With 70% of successful breaches originating at endpoints, securing laptops, smartphones, and remote devices is more critical than ever. As remote work, cloud apps, and mobile access expand the attack surface, unsecured endpoints have become the top entry point for phishing, ransomware, and credential theft.
Modern endpoint security requires more than antivirus—it demands AI-powered tools, continuous monitoring, and strong policies that cover every device inside and outside the office.
In this article, we’ll walk you through 18 proven endpoint security best practices to help you reduce risk, detect threats early, and protect sensitive data—no matter where your teams work.
What endpoint security really means
Endpoint security is the practice of protecting devices that connect to your network—such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and servers—from cyber threats.
These devices, known as endpoints, are often the first targets for attackers seeking unauthorized access, data theft, or system disruption.
A strong endpoint security strategy includes:
- Device-level protections (e.g., antivirus, encryption)
- Access controls and authentication
- Threat detection and response tools (like EDR)
- Policies for both company-owned and BYOD devices
As businesses grow more remote and cloud-based, endpoint security plays a crucial role in protecting data beyond the traditional network perimeter.
What are the most common endpoint security risks?
Endpoint devices—such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets—extend your network beyond the secure perimeter of the office. As a result, they introduce a range of vulnerabilities that cybercriminals actively target, especially in hybrid or remote work environments.
Some of the most common endpoint security risks include:
- Unauthorized access to sensitive data – Compromised devices can expose confidential company or customer information.
- Data theft or loss – Lost or stolen devices may lead to unencrypted data falling into the wrong hands.
- Ransomware and device lockdown – Malware attacks can encrypt endpoints, halting productivity and demanding payment.
- Threats from unsecured remote connections – Devices connected through public or unmanaged networks are easy targets for attackers.
These risks are amplified when devices leave the safety of corporate networks, where IT teams have less control over employee activity and security settings. That’s why it’s critical to implement continuous endpoint monitoring to detect both known and emerging threats.
A strong endpoint protection strategy should include real-time threat detection, access control policies, and regular security updates. Together, these defenses help minimize attack surfaces and reinforce your organization’s overall cybersecurity posture.
18 best practices for endpoint security
1. Secure every endpoint device
As one of the gateways to your network, it pays to secure and keep track of every device that connects to the system. Proactively implementing strategies to secure endpoints is essential to defend your organization from cyber threats.
- Maintain an inventory of all endpoint devices, and make sure to keep it updated through effective endpoint management.
- Ensure that each device has the appropriate safeguards and the latest patches.
2. Encourage stronger passwords
Once the devices are secured, encourage the users to practice good password practices.
- Make longer, complex passwords mandatory for everyone.
- Enforce periodic password changes and ban the habit of reusing old passwords.
3. Keep endpoints encrypted
Add an additional layer of protection beyond passwords
- Encrypt the device's disk or memory so that it remains inaccessible even when lost or transferred to another unit. Encryption tools are essential for protecting sensitive data on endpoint devices, helping to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.
Did you know: In 2018, 37,000 customers of Ireland's largest telecom provider had their data compromised because of a stolen company laptop, which had been decrypted by a faulty security update the previous day.
4. Enforce least privilege access
Limit access and device privileges
- Non-administrator should be the default access unless otherwise needed.
- Don't assign admin privileges to regular users to prevent unauthorized executable code from being loaded onto devices.
5. Run continuous endpoint scans
Keep track of every device connected to the network in real-time. Integrating threat intelligence with endpoint scans can improve detection of emerging threats by leveraging advanced cybersecurity data and expert analysis.
- Utilize endpoint security tools to practice constant location awareness, especially for mobile assets like smartphones and laptops that are vulnerable to loss or theft.
6. Implement automated patching
Make it automatic instead of relying on users:
- Push patch updates during downtimes unless absolutely critical.
- Make sure it applies to third-party patches as well.
- An endpoint protection platform (EPP) can automate patch updates, ensuring timely and consistent application across all endpoint devices.
Did you know: An unpatched copy of Microsoft Outlook was behind the 2018 data breach of 1.5 million health records in Singapore, including records of the country’s Prime
7. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
- Use MFA to prevent account theft from other sources.
- Add a second layer of verification when logging in from unrecognized locations.
8. Have a strict VPN access policy
- Virtual private networks can be exploited, exposing the network to spoofing, sniffing or DDoS attacks.
- Ban or limit VPN usage so that access is only at the application layer, limiting the risk of a network-level attack.
9. Account for BYOD cases
- BYOD protection is very important because it can come with some major security risks, such as rogue mobile apps or lack of a proper mobile security configurations. It is crucial to select an endpoint security solution that can manage BYOD cases effectively.
- If employees are allowed to work using their own devices, have a policy that outlines the security rules and consider using a guest access account.
- Emphasize their end-user responsibilities, as well as protocols for device loss or theft.
Did you know: A faulty BYOD policy was to blame for the 2017 data breach of South Korea’s largest bitcoin exchange, which compromised 32,000 users and saw $30 million in cryptocurrency being stolen in a few hours.
10. Practice system hardening
Limit access to the device's configuration and settings to reduce IT vulnerability, attack surface, and possible attack vectors.
- Have a hardening standard to provide benchmarks for different devices and operating systems.
- Define traffic pathways between the endpoint devices and the network, so that other listening ports (UDP or TCP) can be closed.
11. Implement application control
This security practice restricts unauthorized application executions that present risk:
- Take advantage of application control programs like Microsoft's AppLocker to limit app executions based on the path, publisher, or hash.
- Have a whitelist of permissible programs, files and executions.
- When an application is granted access, enforce additional rules to block unnecessary communication between network segments.
12. Segment the network
Split it into subnetworks for better performance and security:
- To avoid being overwhelmed by the scope, start by establishing a privileged area and go from there in small but well-defined increments.
- Keep interpersonal, inter-departmental, and organizational factors in mind when segmenting the network so that regular business processes are not impacted.
- Have a separate infrastructure for managing and updating privileged resources.
- Remember to segregate the configuration systems for privileged machines from the configuration management of regular devices.
Did you know: The Department of Homeland Security endorses network segmentation as a necessary part of any organization's network security.
13. Make use of endpoint security tools
Security Information and Event Management software allows real-time monitoring of the network:
- Due to the diverse range of endpoint devices, SIEM solutions are now considered part of standard corporate security. Choosing the right endpoint security tool with advanced features such as prevention capabilities, sandboxing, monitoring, and automation is essential for layered defenses against digital threats.
- Modern endpoint security tools increasingly leverage artificial intelligence to enhance threat identification, behavioral analysis, and automated incident response. Additionally, the evolution of security tools towards extended detection and response (XDR) provides comprehensive integration of multiple security sources, proactive threat detection, and improved threat visibility.
- A good SIEM solution should not only log events, they should have a good ruleset to flag possible incidents and turn them into actionable items.
14. Practice caution when using cloud storage
- Treat the cloud as another endpoint that could be accessed by external parties.
- Give distinct credentials for each user, and always use TLS (HTTPS) to transport data.
15. Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR)
Traditional antivirus isn't enough. EDR solutions offer advanced threat detection, continuous monitoring, and rapid response capabilities to detect suspicious behavior, isolate threats, and protect against sophisticated attacks like fileless malware and zero-day exploits.
16. Enable device geofencing and remote wipe
Use geolocation to restrict device access outside approved areas and enable remote wipe capabilities to protect data if a device is lost or stolen. This is especially valuable for mobile devices and remote workforces.
17. Monitor insider threats and user behavior
Not all risks are external. Use User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) to detect anomalies in user behavior—such as unusual file access, off-hours login attempts, or mass file downloads—that may indicate insider threats or compromised accounts.
18. Provide regular endpoint security training
Human error remains a top cybersecurity risk. Train employees regularly on safe device usage, phishing awareness, password hygiene, and the importance of reporting suspicious activity. Well-informed users are a crucial layer of your endpoint defense.
Implementing these 18 best practices is a strong foundation for defending your organization against endpoint threats. But to truly maximize your protection and adapt to evolving cyber risks, it's critical to go beyond tactical execution and embrace a more strategic, integrated approach—from advanced detection tools to strong management policies and a culture that supports both security and productivity.
The weakest link
Up to 90% of data breaches are caused by human error. This problem is compounded in endpoint devices, which are vulnerable to being phished, hacked, lost or stolen. Because employees will be in charge of laptops and mobile devices, the safety and security of your network lies partly in their hands.
Employee education is therefore your first line of defense. A strong, clear set of policies regarding devices can prevent data loss or intrusion before it even starts. These guidelines will ensure that all members of the organization are aware of their vital role in protecting the company's data.
Secure the device
· Always keep devices locked when leaving the desk or when the screen times out.
· Use a strong, complex password and change it regularly.
· Ensure that device and memory encryption is always enabled.
· Make sure the antivirus software is frequently updated.
· Always perform a virus scan when connecting external storage media.
· Use only approved and licensed applications.
· Keep personal usage separate from the work environment. Just like people don't use company credit cards for their personal expenses, make employees aware of the distinction between personal and work usage.
Protect the pathways
· Ensure that the proxy (URL filtering) solution is installed and enabled.
· Avoid connecting company devices to unsecured Wi-Fi connections.
· Look for the HTTPS when connecting to ensure that connections and data transfers are protected by SSL/TLS.
· Practice social awareness, and be wary of suspicious sites, phishing, and social engineering ploys.
Make security part of the company culture
· Do not connect unapproved devices to official systems.
· Remove unauthorized software and plugins from the device and the browser.
· Immediately report all instances of device alerts, loss or theft.
· Prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data by implementing least-privilege access and monitoring user access rights.
· When
Have a Device Recovery System in Place
Sometimes even the best safeguards are not enough. When devices are outside the physical security of the office, they can be lost or stolen. In fact, 15% of data breaches are caused by lost or missing devices. This is where a device recovery platform like Prey comes in.
A good device recovery system allows you to:
· Manage all devices remotely
· Track their present or last-known location in real-time
· Remotely lock devices
· See device status, firmware, and update
· Wipe data when required
· Do it all from a single application instead of multiple disparate ones
Endpoint security is a 50/50 responsibility
Since employees are in charge of endpoint assets, half of the responsibility for endpoint security is literally in their hands. Once you've done your part in securing the system and the network, make sure they do theirs.
Have a clear set of rules, encourage good device ownership, and make security an ingrained part of the company culture. After all, the organization's safety and security are everyone's responsibility.
