Endpoints act as a guard for the network, but due to the rise in the numbers and the types of endpoints, risks associated with them also increase. Attackers are constantly in search of vulnerabilities to exploit and gain access to the system.
As a result, strong endpoint security and strategy are crucial to prevent data breaches and malware infections. In this blog, we will explore the endpoint security threats and challenges faced by organizations defending them.
Endpoint Security Threats
Endpoint security faces a wide variety of cyber threats, most of which are constantly getting sophisticated and designed to bypass endpoint solutions. Some of the most common types of threats faced by endpoint security include:
1. Insider threats
Insider threats are a massive risk to endpoint security, such as employees, contractors, or third-party software with access to the data and network that may cause harm by leaking sensitive information and intellectual property. The intention could be malicious or careless, but in the end, it could affect the organization’s overall security posture because the insider has more knowledge of the IT infrastructure than the outsider.
2. Social Engineering
The Verizon Data breach report reveals that three targeted phishing emails give the attacker a 50% chance of getting a user to click and comprising the machine, and sending ten almost guarantees one user to click and compromise their device. Once it is compromised, the endpoint can give dozens of data to the threat actor if there are attempts.
Social engineering attacks also bypass technical security measures and result in data breaches, financial loss, and intellectual property theft.
3. Botnet Attacks
Botnet attacks originate from bots running on multiple compromised endpoints that are linked together. Once an attacker infects an endpoint using a botnet, it becomes part of the botnet-which can be put together in various malicious activities.
Botnets are commonly used for
Distributed Denial-of-Service(DDoS) attacks: Botnets are used by threat actors to flood networks or web applications with huge traffic to crash the system.
Phishing Campaign: Botnets are used to launch phishing attacks at a large scale, spreading malware to more devices.
Data thefts: Botnets can steal banking details, credentials, or other sensitive data from devices.
Botnets are difficult to detect as they act like normal users. Devices are hijacked and turned into botnets without the owner’s knowledge.
4. Marco Attacks
Marco attacks are a form of malware attack that are embedded in documents using software like Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. Macros are small scripts designed to carry out the repetitive tasks within this software, threat actors utilize this feature for malicious purposes or act without the user’s knowledge.Threat actors or cybercriminals use macros to trick users into opening a legitimate document through phishing. When the document is opened by users, the embedded malicious code can lead to the installation of malware, ransomware, or trojan.
5. Drive-by downloads
A drive-by download attack occurs when users download and install malicious software unknowingly when visiting a compromised site while browsing. Unlike traditional downloads, which ask users to initiate the download, drive-by downloads occurring the background without the user’s consent.
Once installed, these malicious software may steal credentials, install trojans or RATS, compromise endpoints, or install ransomware.
6. RDP Compromise
Remote desktop protocol(RDP) is a widely used method for accessing computers and servers remotely. However, if it is misconfigured or left without proper protection, RDP can serve as an entry point for hackers. Attackers use leaked or hacked credentials or sometimes brute force their way into devices.
Once attackers gain access, they can move laterally across the network without triggering any alerts and can install malware, steal data, or whatever they can.RDP has caused many high-profile cyberattacks and data breaches.
Related Reading: Endpoint Security Tools and Technologies
Endpoint security challenges
1. Limited Resources
Every organization knows the gaps in the endpoint, but they don’t have the necessary resources to seal the gap. For Example, some endpoint security solutions may not cover mobile devices, leaving a gap in the endpoint security.
2. Increasing attack surface
The endpoints in the organizations are increasing exponentially as employees are using mobile devices, personal laptops, third-party software, etc. This increases the attack surface that hackers can target easily because it is hard to monitor a larger attack surface area.
Many devices are also outside the organization’s secured network due to the hybrid world culture, which increases exposure to threats like insecure wifi or public wifi. Endpoint tools will struggle to cover such networks and operating environments.
3. Human Error
One of the biggest challenges in securing the endpoint is human error, this is mainly due to the employees who are not adhering to best practices or not following the protocols. Most cyberattacks are successful because of human error.
Evenwith multi-layer defense security, a single click can put the entire organization in danger. Inadequate security and training can also lead to poor endpoint security hygiene, such as weak passwords, without implementing MFA(Multi-Factor Authentication), and not patching software promptly.
Conclusion
With cyber threats evolving from phishing to ransomware, traditional defenses like firewalls and antivirus are not enough to stop. Endpoint security solutions offer real-time monitoring, detection, and protection to protect endpoints against these threats.
By understanding the risks, staying updated with the latest TTPs(Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures), and increasing security awareness among employees, organizations can effectively protect their endpoints from threat actors.
