all levels.

The Power of Proactive Defense

A proactive approach to security means moving beyond reactive measures and adopting a mindset of continuous risk assessment and mitigation. This involves:

• Threat Intelligence: Staying informed about the latest threats and vulnerabilities.
• Vulnerability Management: Regularly identifying and patching vulnerabilities in systems and applications.
• Security Testing: Conducting regular penetration tests and vulnerability assessments to identify weaknesses.
• Incident Response Planning: Having a well-defined plan for responding to security incidents.

Empowering Employees

Employees are often the weakest link in the security chain. A strong security culture requires empowering employees to be active participants in security. This involves:

• Security Awareness Training: Providing regular training on security best practices, such as phishing awareness, password security, and social engineering techniques.
• Clear Communication: Communicate security policies and procedures clearly and effectively.
• Incentivize Security: Recognize and reward employees for demonstrating good security practices.
• Foster a Culture of Reporting: Encourage employees to report suspicious activity and potential security incidents.

Collaboration and Information Sharing

Collaboration and information sharing are essential for strengthening collective defense. This can involve:

• Industry Peer Groups: Participating in industry groups to share threat intelligence and best practices.
• Threat Intelligence Platforms: Leveraging threat intelligence platforms to stay informed about emerging threats.
• Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs):
• Government and Law Enforcement Partnerships: