Endpoint devices represent the primary entry point for attackers to compromise company networks. In fact, up to 90 percent of all successful cyberattacks originate at an endpoint device. About 68 percent of organizations have experienced at least one endpoint attack that compromised their data or IT infrastructure.
The proliferation of laptops, mobile devices and IoT devices creates a large attack surface. In many cases, the devices have outdated applications and operating systems that are easy targets for attackers to exploit known vulnerabilities. Users often have weak passwords or fall victim to phishing attacks, making endpoints vulnerable.
Centralized device management can help reduce the risk. It provides unified, real-time visibility and control over all organizational endpoints, including corporate-owned and BYOD devices. This allows IT teams to consistently enforce security policies, rapidly deploy security patches and instantly isolate compromised devices, significantly reducing the attack surface and mitigating the risks associated with remote or distributed teams.
Features of Centralized Device Management Platforms
Centralized device management platforms provide a single, unified console to monitor, configure and secure diverse endpoint devices across multiple operating systems. They streamline routine tasks such as software updates, patch management and app distribution, reducing the need for manual, device-by-device configuration.
By minimizing onsite technician requirements, centralized device management platforms reduce costs and allow for faster deployment of new devices. Streamlining the deployment of operating system and software updates also mitigates the risk that an attacker can exploit vulnerabilities. The single-pane-of-glass view of device health enables IT to quickly detect anomalies and potential threats, reducing the time to identify and neutralize attacks.
Centralized device management is essential for organizations with remote and mobile workforces. It ensures consistent security policy enforcement across the entire organization, eliminating the security gaps caused by fragmented, manual or ad-hoc configurations. It also enables immediate, remote actions such as locking or wiping lost/stolen devices, which is vital for protecting data on mobile and remote endpoints.
Types of Centralized Device Management Platforms
Traditionally, organizations used mobile device management (MDM) to administer and secure endpoints. MDM focused on basic device-level controls such as security policies, configuration and remote lock/wipe. It is a relatively low-cost solution that’s ideal for company-owned devices. However, it’s generally considered inadequate for organizations with large numbers of BYOD endpoints and more complex security requirements.
Enterprise mobility management (EMM) expands on MDM to include mobile application management (MAM), content management and identity management. It is better suited for BYOD environments because it separates personal and corporate data.
Unified endpoint management (UEM) is the most modern approach. It integrates MDM and EMM capabilities to manage laptops, desktops, tablets, phones and IoT devices from a single console. It is the most expensive option and requires the greatest expertise, but it offers the most advanced security, such as threat detection and compliance monitoring. It also provides the most granular control across diverse types of endpoints.
Outsourcing Centralized Device Management
Organizations that lack in-house resources and expertise should consider outsourcing device management to a managed service provider (MSP). Qualified MSPs use advanced monitoring and management tools to remotely monitor, update and troubleshoot devices across the organization. These tools also enable the MSP to provide proactive maintenance that resolves many issues before they cause downtime.
By partnering with a qualified MSP such as Verteks, organizations gain expert remote support and problem resolution that maximizes productivity. These services are flexible and scalable, allowing the MSP to customize a solution that precisely fits each customer’s needs and quickly onboard new employees and devices as the business grows.
Laptops, mobile devices and IoT devices can act as backdoors for ransomware, data theft and other types of attacks. This is particularly true for devices that are unpatched, lost or used for remote work. Let Verteks help you maintain control over your endpoint device ecosystems, improving security and compliance while reducing IT administrative overhead.
