Best Endpoint Compliance Software

Here are 10 essential features to look for in an endpoint security tool:

1. Policy management - You should be able to set custom rules for your users and devices, deciding who can access what data and what tasks they have to perform to access it. There should also be a policy override protocol, which should be audited so you always know who has accessed what.
2. Patch management - Repair of any security vulnerability in a timely manner, ensuring that every device is up to date. The collection and delivery of patches throughout your organization should be automated, and machine-learning and analysis should let you know the priority of the patch.
3. Configuration management options - There should be a centralized control panel through which you can manage all endpoint security features and schedule updates. Administrators should also be able to shut down processes when restricted activities are attempted by an unauthorized user.
4. Device control - Users should be able to inspect external devices connected to the endpoint and to choose which devices are allowed and which are blocked. For instance, you may choose to allow a USB connected mouse but not a USB connected hard drive. Device control also encrypts any data that does get transferred to an external device.
5. Advanced endpoint protection against outside attacks, including both known security threats and zero-day attacks.
6. Server security - Servers are an especially sensitive endpoint, so choose a system that can block threats to data storage servers, collaboration servers, email servers, and internet gateways.
7. Data loss protection (DLP) preventing data loss and leaks across all endpoints. DLP works through remote access, customized rules, encryption, and user authentication.
8. Mobile and virtual environment - Your endpoint solution should allow restriction and monitoring of application use on mobile devices. Admins should also be able to set password requirements and lock screen timers and block camera usage. If a mobile device is lost or stolen, the admin should be able to erase all data from the device. Any virtual machines (VMs) you use must be protected, too.
9. Security management options - Make sure whatever system you choose offers management options for on-premises and/or cloud-based security, depending on which you need.
10. System performance and user productivity - Choose a lightweight solution, which can preserve processing speed and bandwidth. Also consider the user’s experience.

What does endpoint compliance do?

Most security breaches in the past used to come in through the network, but today more threats enter via endpoints, making endpoint protection necessary. Endpoint security software uses application control and encryption to secure devices that access your network. Application control prevents endpoint users from being able to execute unauthorized applications that might create vulnerabilities in the network. Encryption of data on endpoints as well as on removable storage devices helps to prevent data leaks and loss.

Endpoint security solutions often employ both a centrally managed security solution to protect the network in addition to client software that is locally installed on every endpoint used to access the network. Some work on a Software as a Service (SaaS) model which remotely maintains both central and endpoint security solutions. Antivirus protection of the network is important, but it does not always protect individual servers and devices. For this reason it is important to implement a two-pronged approach, securing the network with antivirus software and the endpoints using an endpoint security approach.

Endpoint compliance measures compliance against endpoint security policies and frameworks and remedies issues if and when they occur.

What are the benefits of endpoint compliance?

The benefits of endpoint compliance include:

1. Centralized control of policy, which saves on having to individually install and manage software on each individual device.
   
2. Prevention of problems before they happen.
   
3. Reduced server downtime because if your system isn’t compromised, resources won’t need to be diverted in order to deal with the consequences.
   
4. Identification and closing of security gaps due to better visibility of your endpoints.
   
5. Reduction in costs associated with data breaches, such as lost business, recovery time, and reputation damage.
   
6. Simplified compliance and regulatory enforcement.

Who uses endpoint compliance?

Endpoint compliance is used by the security teams of many kinds of organizations which must comply with frameworks, whether internal or regulatory (such as PCI - the payment card industry, GDPR - the General Data Protection Regulation, and HIPAA - the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Some of these organizations include, but are not limited to, financial institutions, government agencies, and hospitals.