Key Points
- Definition of Endpoint: An endpoint is any device that connects to a network and exchanges data,including desktops, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, servers, virtual machines, and IoT devices.
- What isn’t an Endpoint: Infrastructure devices like routers, NICs, switches, hubs, modems, load balancers, and SANs are generally not consideredendpoints since they act as intermediaries, not end devices.
- Endpoint Management: Involves discovering, monitoring, securing, updating, and remediating endpoints across an organization to maintain performance and security.
- Rising Threats: Endpoints are prime targets for cyberattacks, ransomware, and data breaches, underscoring the need for comprehensive endpoint protection.
- Best Practices for Endpoint Management: Discover and manage all endpoints; monitor devices in real time; maintain full visibility through a unified console; automate patching, maintenance, and deployments; and remediate vulnerabilities promptly.
- Endpoint Security Strategies: Implement multi-layered defense with MFA, EDR solutions, proactive patch management, employee training, BYOD policies, firewalls, anti-malware, and least-privilege access.
Endpoints can be found in a variety of industries and settings, but we’ll focus on endpoints within IT environments. This article provides a general overview of endpoints, their purpose, and how you can better manage and protect them within your organization.
What is an endpoint?
An endpoint is any physical or virtual device that connects to a network and exchanges data. Endpoints are components at the end of a communication channel to the network, used to exchange data.
Different types of endpoints include:
- Desktops
- Laptops
- Workstations
- Tablets
- Mobile devices
- Servers
- Virtual machines
- IoT devices
What is an API endpoint?
An API endpoint is not considered a traditional IT endpoint. An API is a gateway that enables the exchange of information between two systems. Some APIs will even allow you to connect to external software or integrations, which is often how software solutions with external integrations accomplish this. An API is a connection application that allows data to travel back and forth, but it is not a physical endpoint.
Even though APIs are not physical endpoints, it’s still important to follow the latest API security best practices to ensure that your data remains protected. A video guide on “What Is an API Endpoint?” is also available.
Learn the basics of API management with NinjaOne’s comprehensive guide.
What is not an endpoint?
Other common IT devices that are not endpoints include input devices and infrastructure devices. The latter are used directly for network monitoring and consist of
- a server,
- a router,
- a network interface controller (NIC) switch,
- a hub, and
- a modem.
Essentially, any intermediary device is not considered an “endpoint”, as it only transmits a conversation between two devices. As its name suggests, an “endpoint” is the end result of communication between devices.
Nevertheless, there are always exceptions to the rule. A router, for example, can be considered an endpoint when
- it allows users to configure their settings on a web interface.
- it runs network services that communicate with other devices, or
- it is part of a mesh, peer-to-peer, or VPN network that uses end-to-end encryption.
It’s worth noting, though, that these considerations are rare and have limitations. Thus, for all intents and purposes, it’s better to consider all routers as customer-premises equipment (CPE) rather than endpoints.
Other network devices that are not usually considered endpoints include load balancers and storage area networks.
What is the purpose of an endpoint?
Endpoints are physical or virtual devices that enable users and systems to access, exchange, or process information across a network. Without endpoints, users would have no direct way of communicating with the network or accessing data from it. They communicate information to and from the network.
Within a business, endpoints are used for productivity purposes and to actively control or manipulate business operations. These devices are essential for members of an organization to complete their job responsibilities and are typically the primary tools they use, therefore it’s crucial to keep endpoints healthy and secure. A process explicitly designed for this purpose is endpoint management.
What is endpoint management?
Endpoint management involves monitoring, remediating, and securing endpoints within an IT environment to ensure optimal security and performance. As organizations adopt hybrid work, cloud services, and IoT, the number and diversity of managed endpoints continue to grow.
It is essential for a business to keep track of any endpoints connected to its network. A healthy endpoint contributes to the overall well-being and success of an organization’s IT environment. In contrast, an unhealthy and vulnerable endpoint can be the gateway for a whole host of issues that may snowball into the rest of the business.
How does endpoint management work?
Endpoint management can occur either on-premises or remotely. However, cloud-based remote management has increased in popularity due to its convenience and ease of use. According to Global Growth Insights, “approximately 61% of users prefer cloud-based RMM [remote monitoring and management] solutions for flexibility and scalability.”
The endpoint management process begins by locating all endpoints within an organization. In NinjaOne, each endpoint is assigned an agent. This allows you to effectively access and control various monitoring and maintenance actions on an endpoint. Once the endpoint has the agent installed, it will be able to connect to your central endpoint management console. From the console, you can complete monitoring and management tasks in a unified, single-pane-of-glass display.
Importance of endpoint security
The global endpoint security market is projected to reach $17.64 billion in 2026, with revenue forecast to exceed $36 billion by 2028 and continue growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) at 8.94% through 2030. This is further reinforced in Gartner’s Guide to Endpoint Security Concepts, which emphasizes that securing endpoints is inherently complex and requires consistent hardening, patching, configuration management, and advanced endpoint protection technologies. Think about it: there are many different endpoints, each with its own operating system and type. It’s virtually impossible to secure all of them properly.
This is what cybercriminals try to exploit. From a criminal standpoint, successfully attacking an endpoint could compromise an IT network and, ultimately, yield greater financial gain. Ransomware, in particular, has the potential to serve as the much-needed entry point into an otherwise secure corporate network.
As cyber attackers become more sophisticated, traditional antivirus software is no longer enough to mitigate the risk of your endpoints being exploited. Your business should adopt a more proactive and comprehensive approach toward endpoint management and security.
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5 best practices for endpoint management
| Practice | What it means |
| Manage all organizational endpoints | Discover, inventory, and continuously manage all endpoints to maintain complete visibility and ensure new devices are automatically identified. |
| Monitor in real time | Continuously monitor endpoint health, performance, and security to quickly detect issues and potential threats. |
| Maintain full visibility | Use a centralized management console to view the status, compliance, and health of all endpoints from a single location. |
| Apply automation where possible | Automate routine IT tasks such as patch management, software deployment, maintenance, and policy enforcement to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort. |
| Remediate issues promptly | Resolve vulnerabilities and endpoint issues quickly to minimize security risks, maintain device health, and prevent threats from spreading. |
How can endpoints be protected?
Because endpoints give users direct access to your organization’s IT network, they pose a security risk to your entire IT environment. If one of the endpoints were to fall into the hands of a threat actor, that attacker could wreak havoc on your entire business. The World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026 highlights that organizations continue to face growing cyber risks driven by AI, geopolitical instability, and increasingly interconnected supply chains. According to the report, 61% of organizations cite the rapidly evolving threat landscape and emerging technologies as their greatest challenge to cyber resilience, while 46% identify third-party and supply chain vulnerabilities as a key concern.
Endpoints can be protected through endpoint security via device hardening, vulnerability mitigation, and securing the OS. So make sure to learn more about specific actions you can take to improve your endpoint security process.
Common endpoint security risks
- Lack of visibility. It is important to collaborate with a trusted endpoint management company, such as NinjaOne, to gain comprehensive visibility into your entire IT infrastructure. This helps you detect and remediate threats as soon as possible.
- Limited resources. Endpoint management can be resource-intensive, particularly when managing a large number of assets. It is highly recommended that you work with a vendor that provides a lightweight yet reliable solution.
- Complexity: For larger IT enterprises, endpoint security can become a complex issue.
- Ever-evolving threat landscape. Every day, cybercriminals look for new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in your endpoints.
Endpoint security strategies
Businesses of all sizes must develop an extensive endpoint security strategy tailored to their specific needs, overall goals, and IT budget. Still, some key components should be taken into consideration.
- Security controls. These include anti-malware software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Also, consider evaluating the benefits of the principle of least privilege (PoLP) so users only have access to the necessary tools to do their jobs.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA is a simple but excellent way to improve endpoint security. It significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and adds an extra layer of protection to all your endpoints.
- Endpoint detection and response (EDR). EDR solutions may strengthen your security strategy. NinjaOne offers a free 26-page guide on everything you need to know about EDR here.
- Organizations increasingly combine EDR, Extended Detection and Response (XDR), and Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services to provide broader visibility, faster threat detection, and expert-led incident response.
- Proactive patch management. Regularly updating your operating systems and business applications supports good cyber hygiene, which, in turn, leads to better endpoint security.
- Regular risk assessments. These help you identify weaknesses in your current strategies and areas of improvement.
- Clear BYOD policy. Increasingly, companies are adopting BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and COPE (Corporate-Owned, Personally Enabled) policies, that allow employees to use their own devices for work. Ensure that their devices (and, by extension, your company data) are properly secured to prevent an attack.
- Employee training. Include all team members in your organization, from rank-and-file employees to C-level management.
How to build a great endpoint security strategy
- Identify your business assets. You don’t know what you don’t know. The first step in building an effective endpoint security strategy involves identifying your most valuable assets and determining the level of protection each requires.
- Understand your threat profile. Determine the most appropriate security solutions for each identified asset. (Remember to consider your budget.)
- Design a layered security approach. Implementing multiple layers of security to reduce the risk of attack is highly recommended.
- Test and evaluate. Regularly test and validate your endpoint security strategy to ensure it adequately protects your network.
Manage your organizational endpoints using NinjaOne
The NinjaOne endpoint management solution simplifies and streamlines the monitoring and management process of your organizational endpoints. It is 100% cloud-based and consolidates many of the IT teams’ products and tools into a single solution.
When you’re ready, request a free quote, sign up for a 14-day free trial, or watch a demo.
