When it comes to the company network, cybercriminals are always looking for ways to infiltrate and uncover lucrative data that the can either sell on the Dark Web or use as reconnaissance fodder to plan follow-on attacks. And you don’t have to be a large business for threat actors to set their sights on you — small and medium-sized (SMBs) are just as targeted, if not more so, than their bigger rivals.

What’s also true is that company endpoints – the places where individual employees interface with both the internet and the internal company network – are among the weakest links when it comes to corporate security. So, while there are a lot of reasons to turn to a managed service provider (MSP) for your mission-critical IT and communications needs, endpoint protection should be at or near the top of the list.

Here are the basics that SMBs should know about managed endpoints and security. We’ve also put together a quick, two-minute video overview of what they are and why they need management:

1.What are endpoints, exactly? [0:11]

An endpoint is any device that is connected to your network that employees use to carry out their job functions. These include the web-facing servers that run the applications that power your business, as well as the desktop and mobile computers/devices that your employees use to do their jobs every day.

2.Why do endpoints matter? [0:32]

Think of unprotected endpoints as wide-open doors and windows to your business. If they’re not secured and managed properly, bad actors can easily get in, installing malware, monitoring employee communications or snooping around the files on a computer. They can also pivot, get onto the network, and reach other corporate resources beyond the endpoint itself. The result? Security breaches, frequent system crashes and performance issues, lost productivity, frustrated employees and possibly even competitive harm or legal trouble.

3.It sounds like I really need endpoint protection. Can I handle it myself? [0:54]

While many companies would love to handle things in-house, this is really only feasible if you have the right tools for the job and dedicated IT security staff who have the know-how to cover all the bases. Those bases include making sure every single application and operating system is patched and updated; running daily malware and antivirus scans; purchasing and maintaining the latest endpoint security software for intrusion detection and performance monitoring; ensuring employees are using only sanctioned cloud services; requiring strong passwords; and implementing employee education around things like phishing threats. Unfortunately, it’s often far too complex and expensive for small business owners to put all of these things into place on an in-house basis, especially the technology pieces.

4.Is there anyone who can help me? [1:32]

Yes! Fortunately, managed service providers (MSPs) can act as an extension of your staff, guaranteeing that all of the technical details – like patching and malware scans – are done and that all the tools in use are continuously up-to-date.

TPx, for example, has invested in the best endpoint management technologies, so you don’t have to. We manage troubleshooting and repair, and more, all at one cost-effective price. That way, you can focus on growing your business, with peace of mind that the doors and windows are locked.

If you’re looking for a reliable managed service that will keep your endpoints safe, consider TPx. Visit www.tpx.com/endpoints and contact your TPx representative to learn more.

About the Author

Joe Royer is the Product Manager for IT/Cloud services at TPx. He has 25 years of industry experience in sales, consulting, and product management for several leading MSPs.