What is Endpoint Management? A Definitive Guide for Businesses

Businesses rely on different devices to operate efficiently—laptops for employees, smartphones for communication, and IoT (Internet of Things) gadgets for data exchange.

These devices, known as endpoints, are important for productivity and collaboration. However, they can also be susceptible to security threats, which can impact operations.

This is where endpoint management steps in to help maintain control over these devices. It allows IT teams to manage, secure, and update devices from a central system.

In today's article, we will define endpoint management, how it works, and why it is important. We'll also cover its challenges and best practices to address common difficulties.

What is Endpoint Management?

Endpoint management refers to the practice of monitoring and maintaining endpoint devices, like desktops and laptops, connected to a company's network infrastructure.

With unified endpoint management (UEM), organizations can enforce security policies, apply updates, and track endpoint activity from a single platform. This approach ensures every device operates as intended, regardless of its location or usage.

Types of Endpoints

Businesses can manage different types of endpoint devices, such as:

• Laptops and desktops used for daily operations
• Own devices of employees working in companies that follow a BYOD (bring your own device) policy
• Smartphones and tablets for mobile communication and remote work
• IoT devices, such as sensors and smart equipment
• Printers and scanners with network access
• Point-of-sale (POS) systems for retail transactions

How Does Endpoint Management Work?

After defining endpoint management, it's time to focus on how it works. Below are the key steps involved in the endpoint management process.

Discover and Enroll Endpoints

The first step in endpoint management is identifying all devices connected to the network. These endpoint devices can include laptops, smartphones, IoT devices, and even corporate printers.

IT teams use endpoint management software solutions to scan for connected devices and ensure each one is accounted for.

Once detected, devices are enrolled in the endpoint management system to enable centralized control.

Define and Deploy Policies

Endpoint management policies are rules and configurations IT teams create to standardize how devices operate. These policies include enforcing strong passwords, enabling encryption, restricting remote access to specific applications, and setting update schedules.

After defining policies, they are deployed across all endpoints automatically.

This step is especially important for businesses with remote devices, as it can help them enforce company-wide IT protocols.

Monitor Device Activity

Monitoring is an ongoing part of the endpoint management process. This involves checking device performance, network usage, and security logs.

IT teams should also track device activity to identify unusual behavior, maintain compliance with policies, and detect potential threats.

Real-time insights from remote monitoring tools provide a clear picture of a network's health. It also helps prevent downtime by catching problems early.

Manage Updates and Patches

In addition to device and network monitoring, endpoint management also covers updates and patches. They protect devices against security vulnerabilities, which often arise from outdated systems.

Endpoint management tools with automated patch management capabilities simplify this process. They automatically update devices to ensure they remain current without manual intervention.

Enforce Security Protocols

Keeping systems updated is often not enough to mitigate cyber-attacks and data breaches.

That's why the endpoint management process also involves enforcing strict measures. These include data encryption, firewalls, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and privileged access management.

Security protocols protect sensitive corporate data and systems from unauthorized access. They also support compliance with industry regulations.

Troubleshoot and Resolve Issues

Despite applying regular updates and strict security measures, device issues can still arise.

Endpoint management allows IT teams to troubleshoot problems, such as software errors, connectivity issues, and performance slowdowns.

Fast troubleshooting minimizes downtime and keeps employees productive, even in the face of unexpected technical challenges.

Analyze and Optimize Performance

Endpoint management doesn’t stop at resolving device issues. It's a continuous process that involves improving endpoint performance.

IT teams analyze usage data and performance metrics to identify inefficiencies or underperforming systems. This analysis helps businesses optimize resources, improve device management, and make informed decisions about upgrades or replacements.

Why is Endpoint Management Important?

With the increasing use of devices and the rise of cyber threats, effective endpoint management has become a top priority for businesses. Here are the reasons why endpoint management matters:

Strengthen Endpoint Security

Endpoint management protects every device on your network against cyber threats.

By using endpoint security solutions, businesses can monitor device activity, manage third-party patches, and enforce policies. This proactive approach minimizes risks like data breaches, ransomware, and unauthorized access.

Increase IT Efficiency

Centralized management allows your IT teams to monitor and control all devices from a single platform. This saves time and effort, as they no longer need to switch between different tools to manage your company's endpoints.

Endpoint management software also includes IT automation tools to handle repetitive tasks. It allows your employees to focus on more important activities, which can increase IT efficiency.

Ensure Regulatory Compliance

Businesses, especially those in highly regulated industries, should meet strict data privacy and security standards.

Fortunately, endpoint management helps your organization meet compliance by enforcing consistent policies across all devices.

Endpoint management tools also have reporting capabilities, making it easier to prove adherence to regulations. These prevent costly fines or legal issues.

Maintain Business Continuity

Unmanaged devices can disrupt operations if they’re compromised or encounter unexpected downtime.

Endpoint management keeps systems running smoothly by detecting and resolving issues early. It also ensures that devices are running the latest patches to mitigate security threats and support uninterrupted workflows.

Optimize Resource Allocation

With proper endpoint management, IT teams can analyze device usage to allocate resources effectively. This helps identify underused assets, reduce software licensing costs, and plan for future upgrades.

Businesses can maximize the value of their IT investments while maintaining a secure and efficient infrastructure.

Who Needs Endpoint Management?

Every organization with devices connected to its network needs endpoint management. Here's a list of industries that can benefit the most from endpoint management:

• Information technology: IT companies and managed service providers (MSPs) use endpoint management to secure client data and maintain reliable operations.
• Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics handle patient data and connect medical devices with endpoint management systems.
• Educational institutions: Schools need endpoint management to secure devices used by students, teachers, and administrators.
• Banking and financial services: Banks protect sensitive financial data and meet regulatory standards using endpoint management solutions.
• Government agencies: Government bodies deal with classified information. They need endpoint management tools to keep data confidential and comply with security regulations.

Companies with remote workers: Businesses with remote workforces greatly benefit from endpoint management solutions. These allow them to maintain security and improve employee productivity.

Common Challenges in Endpoint Management

Managing endpoints comes with its fair share of challenges.

Businesses often struggle with overseeing different types of devices, including laptops, smartphones, and IoT systems. That's because each endpoint has its own distinct configurations and requirements.

Another common challenge is maintaining endpoint security. New threats emerge every day, and they target remote devices and outdated equipment. If you neglect endpoints, you risk data breaches and cyber-attacks that lead to downtime.

Compatibility issues further complicate things, as IT teams must manage various operating systems and software versions. These challenges demand a structured approach to keep devices secure, functional, and compliant.

Best Practices for Successful Endpoint Management

Adopting best practices can address the common challenges mentioned before. Below are some tips to make the endpoint management process smoother and more effective.

Create a Centralized Inventory

Maintain a comprehensive list of all devices connected to your network. You can use an asset inventory to track, monitor, and manage endpoints efficiently.

A centralized system also simplifies troubleshooting because your IT team can quickly access device details.

Standardize Device Configurations

Implement consistent security settings and software configurations across devices. Doing so reduces the risk of misconfigurations that can lead to vulnerabilities.

Standardization also makes it easier to deploy updates and fix issues across multiple devices.

Conduct Regular Audits

Schedule routine audits to check for non-compliant devices or outdated software. This helps you detect potential threats before they impact operations.

Invest in Endpoint Management Software

Endpoint management software provides your IT teams with the tools they need to oversee devices efficiently. These solutions automate repetitive tasks, such as applying updates, monitoring device health, and enforcing policies.

Endpoint management tools also generate real-time insights. These allow you to stay ahead of risks and mitigate them.

Investing in the right software saves time, reduces manual work, and improves overall security.

Train Employees on Security Awareness

Even with a powerful endpoint management system, human error remains a significant risk. It's important to educate employees about cybersecurity best practices to minimize threats.

Training should cover topics like recognizing phishing emails, creating strong passwords, and handling sensitive data securely.

When employees are aware of risks and know how to respond, they become a valuable part of your security strategy.

Criteria for Choosing the Best Endpoint Management Solution

Having the best endpoint management software can be a game-changer for businesses. Here are the factors to consider when evaluating different options:

• System compatibility: Check if the software supports all your devices and operating systems. For example, some tools are only designed for Windows, while others can handle Mac and Linux.
• Scalability: Choose a tool that grows with your business. It should handle additional endpoints without compromising performance.
• Ease of deployment: Quick setup and integrations can save your IT team valuable time and effort.
• Security features: Encryption, multi-factor authentication, and threat detection protect endpoints against security threats.
• Automation tools: These save time and manual effort by handling routine tasks automatically.
• Real-time reporting: This feature helps you monitor device performance and compliance in real time.
• Cost: Choose software that fits your budget without compromising key features.‍
• Vendor support: Check if the vendor offers email, phone, or chat support. Other resources like documentation, community forums, and video tutorials can also be useful to resolve technical issues.

Seamless and Secure Endpoint Management with Level

Level is a remote monitoring and management (RMM) software that helps you oversee all endpoints across your IT environment.

It features endpoint management capabilities that provide information about each device's status, health, and usage. These insights make it easier to stay ahead of security threats and other issues.

Level also offers automated tools to save time and allow your IT team to focus on more important tasks. It can automatically handle software patching, device backups, and system checks.

Level gives you peace of mind, knowing that your endpoints are secured and operating efficiently. The platform even exceeds privacy and security requirements to ensure sensitive company data remains confidential.

Book a demo or start a free 14-day trial of Level today!

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FAQs About Endpoint Management

What is endpoint management?

Endpoint management is the process of monitoring and maintaining devices like laptops, desktops, and IoT systems connected to a business network. The main goal is to ensure endpoints are compliant, updated, and secure.

Tools like mobile device management (MDM) are often part of endpoint management. MDM allows IT teams to oversee smartphones and enforce company policies.

What does an Endpoint Manager do?

Endpoint Manager by Microsoft is an extensive solution for managing and securing endpoint devices. It combines Microsoft Intune and Configuration Manager to provide a unified platform for deploying updates, enforcing security protocols, and monitoring device performance.

Is SCCM an endpoint management?

Yes, System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), now called Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, is a popular endpoint management tool. It is designed for monitoring devices and applications connected to the Windows operating system.

What is an example of an endpoint?

Endpoints include any device connected to a business network. Common examples are desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, printers, and IoT devices like sensors. These devices interact with a company's network, which can make them important for operations.