Course 10 - Network Security Fundamentals | Episode 5: Protecting and Hardening Network Endpoints: Concepts, Strategies, and Management
Update: 2025-11-26
Description
In this lesson, you’ll learn about:
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- Why endpoint security is essential in modern networks
- Key strategies for protecting endpoints from malware and attacks
- Hardening techniques that reduce the attack surface
- How Network Access Control (NAC) enhances security
- The role and capabilities of HIDS/HIPS
- Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems and BYOD policies
- Endpoint security became critical after the shift from host-terminal systems to distributed client-server environments in the late 1980s.
- Endpoints now have computational power, making them attractive and vulnerable targets for attackers.
- Compromising an endpoint is often the easiest way for an attacker to infiltrate the rest of the network.
- Endpoints requiring protection include:
- PCs, laptops, smartphones, tablets
- Smart TVs, smart watches
- E-readers and IoT devices (e.g., HVAC systems, sensors, appliances)
- To limit lateral movement, organizations must use network segmentation (e.g., VLANs) so that a breach in one segment does not compromise the entire network.
- Anti-malware software must be installed on all endpoints.
- Automated deployment (e.g., Group Policy) ensures consistency and coverage.
- All operating systems—Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, IoT—must be regularly patched.
- NAC enforces security requirements before or during network access.
- Two main deployment styles:
- Proactive NAC: Device must have anti-malware and meet security standards before joining the network.
- Reactive NAC: Device is removed from the network if malware or misconfiguration is detected.
- NAC strengthens confidentiality and integrity, though proactive enforcement may temporarily reduce availability.
- For high-value systems, install:
- Host-Based Intrusion Detection Systems (HIDS)
- Host-Based Intrusion Prevention Systems (HIPS)
- These tools monitor:
- Logs, configuration changes, system files
- Suspicious activity on the host
- Designed to protect critical assets such as servers containing sensitive proprietary data.
- Disable unnecessary services and accounts
- Remove guest accounts
- Disable unused protocols (e.g., Telnet)
- Remove unused or insecure software
- Strong AAA (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting)
- Enforce password complexity and rotation
- Restrict permissions to the minimum required (least privilege)
- Log actions for visibility and auditing
- Security Policies
- Account lockout after too many failed logins
- Automatic screen lock after 1–2 minutes of inactivity
- Isolation and Encryption
- Use virtualization (VMs) or containers to sandbox risky apps
- Encrypt data at rest and in transit (e.g., TLS, IPsec)
- Follow Manufacturer and Industry Guidance
- Apply security baselines
- Follow vendor best practices and secure configuration checklists
- Remote Wiping
- Erase data from lost or stolen devices to prevent data exposure.
- Policy Enforcement
- Mandatory screen locks
- Password and lockout requirements
- Application Control
- Whitelisting: Only approved apps can run
- Blacklisting: Blocks dangerous or unapproved apps
- MDM is especially important in BYOD environments, where personal devices access corporate data.
You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms:
https://linktr.ee/cybercode_academy
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