All Things EPM What’s & How’s of Endpoint Protection

It starts with endpoints!

Building successful enterprise security architectures must start with the protection of all types of endpoints. With the ongoing AI-powered threats and ransomware attacks, endpoint protection is now non-negotiable.

Endpoints are network devices that connect with other systems within that network and are critical for business operations. Examples are laptops, workstations, mobile devices, tablets virtual environments…, and the list goes on.

More often than not, unsecured endpoints act as gateways for ransomware to get into enterprise environments. When such menacing malware gains illegitimate access, it can move laterally and result in privilege escalation attacks.

“2023 was a record-breaking year for ransomware.”

“Ransomware Is ‘More Brutal’ Than Ever in 2024.”

Protecting endpoints from possible cyber threats is called Endpoint Security.

Endpoint Security is an integrated strategy that includes elements such as Data Loss Prevention, Endpoint Privilege Management, Endpoint Detection and Response, Extended Detection and Response, Patch Management, etc.

Each element serves a unique purpose, but ultimately, they all combine to uphold endpoint protection.

In this blog, we want to highlight Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM). EPM is a critical component of a comprehensive endpoint protection strategy. While traditional endpoint protection secures devices from external malware and phishing attacks, EPM goes further and manages the user privileges and applications on individual devices.

Come, let’s look at what EPM is, its working, necessity and how it reduces the attack surface.

What is Endpoint Privilege Management?

Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM) governs administration and privileged user activity on endpoints. EPM aims to reduce the attack surface by minimizing the risk of excessive privileges, which, when unnoticed, can lead to:

Insider attacks and unauthorized access that hamper data integrity

Catastrophize into zero-day vulnerabilities

Bring in ransomware and privilege escalation attacks

Result in compliance failures

As cyber-attacks increase in volume and sophistication, EPM takes a proactive security approach by staying a step ahead of attackers. EPM ensures that every endpoint is foolproof, and that no unauthorized user can go beyond restricted access levels. This is more of a necessity than a luxury today!

For example, to access critical resources, users must authenticate themselves with multiple verification factors like passwords. In case of offline access request situations, EPM generates OTPs to enable elevated access. This eliminates privilege misuse.

Take a hypothetical situation, where a user gets elevated privileges. EPM ensures that the elevated access is temporary, all logs are monitored and recorded – creating a secure and efficient space for both the user and the enterprise.

Also, EPM solutions cover all types of endpoints including Windows, Mac OS and Unix/Linux devices. So that no system falls behind in terms of protecting privileges.

Types of Privileged Users on Endpoints and Related Vulnerabilities

Local Administrator Accounts: Users with admin access on one specific endpoint or instance such as a workstation or a server. Often, local admin accounts are created by IT staff to run applications and manage user accounts on network devices.

When compromised, these admin accounts can serve in the installation of malicious software and control other user accounts within a machine.

Domain Administrator Accounts: Possess privileged admin access across all servers, systems and workstations within a domain. These users can modify admin access to every endpoint of a domain.

A compromised domain administrator account means widespread network breaches that compromise multiple systems.

Privileged Accounts: Privileged user accounts possess permissions to access critical data on one or more endpoints. Privileged users are named accounts with credentials (SSH keys, secrets, passwords, etc.).

Employees within companies and associated vendors, service providers and in some cases, machines (unnamed users) associate with privileged accounts.

It isn’t an exaggeration to say that privileged accounts are the primary target for most breaches, for they give elevated permissions to sabotage networks with just one strike!

Why is EPM Important?

Endpoints house highly sensitive passwords and organizational data. When these end user devices are not secured, threat actors can access critical data and launch catastrophic attacks like ransomware and malware, breaching applications or databases.

Endpoint Privilege Management reduces the attack surface by mitigating security gaps across internal, external and remote endpoints.

The first reason for the question, “why is EPM important?” is that it checkmates unauthorized access to confidential network resources and devices. We know that “humans are the weakest links in cyber security.” So, when the number of users possessing governing roles on an endpoint reduces, the weaker links can become stronger foundations.

In addition, EPM solutions provide just-in-time access and user authentication mechanisms to rule out the possibility of intentional/insider attacks.

Secondly, cyber security compliances continue to get stringent by day. Powerful regulatory guidelines like GDPR, PCI DSS, SAMA, NIS2, and NCA have provided mandatory controls for endpoint protection from malicious software and excessive privileges.

With EPM in place, applying policies and tools such as least privileges, zero trust, and MFA gets easier, which in turn can simplify compliance efforts. In addition, deploying a cutting-edge EPM solution can help in auditing by generating activity reports.

Next, having a modern Endpoint Privilege Management helps reduce “to err is human.” Advanced EPM systems automate mundane/manual privilege management, unburdening IT staff, so they can focus on those tasks that truly need the human element. Also, automation of privilege management on endpoints means a minimal window for error.

Finally, an EPM solution is essential for organizations seeking cyber insurance:

Limits local admin rights on endpoints, so users have only the necessary permissions to perform tasks.

Applying the principle of least privilege across an enterprise environment reduces the risk of privilege misuse, malware installation, and unauthorized activity.

The proactive approach of EPM lowers cyber risks and helps organizations demonstrate compliance with security best practices – making enterprises satisfy cyber insurance terms and possibly lower premiums.

How Does Endpoint Privilege Management Work?

EPM employs a combination of processes, security tools and policies to manage elevated privileges on endpoints. The flow goes as follows:

1. Identification & Assignment of Privileges

Analysis: The EPM security journey starts with assessing enterprise user roles, responsibilities and their current access levels to existing applications. This is followed by deciding on each user’s actually needed access levels.

Access Control: EPM systems assign and manage access rights based on these assessments. Users are given standard privileges by default; elevated privileges are granted only when needed for specific tasks.

2. Policy Definition & Enforcement

Policy Creation: Organizations define policies based on the principle of least privilege, ensuring users and applications have only the permissions they need.

Just-in-Time Access: EPM enforces policies by providing temporary privileged access (JIT) when necessary. Once the task requiring elevated rights gets completed, privileges are automatically revoked to reduce unauthorized access or privilege misuse risks.

3. Privilege Elevation Management

Controlled Elevation: When a user or application needs to perform an action that requires elevated privileges, EPM systems manage this request through a controlled process. This may involve requiring approval workflows for Just-in-Time access or validating the request against predefined policies.

Temporary Privilege Elevation: The system grants the necessary elevated privileges for a specified time and scope, ensuring that they are limited to what is required for the task.

4. Application Control & Whitelisting

Authorized Applications: EPM solutions maintain a list of approved applications permitted eligible to run with elevated privileges. Only authorized or approved applications are allowed or require additional approval.

Preventing Unauthorized Changes: EPM prevents unauthorized software installations by defining which applications can execute with administrative rights.

5. User Activity Monitoring & Logging

Activity Tracking: EPM systems continuously monitor, and log activities performed with elevated privileges.

Real-Time Alerts: The system generates real-time alerts for unauthorized privilege usage to help with quick incident response. In addition, EPM event logs can be sent to Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) tools for enhanced visibility and prompt incident response.

6. Auditing, Analytics & Reporting

Compliance Reporting: Detailed reports generated by an EPM solution on privileged activities help in auditing and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Incident Investigation: Event logs and complete audit trails provide a record of privileged access and actions taken and serve during security incident investigations.

Granular Reporting: Generates in-depth reports that offer granular details on user sessions, access patterns, and administrative actions. These reports provide insights into managing and utilising privileged access.

7. Integration

Robust Endpoint Privilege Management solutions leverage API integration to simplify integration with existing infrastructure. With APIs, IT staff can automate tasks, streamline workflows and integrate with third-party applications.

Best Practices to Uphold Privileged Endpoint Protection

Protecting enterprise networks is a continuous process, made more challenging by the chaotic cyber security incidents happening around the world. This applies to EPM, too.

Regular assessment makes Endpoint Privilege Management seamless. It helps in addressing challenges specific to enterprises and in tuning EPM solutions’ functionalities to match the constantly changing cyber landscape. Let’s look at other best practices to maximize the benefits of EPM solutions.

Validation of user roles and their associated privileges ensures permissions are consistent with current job functions and that any role changes are reflected in access rights.

Revise access levels, adjust privileged user role definition and implement new security measures as and when needed.

Implement a feedback mechanism for users and admins to report issues and suggest improvements for privilege management. Leverage feedback for policy updates and refinement of access controls.

Document the changes made during reviews and communicate the updates to relevant stakeholders for transparency.

The Sectona Security Platform for Endpoint Protection

Sectona offers an innovative access security platform to solve the complex challenges facing modern enterprises.

Sectona provides a unified platform with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Privileged Access Governance (PAG), Endpoint Privilege management (EPM) and advanced account analytics into a single, cohesive system. This helps in protecting enterprise networks from the base level while simplifying IT management.

From securing developer environments to enabling seamless remote access, the unified platform offers a comprehensive protection plan.

Eliminates the need for traditional security setups that consume time and effort while leaving gaps in the security posture.

From on-premises data centres to cloud environments and multi-site deployments, Sectona provides unparalleled scalability. Its decoupled components seamlessly integrate across various infrastructures, offering consistent security controls and management capabilities.

This flexibility empowers maintaining operational continuity while scaling security measures effectively, reducing risks associated with fragmented security solutions.

The tamper-proof vault enhances security by safeguarding sensitive information against unauthorized access or breaches.

Sectona also provides an enterprise-grade Endpoint Privilege Management solution (Standalone) which helps to protect privileges on Windows, Mac OS and Unix/Linux devices. The EPM Solution is built on micro-services and is easy to install and implement. Protect privileges everywhere, secure what matters and solve privileged user access challenges with Sectona! For more information about endpoint protection and remote device security, navigate to Sectona’s Endpoint Privilege Management. Explore the world of Privileged Access Management here.