Endpoints Managed: Securing Your Devices with an MSP
There are a lot of devices out there. From phones to laptops to the billions of IoT gadgets, the number of devices across an organization’s network is greater than ever โ and only growing. And as cybercrime skyrockets, these near-countless devices represent an ever-growing vulnerability to cyberattacks. Naturally, managing these devices is critical to both security and operational efficiency, and yet, only 10% of organizations monitor 100% of their endpoints.
So, how can a small to medium-sized business (SMB) like yours possibly secure all of its devices?
With help! More and more companies are turning to managed service providers (MSPs) for help with endpoint management. Managing the dizzying number of devices in today’s world can be overwhelming, but an experienced MSP has the tools and know-how to take care of it efficiently and effectively.
Let’s dive into (a) why endpoint management is so critical, and (b) why enlisting an MSP for help with endpoint management makes perfect sense.
So Many Endpoints
We’re going to be talking a lot about endpoints, so let’s start the discussion by defining what an endpoint is. An endpoint is any device that connects to a computer network. The list of potential endpoints is extensive and includes laptops, mobile phones, computers, and printers. Many IoT devices, such as smart TVs, are also considered endpoints due to their network connectivity. Between the increase in IoT devices, the increase in remote work, and the prevalence of ‘digital transformation,’ endpoint management has become unprecedentedly important, but also, unprecedentedly difficult.
What is Endpoint Management?
Endpoint management is the process of managing and securing all endpoints across an organization. It’s a way to monitor and secure every laptop, phone, workstation, and more. Any endpoint employed by users, whether remotely or in-office, must be integrated into a management system for an organization’s security and efficiency.
But endpoint management is more than just a method to keep track of which systems are where (although that is a benefit that we’ll get to shortly); it also provides a streamlined way of implementing security measures across an entire company.
MSPs to the Rescue!
If you add up all the devices your organization uses, you’re going to get quite an extensive list. Knowing where to start with endpoint management can be overwhelming. A robust endpoint management system requires significant planning, and an in-house IT team may find themselves struggling to manage a company’s growing list of endpoints.
That’s where an MSP comes in.
MSPs employ powerful remote monitoring and management (RMM) software to keep your organization’s
manifold devices safe and secure. A seasoned MSP understands how to wield this software to make endpoint management seamless and painless.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits provided by an MSP’s software-driven approach to endpoint management.
Endpoint Security and Efficiency
Endpoints make a tantalizing target for cybercriminals. According to a study by the Ponemon Institute, 68% of organizations have experienced one or more endpoint attacks that successfully compromised data and/or their IT infrastructure. The 2022 Internet Security Report detailed a shocking 627% increase in endpoint-detected ransomware. These frankly terrifying statistics prove that it is critical now, more than ever, to monitor and secure every endpoint within your company’s network.
An MSP monitors and secures vulnerable endpoints by implementing various security features connected through a centralized managed system. Features such as antivirus software and encryption maintain an organization’s security and can be deployed across your organization with ease.
Security is far from the only benefit, as endpoint management tools also streamline help desk troubleshooting, computer maintenance, system visibility, and more.
Here are a few ways you can expect an MSP to improve your digital infrastructure.
Cyber Defense
Working alongside their partnered organization, an MSP can set scheduled security updates through their RMM software without interrupting the workday. An MSP can also enforce security policies, patch network vulnerabilities, and configure advanced threat detection software to bolster your company’s defenses. RMM software streamlines these processes through its centralized nature which allows an MSP to deploy and connect with any endpoint through a single location. There’s no need to hunt down endpoints with endpoint management. Simply pop open the software, pick your endpoint, and deploy!
Visibility
At a glance, the dizzying number of endpoints can make effective vigilance seem like a futile endeavor. An MSP’s job is to provide some much-needed endpoint visibility. RMM software allows an MSP to โ you guessed it โ remotely monitor and manage your organization’s IT infrastructure. To put it simply, almost everything pertaining to your organization’s endpoints can be monitored. Need to know how much hard drive space is left on a computer? RMM will tell you. Is a specific piece of software causing issues? RMM can help an MSP investigate why; it provides both a birds-eye view and a magnifying lens for investigating issues within your organization’s digital environment.
Authorization
An MSP can establish security policies suited to your organization’s exact needs. These policies can refuse non-compliant or unrecognized devices’ access to a network, as well as require endpoints to use complex passwords and authorized antivirus software. These policies have only grown in importance due to the recent surge in remote work, which brings with it the threat of compromised systems
connecting to sensitive networks. Together, these policies ensure that the only devices accessing your network are ones you allow.
Compliance Assistance
In this era of stringent compliance regulations, such as HIPAA and CCPA, it’s more important than ever that your organization be able to demonstrate compliance. An MSP’s thorough endpoint management brings increased visibility and security, which, in turn, can help satisfy compliance requirements by providing clear and concise audit trails. By providing proof of compliance, organizations can avoid hefty citation fees, legal repercussions, and reputational damage.
Remote Configuration
When an organization hires a remote worker, the question of hardware becomes paramount. An MSP can use its RMM software to remotely configure the new hire’s hardware by connecting to the devices. There is no need to gain physical access to the endpoint under configuration allowing for increased flexibility and convenience. In fact, RMM software can configure any endpoint on an organization’s network, providing this same benefit to those both in-office and out.
Preemptive Problem Solving
Your endpoints are going to experience issues. Maybe an employee’s computer freezes, or an important piece of software reaches its end of life. An MSP can constantly assess an endpoint’s needs, resolving issues before they happen. Preemptive hardware installations can curb potential problems, and software can be monitored for updates and performance.
Efficiency is the name of the game here. An MSP’s preemptive approach cuts down on issues that may hinder or slow down your organization’s operations. And when an employee does require assistance, RMM provides an immediate way to connect to the endpoint in question. These tools help save time and money by constantly providing access and information an MSP needs to keep your organization’s endpoints functioning.
Elevate Your Endpoints
Endpoint management isn’t optional. The threat of cyberattacks is too great, and with an ever-growing list of endpoints, your devices must be monitored and managed. Your company’s many endpoints aren’t just lifeless devices but the tools your organization requires to function. Without your laptops, computers, phones, and other devices, work ceases. They deserve the meticulous attention and robust protection that an MSP provides.
Don’t drown under a pile of growing endpoints. Reach out to an MSP and start managing, maintaining and securing your endpoints.
The Right MSP for the Job
Looking for an experienced MSP to manage your endpoints? Consider giving The 20 MSP a call. We have the tools and know-how to keep your endpoints running smoothly and securely, no matter the device type or location. Don’t settle for anything less than the best when it comes to protecting and optimizing your organization’s devices.
Schedule your call today and get ready to experience the difference a truly exceptional MSP can make for your business.