What Is an Endpoint? Overview for IT Professionals

Endpoints can be found in a variety of industries and settings, but we’ll focus on endpoint 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 device that physically connects to the network and is accessible by the network. Endpoints are the components located at the end of a communication channel with the network and are used to exchange data back and forth.

Different types of endpoint 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 pieces of software or external integrations, which is often how software solutions with outside 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.

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” needs to be 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 not usually considered endpoints are load balancers and storage area networks.

What is the purpose of an endpoint?

Endpoints are computers that enable users to enter, receive, or manipulate information. 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 designed explicitly for this very 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. The number of endpoints within organizations continues to grow, with enterprises managing an average of 135,000 endpoints.

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, while 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 process of endpoint management works by, first, locating all endpoints within an organization. With NinjaOne, each endpoint then has an agent placed on it. This allows you to effectively access and control various monitoring and maintenance actions on an endpoint. Once the endpoint has the agent installed, then 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

In 2024, Statistica predicted that the global endpoint security market would reach over $16 billion that year, with this amount expected to grow in the coming years. (In fact, Fortune Business Insights forecasted the market to reach $30.29 billion by 2032, and Grand View Research estimated $28.80 billion by 2030.) This was further emphasized in the “Guide to Endpoint Security Concepts” by Gartner Research, which claimed that endpoints are often the most vulnerable aspect of any IT estate because of the complexities involved in securing them. Think about it there are many different endpoints, each with various operating systems and types. 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 lead to a compromised IT network and, ultimately, to more significant financial gain. Ransomware, in particular, has the potential to become the much-needed entry point to an otherwise secured 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.

5 best practices for endpoint management

1. Manage all organizational endpoints

The endpoint management process is most effective when every single endpoint is accounted for, monitored, and managed. When initially setting up an endpoint management software, systematically identify all endpoints within your business and ensure that the software set up to discover new endpoints.

2. Monitor in real time

Real-time endpoint data lets you know exactly what’s currently happening on an endpoint at any given point in time. You can monitor the health, security, and efficiency of your endpoints to support optimal performance and protect them from potential malicious cyber threats.

3. Maintain full visibility

Ensure that you can view the status of all your endpoints in one location, such as a unified console. This gives you quick information about endpoints in your IT environment without having to switch back and forth between screens.

4. Apply automation where possible

Since there are typically lower stakes involved when handling endpoints, endpoint management thrives off of IT automation. Automate patch management, endpoint maintenance, software deployment, and more using an endpoint management solution like NinjaOne.

5. Remediate issues promptly

One issue on an endpoint can have a snowball effect, causing a variety of other problems, so it’s essential to remediate issues promptly once identified. Endpoints also serve as a gateway to your entire network, so it’s essential to ensure they’re in good health and protected, preventing threat actors from exploiting a weak system.

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 2024 Insight Report found that 54% of organizations have an insufficient understanding of cyber vulnerabilities in their supply. This report also states that about 72% of organizations saw increased cyber risks over the past 12 months, and 63% of them cited the complex and evolving threat landscape as their greatest challenge to cyber resilience.

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 risk

• 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.
• Extended Detection and Response (XDR) tools can also supplement EDR by providing broader protection for IT assets outside of user endpoints (i.e. networks, servers, email, cloud workloads, and applications)
• Proactive patch management. Regularly updating your operating systems and business applications contributes to 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, which allow employees to use their own devices for work purposes. 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

NinjaOne’s comprehensive 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 or tools into one solution.

When you’re ready, request a free quote, sign up for a 14-day free trial, or watch a demo.