09 Jan SMB IT Challenges: Endpoint/Device Management
Small and midsized businesses have an increasingly large number of ‘behind the curtain’ plates they must keep spinning just to support their underlying businesses. From managing finances and hiring staff, to marketing and sales, there are any number of tasks associated with the running of the business that must be assigned or outsourced.
And now, as business leaders adapt to the changing realities of the increasingly ‘remote’ workplace, another task has begun to take on even more prominence – the need to manage a largely dispersed set of IT devices, or ‘endpoints.’
Endpoint management refers to the process of securing and managing the various devices that connect a business’ network, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and even IoT devices.
A comprehensive endpoint management strategy is crucial for any small or businesses for several reasons:
1. Security
Cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and small businesses are often the target of attacks. A strong endpoint management strategy can help protect your business from threats such as malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks, as well as unauthorized access to your network by implementing security measures such as antivirus software, firewalls, and strong passwords to protect their endpoint devices and prevent potential breaches.
2. Productivity
With a well-managed endpoint environment, your employees will be able to work more efficiently and effectively. They’ll have the tools they need to get their job done, and they’ll be able to access the resources they need without delay. A comprehensive endpoint management strategy ensures that all devices are up-to-date with the latest software and security patches, which helps prevent issues such as hardware failures and slow performance.
3. Compliance:
Depending on your industry, you may be required to adhere to certain regulations and standards. A robust endpoint management strategy can help you ensure that you’re in compliance with these regulations, which can help prevent costly fines and legal issues.
So, how do you go about creating a comprehensive endpoint management strategy for your small business?
Here are a few key steps:
A. Inventory your devices
Make a list of all the devices that connect to your business network, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices. This will help you get a better understanding of your endpoint environment and identify any potential vulnerabilities.
B. Implement security measures
There are a number of security measures you can take to protect your endpoint devices, including installing antivirus software, implementing firewalls, and using strong passwords.
C. Establish policies and procedures
Develop policies and procedures for managing and securing your endpoint devices, and make sure all employees are aware of them. This might include guidelines for installing software, using strong passwords, and accessing sensitive data.
D. Use endpoint management software
There are a number of endpoint management tools available that can help you manage and secure your devices. These tools can help you keep track of your inventory, push out software updates, and enforce security policies.
A comprehensive endpoint management strategy is essential for small businesses. It helps protect your business from cybersecurity threats, increases productivity, ensures compliance, and can even save you money in the long run. By taking the time to implement the right measures and tools, you can create a secure and efficient endpoint environment that will help your business thrive.
About Altourage
Altourage is a client-obsessed managed service provider, offering IT and Cybersecurity services to clients in ‘high-trust’ sectors, including Financial Services, Professional Services and Nonprofit Organizations.
We offer both fully managed and co-managed services – customizing our services or integrating with our clients’ existing teams to build successful long-term partnerships.