The recent global expansion of remote working has seen mobile device usage and cloud computing grow faster than security technologies can evolve. Consequently, cybercriminals target Apple and Android mobile devices to exploit any known or day-zero security gaps.
Up to 90% of a large corporation’s workforce is now remote. These mobile devices will become more vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and other attacks without adequate protection. End Point Protection (EPP) is becoming a critical additional security element for businesses to protect Apple and Android mobile devices, whether company-issued or bring-your-own devices (BYOD).
Businesses and individual users can use endpoint protection for Apple and Android mobile devices to boost security. Here are 4 EPP solutions to consider.
What Is End Point Protection (EPP)?
EPP is an integrated security solution that combines anti-malware, antivirus, personal firewalls, Virtual Private Network (VPN) data encryption, and Data Loss Prevention (DLP). It detects and blocks threats at the endpoint device level and is critical for smartphones, computers, laptops, tablets and IoT devices.
Combining these technologies has proven to be more effective than siloed security products that cannot communicate with one another. Thus, EPP is a critical security layer for endpoint devices, especially smartphones and IoT devices that usually lack security.
Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, and IT teams face constant challenges when protecting systems from attack. Endpoints are often the entry point through which threat agents gain access, making endpoint breaches a focal concern.
Main Threats EPP Protects Against
EPP platforms focus on prevention as some of the most common sources of system breach are malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
Phishing attacks manifest as fraudulent texts, emails, or websites that trick victims into providing sensitive information like login credentials and credit card information. Phishing emails can also carry malware, a malicious piece of software used to deliver ransomware or viruses.
Ransomware is malware that encrypts your data. The hacker responsible for the attack then extorts a ransom to release your data. The company must choose to pay the ransom or risk losing critical data. However, most companies that fall victim to ransomware never recover their data.
Important EPP Features for Mobile Devices
Mobile devices are now a permanent feature of the new global work environment, and employees use them for work and personal use. While mobile devices improve productivity, they pose a security risk to employers. Security threats include email-based mobile phishing attacks and malware distribution that can lead to device and data theft.
An efficient EPP solution protects against these risks, blocking malicious phishing links and preventing users from unknowingly sharing sensitive information. EPP systems allow administrators to monitor for threats through texts, emails, mobile apps, QR codes, and browsers.
One beneficial feature of EPP is alerting and logging, which can help identify any user who may need additional security training on how to spot phishing emails. Finally, EPP reduces the attack surface by blocking connections to malicious domains, URLs, and IPs.
Android OS Security Overview
An EPP solution monitors mobile Android devices by monitoring app behaviour and network traffic. One of the most severe attacks on Android devices targets the primary Operating System (OS).
OS exploits target older mobile devices, made more vulnerable by outdated operating systems. Updated Android devices using older hardware, while better fortified to ward off attacks, remain vulnerable to zero-day attacks as vendors are slower to provide security patches for older model devices.
An EPP solution scans for insider threats, mobile malware, and instances of accidental data exposure, automatically detecting any device that may be vulnerable due to sophisticated kernel, boot-level, and OS exploits.
EPP also prevents insider threats by applying preventative policies. For example, it can disable screenshots, cut-and-paste functions, and inter-app access. Finally, EPP is fortified with built-in threat intelligence integration that automatically detects bad apps, hashes, domains, and IPs that threaten security.
Apple iPhone iOS Security Overview
While Apple maintains tight control over its iOS security, vulnerabilities exist. For example, iOS devices can be compromised when a malicious app passes Apple’s strict security checks and makes its way to the App Store. Users unknowingly download and install the app, and the cybercriminals behind it can then compromise the device and steal its data.
An EPP security solution monitors iPhone iOS devices for the same threats Android devices face, though it focuses on these iOS vulnerabilities. For instance, it discovers mobile malware and sophisticated attack techniques aimed at iOS devices, such as “memory trampolines” found within critical system code.
EPP provides visibility into Bluetooth, WiFi, and network connections, exposing spoofing and any network interference. Furthermore, it automatically detects malicious IPs and domains with the aforementioned integrated threat intelligence. EPP also identifies vulnerable devices, including jailbroken devices, those with non-compliant configurations, and outdated iOS versions.
4 Endpoint Protection Suites for Apple and Android
Because mobile devices are vulnerable to various attacks, including malware, phishing attacks, and identity theft, endpoint protection suites offer comprehensive mobile security for iOS and Android devices. Here are four robust EPP systems that Securus Communications recommend to our customers.
1. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides extensive endpoint security protection features, including; endpoint behavioural sensors, cloud security analytics and augmented threat intelligence.
For Android devices, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is now available on Google Play using either the Device Administrator or Android Enterprise enrolment modes. The app updates automatically through Google Play, keeping the system updated and protected against the most recent Android targeted threats.
For iOS devices, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint protects against unsafe network connections and phishing from apps, websites, and emails. Alerts are available through Microsoft 365 Defender portal. The portal serves as the centralised, single pane of glass through which security teams can view threats on iOS devices and other platforms.
2. Bitdefender GravityZone
Bitdefender GravityZone Security for Mobile Devices is an efficient EPP platform that helps organisations maintain compliance and minimise IT intervention simultaneously.
Mobile security services apply to iOS and Android devices, protecting them against unauthorised use, malware, and data loss through ransomware.
Bitdefender GravityZone’s centralised control centre lets security administrators control all physical, virtual, and mobile endpoints from a single console. This security solution provides high performance and protection by unifying enterprise-wide security with compliance control of iPad, iPhone, and Android devices to support any BYOD initiative.
GravityZone is a holistic mobile security suite that helps organisations maintain compliance. It is part of the same central control Artificial Intelligence (AI) centre that enables admins to control network security across all virtual and physical endpoints.
3. McAfee Mobile Security and Antivirus
McAfee provides powerful EPP anti-malware, anti-phishing, antivirus protection, a secure VPN, identity monitoring, and secure browsing. Its employs automated response capabilities to protect data and systems from attack.
Android devices can be especially vulnerable to malware and other types of malicious software. Thus, McAfee’s mobile security EPP protects users’ privacy, identity, and device OS.
McAffee has the same features for iOS devices, assuring mobile security for personal information and sensitive data, no matter where or how the user connects to the network or the internet. It also scans the iOS system for the latest updates.
4. Fortinet EPP
Fortinet offers customised EPP solutions that fit businesses of all sizes, with effective endpoint protection to stop ransomware and other threats from infecting network devices come straight out of the box.
More advanced features to hunt-and-detect threats before they strike with the more advanced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) components are also available.
Fortinet FortiClient EPP can deploy to thousands of users within minutes to Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, and Chromebook devices. This serves to simplify compliance with and oversight of applications across the network, minimising overall risk.
Fortinet’s EPP maintains consistency and reliability through endpoint integration. AI and advanced machine learning in near real-time protect mobile devices by using automated threat intelligence, ensuring users are protected from known threats and unseen variants, all without manual oversight.
Administrators can control everything from a single console and ensure policies like content and web filtering are enforced even when users take their devices off-network.
Conclusion
As the surge of mobile and remote working levels off, endpoint security will continue to mature and catch up with internal and core network security.
The current hybrid workplace model means security leaders are defining common endpoint strategies that accommodate all modes of work and endpoint devices on the network.
EPP plays an essential part in any security strategy, especially now that devices with various operating systems, including mobile Android and iOS, are part of the network fabric.
From anti-malware, anti-phishing, SEO poisoning, and 2FA to SASE and cloud-based air-gap immutable backup storage, Securus has a security solution to suit your requirement and budget.
If you would like to discuss your network security requirements in more detail with one of our cyber security professionals, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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