How Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Advanced Threat Protection Strengthen Security

Remote and hybrid workforces are here to stay, and employers would be wise to protect the laptops, tablets and other handheld devices used off-site with cybersecurity applications such as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.

Even before the pandemic fast-tracked off-site employment, companies had been steadily adopting work-from-home and bring-your-own-device policies. From 2017 to 2020, the number of remote workers rose from 34 million to 48 million in the U.S. Today, more than a quarter of the country’s entire workforce does not necessarily participate in rush hour traffic.

Reducing the number of in-house employees allows organizations to lower their office space expenses and onboard talented people from outside the traditional commuter area. By that same token, vulnerable endpoint devices have emerged as relatively easy targets for hackers to exploit. The Cost of Data Breach Report issued by IBM indicates that upwards of 90 percent of incursions and 70 percent of data breaches began in an endpoint device, costing organizations $4.88 on average. To prevent a multi-million loss and the accompanying reputational damage, integrating Microsoft Defender for Endpoint architecture can detect, deter and expel threats.

Why Are Endpoint Devices Primary Targets?

It’s important to understand the basic mindset of a hacker when building your cybersecurity infrastructure. Online criminals are looking to make an easy buck, largely because they lack the temerity to put in a hard day’s work. That being said, cybercriminals troll the internet looking for people and corporations with weak or vulnerable security measures. In other words, they are looking to pluck low-hanging fruit and cell phones too often look ripe.

The transition from in-house networks with robust security defenses to personal devices shifted their focus to endpoint devices. It’s common knowledge that everyday people do not always follow through with strong passwords, patch programs or use enterprise-grade firewalls and anti-virus software. Even when companies insist that remote workers use only vetted endpoints to log into the network, such policies seem to get lost in translation. The number of successful cyberattacks caused by human error has been pegged between 74 and 95 percent, depending on the research study. These are ways hackers use endpoints to get into business networks.

• Phishing: The use of phony emails, text messages and voice messages remains a primary cyberattack method. Scammers typically craft a persuasive narrative that prompts recipients to provide login credentials or click on a malware-laced link. In 2023, 85 percent of businesses experienced some form of phishing scheme. More than 10 percent of employees reportedly fell for these cams, allowing cybercriminals to infect devices and networks with malicious software such as ransomware.
• Adware: An adware attack inserts a malicious application into a smartphone or other handheld device. It may be bundled with a desirable item, such as a downloadable game, or by exploiting an endpoint vulnerability. Adware attacks have emerged as one of the most prevalent ways to infiltrate mobile devices in 2023.
• Juice Jacking: Online criminals are not always sitting in cafés halfway around the world. Those on American soil have begun infecting public USB charging ports. When a remote worker plugs in to recharge, a poorly protected endpoint device suffers a malware infection.
• SIM Jacking: It may surprise business leaders to learn that the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards in smartphones can be easily removed with a paperclip or transferred electronically. Leaving a cellular phone on a coffee shop table for just a moment opens the door to physical SIM card theft. Sophisticated threat actors may use social engineering to learn someone’s personal information and persuade a cell phone service provider to transfer the SIM information digitally. SIM cards store personal identification information, text messages and authentication details.
• Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: The use of public Wi-Fi continues to create opportunities for digital thieves to steal valuable and confidential digital assets. Cybercriminals exploit open internet access points by inserting themselves between communicating parties. Hackers effectively hide in plain sight, eavesdropping on digital conversations. Their goal is typically to learn network login credentials, financial information and other sensitive data.

While these are common ways criminals are using endpoint devices to penetrate corporate systems, hackers continue to craft schemes to overcome security defenses. Solutions that seemed impenetrable just five years ago may not adequately deter, detect or expel bad actors today. That’s where Defender advanced threat protection for endpoint devices enters the equation.

How Does Endpoint Security Work?

Endpoint security involves insulating portable devices from the inherent risks associated with remote connectivity. Each electronic device that has the capacity to access a business network effectively becomes a back door for hacker infiltrations. Cybercriminals are well aware that in-house systems typically enjoy robust data protection. But left to their own devices — pun intended — human beings are likely to stray from the policies and approved practices necessary for determined cybersecurity. These are two common ways remote workers err.

Poor Password Habits

According to a survey conducted by Forbes magazine, 46 percent of Americans confessed they had at least one password stolen. More than 40 percent do not change their passwords regularly unless instructed. And 35 percent admit they were hacked due to a weak password.

Outdated Software

Remote staff members tend to be less likely to run software updates and patch programs than managed IT and cybersecurity professionals dealing with in-house computers. Vulnerable applications invite zero day exploits that hackers have successfully used to take control of devices and orchestrate data breaches.

Business leaders need to be realistic about the fact that even their trusted team members could make a misstep. It’s up to decision-makers to take measures to prevent human error hacks. They are also tasked with having a third party cybersecurity firm implement a strategy that confronts threat actors who try to leverage endpoint devices to steal sensitive, valuable and confidential digital assets. In that regard, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is proving to be an invaluable resource.

What is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

This enterprise-grade cybersecurity platform is specifically designed to support networks and protect endpoint devices from cybercriminals who are attempting to use them to reach company assets. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint devices also helps organizations craft automated responses to malware and ransomware attacks, as well as conduct a post-mortem investigation.

The platform utilizes built-in elements of Windows 10 and Azure services to enhance threat intelligence protection. These are Defender features that make it a go-to cybersecurity resource for remote and hybrid workforces.

• Behavioral Monitoring: Windows 10 enjoys sensors that gather and assess behavioral activities in a given environment. The data collected from endpoint devices is transferred to the operation’s cloud position and Microsoft Defender for the Endpoint platform.
• Advanced Cloud Analytics: Remote workforces generate massive bytes of data that may include potential threats. Defender efficiently assesses large swaths of data that paint a concise picture across Windows landscapes as well as the cloud. Companies gain rare insights into digital risk activity and receive threat mitigation recommendations.
• Threat Intelligence: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint security proves the “best defense is a good offense” adage true. Its advanced threat intelligence capabilities allow organizations and key stakeholders to take proactive measures. That’s primarily because Defender identifies the presence of hacking tools, processes and modus operandi employed by cybercriminals. You can anticipate receiving an early warning alert, allowing your security expert to make a pre-emptive move.

User reviews published by Gartner indicate significant customer satisfaction. Of the organizations that integrated Defender for Endpoint security, 51 percent gave the products a 5-star rating. Forty-four percent gave Defender a 4-star rating, and only 4 percent came in with 3 Stars. The Gartner research indicates that no 2-star or 1-star ratings were posted, based on 201 reviews.

Benefits of Proactive Endpoint Device Security

The fundamental benefit of an endpoint cybersecurity strategy is to prevent hackers from seizing control of a network or pilfering off valuable digital assets. That being said, wide-reaching sub-benefits exist that Defender delivers. The accumulation of these positives helps create an endpoint security posture that frustrates online thieves. Deterrence can be achieved by transforming endpoint devices from dangling fruit into formidable obstacles. These are ways Defender deters, detects and delivers proactive intel to thwart threat actors.

Attack Surface Reduction

The attack surface reduction features can block unnecessary warning notification options by adjusting the operating system, managing applications and controlling access. Defender helps accomplish this cybersecurity benefit by launching automated deterrents to obstruct suspicious software and behaviors. A cybersecurity expert can work with in-house IT staff and admin teams to establish rules that warn or block activities inconsistent with normal task completion.

Threat and Vulnerability Management

Endpoint devices are notoriously vulnerable because employees and independent contractors often rely on them for personal and professional use. This leads to unpatched software, misconfigurations and other security gaps. Microsoft offers a Defender Vulnerability Management add-on option under its Plan 2. It utilizes endpoint sensors to identify inherent weaknesses in real time. Part of the automated benefits of Defender is that scheduling scans is no longer necessary.

Endpoint Detection and Response

Real-time detection and response ranks among the single greatest benefits any cybersecurity strategy can provide. A company network can succumb to a devastating ransomware attack in 45 minutes or less. Giving bad actors that much time presents an unacceptable risk for businesses in any sector. Defender helps truncate the time threat actors have through next-gen endpoint detection applications. It identifies the telltale signs of anomalies and emerging threats and sends out alerts. Information security professionals can promptly respond and purge an intruder or eliminate malicious applications.

Automated Threat Assessments

One of the common complaints about security measures involves alert efficiency. Legitimate network activities can trigger a landslide or notifications that eat into IT professionals’ time. Defender helps security specialists focus on critical alerts through automation. It leans on AI and machine learning to generate algorithms that can be tweaked.

Following a quick assessment on the Defender Action Center, supervisors can push low-level threats to automated response capabilities. Imminent and high-level dangers can be dealt with personally by cybersecurity experts.

Assess the Security Posture of Endpoint Devices

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint allows users to score each smartphone, laptop and handheld device that connects to your business network. Known as Microsoft Secure Score for Devices, the metrics appear on the Defender Vulnerability Management dashboard. The ability to consistently review the state of your cybersecurity position and identify at-risk endpoints means that deficiencies can be cured, closing unnecessary cybersecurity gaps. That, in turn, goes a long way towards meeting or exceeding the requirements of data protection mandates and regulatory compliance.

Adopting Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Architecture

Realizing the benefits of a remote or hybrid workforce tasks leadership teams with shoring up potential cybersecurity shortcomings. It’s essential to provide staff members and independent contractors with adequate cybersecurity awareness training that includes the nuances of working remotely. Emphasis needs to be placed on strong passwords, using VPNs, avoiding malicious adware downloads and possessing the knowledge to identify phishing schemes.

It’s also crucial for industry leaders to keep in mind that human error is a fact of life. Effective endpoint security measures such as adopting Defender are an absolute must.

Red River Helps Organizations Integrate Effective Endpoint Cybersecurity Measures

At Red River, we work diligently with organizations to help them create a cybersecurity posture that deters, detects and repels threats to their digital assets. We routinely help companies with remote and hybrid workforces integrate solutions such as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint devices. If you harbor concerns about handheld device activity and its impact on your operation, contact us today. Let’s get the process started.