Your computers, laptops, and mobile devices are called “endpoints” in IT security jargon. They’re the devices that connect to your network and access your data. And they’re one of the most common ways attackers get into business systems.
We’ve helped businesses recover from security incidents that started with a single infected computer. Someone clicked a malicious link, downloaded malware, or plugged in an infected USB drive. That one device became the entry point for an attack that spread through the network.
Endpoint security is about protecting these devices. Not just with antivirus software (though that’s part of it), but with a combination of tools and practices that make it harder for attackers to succeed.
Here’s what actually matters for endpoint security and what you can probably skip.
Antivirus and Anti-Malware: The Basics
Every endpoint needs antivirus software. This is non-negotiable. Modern antivirus doesn’t just scan for known viruses. It uses behavioural analysis, machine learning, and cloud-based threat intelligence to detect and block malware, even if it’s never been seen before.
Windows comes with Windows Defender built-in, and it’s actually pretty good. For most small businesses, it’s sufficient. But you need to make sure it’s enabled, updated, and configured correctly. Just having it installed isn’t enough.
For businesses that need more, there are commercial antivirus solutions that offer better management, reporting, and support. But Windows Defender is a solid starting point, and it’s free.
Macs are less targeted by malware, but they’re not immune. macOS includes built-in security features, but you might want additional antivirus software, especially if you’re in a high-risk industry or handle sensitive data.
Mobile devices (phones and tablets) need protection too. iOS is generally more secure than Android, but both can be compromised. Mobile device management (MDM) software can enforce security policies and help protect devices.
Keep Everything Updated
Outdated software is a major security risk. Attackers actively look for systems running old versions with known vulnerabilities. Keeping software updated closes these security holes.
Enable automatic updates for operating systems. Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, they all support automatic updates. Let them run. Yes, updates can be annoying, but they’re essential for security.
Also update applications. Web browsers, Adobe software, Microsoft Office, anything that connects to the internet or processes files. Many applications can update automatically, but some require manual updates. Check periodically.
For businesses with multiple devices, consider patch management software. This lets you centrally manage updates across all devices, ensuring nothing gets missed.
Use Strong Authentication
Passwords alone aren’t enough anymore. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires users to provide two forms of identification: something they know (password) and something they have (phone app, security key, etc.).
Enable MFA on all devices that support it. Windows Hello (fingerprint or face recognition) is a form of MFA. So is Touch ID or Face ID on Macs. These make it much harder for attackers to access devices, even if they steal passwords.
For cloud services and business applications, enable MFA everywhere. Microsoft 365, accounting software, customer management systems. If it supports MFA, use it.
Also, enforce strong password policies. Require passwords to be long (at least 12 characters), complex (mix of letters, numbers, symbols), and unique (not reused across accounts). Consider a password manager to make this easier for employees.
Encrypt Your Data
Encryption scrambles data so it can’t be read without a key. If someone steals a laptop or accesses a hard drive, encryption prevents them from reading your data.
Windows includes BitLocker for full-disk encryption. macOS includes FileVault. Enable these on all laptops and desktop computers. They’re built-in, they’re free, and they provide strong protection.
Mobile devices usually encrypt data by default if you use a passcode or biometric authentication. Make sure this is enabled.
For files stored in the cloud, make sure the cloud service encrypts data both in transit (when uploading/downloading) and at rest (when stored). Most major cloud services do this by default, but verify.
Control What Gets Installed
Users shouldn’t be able to install any software they want. Malware often masquerades as legitimate software, and users might install things that create security risks.
On Windows, use standard user accounts instead of administrator accounts for daily work. Administrator accounts can install software and make system changes. Standard users can’t, which prevents accidental malware installation.
If users need to install software, they can request administrator access temporarily. This adds a step that makes people think before installing things.
You can also use application whitelisting, which only allows approved software to run. This is more restrictive but provides stronger protection. For most small businesses, standard user accounts are sufficient.
Secure USB and External Devices
USB drives and other external devices can carry malware. Someone plugs in an infected USB drive, and malware spreads to the computer.
You can disable USB ports entirely, but that’s often too restrictive. A better approach is to use USB device control software that allows only approved devices, or to scan USB devices before allowing access.
For most small businesses, user education is more practical. Train employees not to plug in unknown USB drives, and to scan USB devices with antivirus before opening files.
Also, consider disabling autorun for USB devices. This prevents malware from automatically executing when a USB drive is plugged in.
Monitor and Respond
Endpoint security isn’t just about prevention. You also need to detect and respond to threats.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) software monitors devices for suspicious activity. It can detect malware that traditional antivirus misses, and it provides visibility into what’s happening on your devices.
EDR is more advanced than basic antivirus, and it’s usually more expensive. For small businesses, it might be overkill. But if you handle sensitive data or are in a high-risk industry, it’s worth considering.
At minimum, enable logging on devices. Windows Event Viewer, macOS Console, these show what’s happening on devices. Review logs periodically, or set up alerts for suspicious activity.
Backup Endpoints
If an endpoint gets infected, you might need to wipe it and restore from backup. Make sure endpoints are backed up regularly.
For business data, use cloud backup or network backup. OneDrive or dedicated backup services. This ensures data is safe even if a device is lost or compromised.
For system backups, Windows includes File History and System Restore. macOS includes Time Machine. These can restore devices to a previous state if something goes wrong.
Test your backups periodically. Make sure you can actually restore data when needed. A backup that doesn’t work is worse than no backup at all.
Mobile Device Management
If employees use mobile devices for work, you need to manage them. Mobile Device Management (MDM) software lets you enforce security policies, install software, and remotely wipe devices if they’re lost or stolen.
MDM is especially important if you allow “bring your own device” (BYOD). You can’t control what employees install on personal devices, but you can enforce security policies for devices that access company data.
Microsoft Intune and other MDM solutions provide this functionality. They’re usually included with business cloud service subscriptions.
Making It Work
Endpoint security isn’t a one-time setup. It requires ongoing attention. Keeping software updated, monitoring for threats, responding to incidents, training users.
Start with the basics: antivirus, updates, strong authentication, encryption. These provide strong protection without being too complex or expensive.
Then, as your business grows or your security needs change, add more advanced measures. EDR, MDM, advanced monitoring. Build on the foundation you’ve created.
And remember: endpoint security is part of a broader security strategy. It works best when combined with network security, cloud security, and user training. No single measure is perfect, but together they provide strong protection.
If you need help securing your endpoints, get in touch. We’ve helped businesses implement endpoint security measures that fit their needs and budget and can help you too.