Endpoints are everywhere in the healthcare sector – and each one represents a potential security threat. When even simple medical devices can be hacked and used as an attack vector, basic password security is no longer enough. Steps must be taken to secure every aspect of your organization, including endpoints. But how can this be accomplished when many devices don’t even have built-in security?
The answer is unified endpoint management. More than just a basic solution, this strategy defends your organization’s most vulnerable assets and closes those attack vectors before they can be exploited.
What is Unified Endpoint Management?
Unified endpoint management, sometimes called UEM, is a framework that allows you to centrally control and secure all devices connected to your network. “Endpoints” may include:
- Computers (desktops and laptops)
- Mobile devices (smartphones and tablets)
- Internet of Things (IoT) devices
- Medical equipment with network connectivity
- Virtual desktops and remote workstations
Unlike traditional endpoint management, which relies on separate tools for different device types, this strategy integrates everything into a single platform.
What Are the Benefits?
Unified endpoint management solutions can provide your healthcare organization with numerous advantages:
1. Stronger Security and Compliance
Healthcare is a highly regulated industry, due to the vast amount of sensitive data staff handle. This information is a goldmine for threat actors, who can sell it, extort victims, or use it for future attacks. Unified endpoint management tools enforce the same security policies against all devices, ensuring consistent compliance and a stronger defense.
2. Centralized Control and Visibility
One of the biggest challenges for any healthcare IT team is managing a large number of devices across many locations. A unified strategy centralizes this process, making it easier to monitor, configure, and secure every endpoint from a distance.
3. Improved Device Performance and Lifecycle Management
When every endpoint can be accessed from one location, maintenance becomes a much simpler process. Your team can track device health, schedule software updates, and even automate certain tasks, keeping every part of your organization fully operational.
4. Cost Savings and Higher Efficiency
Securing endpoints one by one is time-consuming and expensive. Unified endpoint management solutions lower the costs associated with multiple platforms, and help your team secure devices more efficiently.
Unified Endpoint Management and Hybrid Workplaces
The introduction of hybrid work into some healthcare organizations has brought with it new security risks. Providers now access internal networks from various locations, increasing the potential for a breach to occur. Unified endpoint management tools address these risks by focusing on individual devices, instead of relying only on the networks they’re connected to. The ability to secure all endpoints from one location makes it much safer for healthcare staff to work externally when necessary.
How to Implement It
Implementing unified endpoint management will take time and effort. Here are some steps you can follow to ensure a smooth transition:
1. Assess Current IT Infrastructure
Identify all endpoints that connect to your organization’s network, and evaluate your existing security measures. This will help you determine the best approach.
2. Choose the Right Solution
Carefully evaluate the different unified endpoint management tools available, considering factors such as:
- Scalability
- Compatibility with existing systems
- Security capabilities
3. Implement Security Policies
Develop clear protocols for device usage, software updates, and data handling. These should be enforced across all endpoints that use your unified platform, and the organization as a whole. Take this time to also secure other areas of your business, such as networks and data storage.
4. Provide Training and Awareness
End-users will play a crucial role in the effectiveness of your strategy. Educate your staff on endpoint security best practices, safe data handling procedures, and how to recognize an ongoing attack.
5. Monitor and Optimize
Continuously monitor and optimize to ensure your unified endpoint management solution remains effective over time. Be sure to add any new devices quickly, or they will be left vulnerable.
Best Unified Endpoint Management Tools
Choosing the right unified endpoint management tool is essential for success. Here are some good options:
1. Microsoft Intune
- Ideal for organizations using Microsoft solutions
- Provides cloud-based security and policy enforcement
- Seamless integration with Windows devices and mobile platforms
2. ManageEngine Endpoint Central
- User-friendly
- Prioritizes compliance
- Fast support response times
3. Workspace One UEM
- Seamless SSO integration
- Flexible licenses
- Good for remote and hybrid work environments
Security Starts With Your Endpoints: Protect Them Now
Endpoint security is a difficult process without the right tools – but it doesn’t have to be. By centralizing device management, you unlock the ability to protect your organization without all the hassle. While locating the right unified endpoint management solution may take time, it is worth the trouble for the long-term benefits to security, efficiency, and compliance.
Are your devices secure? CyOp Cybersecurity understands that a safer organization starts with your endpoints – and that all too often, they can become your weakest link. So our team doesn’t just implement basic security measures. Instead we actively monitor your devices for threats, responding in real time to keep your organization safe. Learn more about how we can defend your endpoints now.