The average NYC small business has 3 to 5 connected devices per employee — laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets, and increasingly IoT devices like smart printers and IP cameras. Every single one of those endpoints is a potential entry point for attackers. Endpoint security is the discipline of ensuring that each device is properly configured, monitored, and capable of being remediated if compromised.
This guide covers the essential components of endpoint security for NYC businesses in 2024.
Building a Complete Endpoint Security Program for Your NYC Business
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) vs. Traditional Antivirus: Traditional antivirus relies on signature-based detection — it looks for known malware. EDR goes further with behavioral monitoring, detecting anomalous activity that doesn’t match any known signature. For NYC businesses facing sophisticated threats, EDR is the minimum standard. Leading solutions include Microsoft Defender for Business, CrowdStrike Falcon Go, and SentinelOne Singularity for SMB.
Mobile Device Management (MDM): Every smartphone and tablet that accesses company email or data should be enrolled in MDM. MDM enables remote wipe if a device is lost or stolen, enforcement of PIN/biometric lock screens, and separation of personal and work data. Microsoft Intune, included with Microsoft 365 Business Premium, handles MDM for most NYC SMBs.
Patch Management: Unpatched vulnerabilities are involved in the majority of successful cyberattacks. Automated patch management ensures operating system and third-party application updates are deployed within 72 hours of critical releases — without relying on individual employees to remember to update.
Device Encryption: All laptops and desktops should have full-disk encryption enabled. BitLocker (Windows) and FileVault (macOS) are built-in solutions that protect data if a device is lost or stolen. Encryption is required for HIPAA compliance and strongly recommended for any business handling sensitive data.
Application Control and Whitelisting: Advanced endpoint security programs restrict which applications can run on managed devices, preventing employees from inadvertently installing malicious software or unauthorized applications.
"Every unmanaged device on your network is an unknown risk. Endpoint security turns unknowns into knowns — and knowns into manageable risks."
SolvedIT Inc. provides comprehensive endpoint security management for NYC businesses, including EDR deployment, MDM enrollment, patch management, and 24/7 endpoint monitoring. Contact us for an endpoint security assessment.
