How SMB companies boost
their hybrid work environments
Against IT threats with endpoint security
Table of contents
crucial for hybrid work models?
behind-the-scenes of endpoint security
Executive summary
The continuous operational and strategic development of hybrid workplace models confronts IT decision makers in small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with new challenges. The security of endpoint devices onsite and on the move is gaining priority.
Endpoint security presents itself as a concept and key element that offers efficient protection against cyberthreats through targeted analysis, implementation, and continuous improvement. If IT managers consider certain aspects and take a structured approach, they will be able to meet the constantly changing requirements and developments of hybrid work models.
The key components of this security initiative involve the integration of hardware and firmware-based security components as well as future-oriented key technologies such as artificial intelligence. However, it also relies heavily on the continuous training of the workforce.
This whitepaper serves as an introduction, provides practical tips for IT managers in SMBs, and offers a guide for immediate implementation.
Introduction: Why endpoint security is crucial for hybrid work models
The modern work environment confronts IT decision-makers in SMBs with herculean challenges. Developing hybrid work options, meeting the needs of all stakeholders and employees, maintaining operations, and safeguarding information security – all of this requires a proactive approach. The robust protection of devices plays a key role in minimizing risks such as data loss, unauthorized access, or network attacks.
Moreover, there are risks associated with everyday events such as the purchase of unsafe or compromised devices, which are potential gateways for cyberattacks, or the loss or theft of notebooks. Cyberattacks such as IT outages, ransomware attacks, and data leaks have been the dominant risk around the world for the past two years. Data leaks are the biggest concern for companies, followed by ransomware and outages in digital supply chains and cloud services. Cyberattacks, whether caused by criminals or state-sponsored hackers, human error, or technical malfunction, cause significant business interruptions. Analysts of the Allianz Insurance confirm that such interruptions account for the majority of cyber-insurance claims.
Since attackers increasingly focus on digital and physical supply chains, they usually target multiple companies, which increases the pressure of extortion. SMBs are increasingly at risk, since larger companies are expanding their cybersecurity. Therefore, you need to be aware of the importance of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy in order to effectively counter the growing threats and limit potential damage.
Working conveniently and hassle-free from anywhere
With notebooks from the HP Elite Dragonfly series you will experience unparalleled mobility, no matter where you work. As a lightweight device of around 1 kg (2.2 lbs), with a 13.3” HD screen and a wide range of modern security functions, the Windows 11 laptop meets all the requirements of a hybrid work environment.
HP recommends Windows 11 Pro for companies as it is based on the Zero Trust principles to protect data and access everywhere.
The role of IT decision makers in the hybrid work environment
By implementing robust, scalable, and adaptable technology platforms as the IT manager, you promote flexible work models and support smooth transitions between working in the office and at home. The hybrid work model must be in line with the company’s objectives and take the corporate culture into account. The goal is to increase the productivity as well as the satisfaction of the team.
The desired goal is based on a carefully considered security strategy that ensures data protection and defends against cyberthreats. It is designed to strengthen employees’ confidence in the safety of their workplace. It is understandable and comprehensible that SMBs can face challenges such as limited resources, a lack of technical knowledge, and occasionally an incomplete risk assessment. However, these factors should not be obstacles for you, but rather opportunities for development and improvement – and ideally, nobody will have to worry about security in the end.
The key to safety in a hybrid work environment
Securing employee devices is an essential element of flexible work structures. As an IT decision maker, this enables you to overcome a variety of challenges and threats that arise from the widespread use of different networks and devices.
Increasing the level of security can be achieved by making strategic decisions when procuring hardware. For example, this includes selecting laptops with integrated security features such as biometric sensors and encryption technologies. Compatibility with the safety standards of the company is just as critically important. An example here would be a router that supports the latest security standard, WPA3. You can achieve continuous improvement in endpoint security through intelligent management processes. This includes installing software updates and patches via a central management system that ensures operating systems and applications are up to date on all devices.
Furthermore, special tools such as antivirus software or intrusion detection systems (IDS) can be used to detect and ward off threats. You can help increase security by automating these processes, for example through the use of security information and event management (SIEM) systems.
These measures are particularly important in hybrid work structures, which require a high level of complexity and flexibility, and securing endpoints across different networks is crucial for working on the move and at home.
HP Wolf Pro Security Edition: Integrated security made simple for SMBs
The comprehensive security solution HP Wolf Pro Security Edition (WPSE) is particularly user-friendly, even for non-experts, which conserves IT expert resources and promotes productivity. Small and medium-sized businesses in particular benefit from the low deployment costs, cloud-based administration, and simplified, centralized maintenance.
HP WPSE includes threat mitigation, data protection, and optional NGAV (next generation antivirus software).
Security from HP
HP Wolf Security is an advanced endpoint security solution designed specifically for businesses and organizations to comprehensively protect their endpoints such as PCs, notebooks, and tablets. In addition to software solutions, HP also offers hardware security solutions for endpoints to ensure a comprehensive security strategy.
One of these solutions is HP Sure Start, which offers self-healing BIOS security. HP Sure Start protects against malicious attacks on the BIOS that could compromise the startup process of endpoint devices. It ensures that the BIOS is up to date and remains unchanged so that the device can start safely.
Another hardware security solution is HP Sure Click, which uses a hardwaresupported virtual machine to run the browser in an isolated environment. This prevents malware or other threats from infecting the system or stealing data.
In addition, HP Wolf Security offers an integrated hardware security solution called HP Sure Sense, which uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect and combat threats in real time. HP Sure Sense can also complement the use of traditional antivirus tools to provide an additional layer of protection for endpoints.
Endpoint security demystified: A look behind the-scenes of endpoint security
Endpoint security comprises numerous measures and technologies to protect devices from cyberthreats. It forms a strong line of defense to prevent unauthorized access, detect and combat malware, and protect sensitive data from loss or theft. The history of endpoint security goes back to the 1980s. Over time, it has developed into an essential component of IT security.
The holistic approach: Multi-layered protection for endpoint devices
Components such as antivirus and anti-malware protection, robust firewalls, frequent hardware and firmware updates, strict access controls, and continuous monitoring form the foundation of effective endpoint security today. However, the requirements for IT security have changed:
• Ransomware attacks, in which data is encrypted and then released for ransom, are on the rise.
• Phishing attacks, in which attackers try to obtain sensitive information, are becoming increasingly common.
• Zero-day attacks, which exploit unknown security vulnerabilities, pose a serious threat.
• The increase in the number of social engineering attacks, in which attackers exploit human weaknesses to gain access to confidential information or systems.
However, in light of the changing threat landscape and increasing teleworking, conventional solutions are no longer sufficient. SMBs need to enhance their security strategies. As an IT manager, you should use additional measures such as behavioral analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to detect suspicious activities and unknown threats. A comprehensive approach that includes firewalls, encryption technologies, access controls, and frequent updates is crucial.
New measures for modern threats
Endpoint security in hybrid work environments is crucial to ward off complex threats and protect sensitive data. A holistic approach with hardware and software integration is important in order to be armed against malware, phishing, social engineering, zero-day exploits, and insider threats.
Modern platforms offer integrated security functions such as hardware-based encryption technologies. Special BIOS settings and extended configuration options can be used to enforce security guidelines and increase resilience to attacks. You can identify and neutralize suspicious processes with modern techniques, including the analysis of user behavior, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
A step-by-step guide to implementing endpoint security
For a responsible IT manager of a small or medium-sized company, the development of an effective endpoint security strategy and its integration into existing security systems is of the utmost importance. This is especially crucial in light of the advancing hybrid work concepts. The following guide offers a structured approach to implementing endpoint security and emphasizes the importance of individual aspects in hybrid work environments.
1. Meticulous analysis of existing security concepts
Start with an in-depth examination of your current security practices. Identify vulnerabilities and gaps that potentially compromise endpoints. Prioritize current threats and the security of hybrid work environments. Involve relevant stakeholders and evaluate existing measures such as firewalls and antivirus software. You can verify the resilience of your systems through audits and penetration tests.
Tasks and checkpoints:
• Review your company’s existing safety policies and procedures for their effectiveness and relevance.
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current security infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities and potential attack vectors.
• Analyze past security incidents and their impact to identify patterns and trends and learn lessons.
The comprehensive protective shield: Innovative HP products for endpoint security
When it comes to the security of devices, the HP portfolio is regarded as comprehensive corporate protection against threats. The integration of security components and functions into the hardware and firmware of business PCs guarantees hardware-based protection. The following is an overview of various security elements from HP that are aimed at small and medium-sized businesses.
Comprehensive security on business PCs
HP Wolf Security is a comprehensive security solution developed specifically for corporate PCs. It includes integrated security solutions, hardware-based protection, automated monitoring and response, AI-based threat detection, and efficient recovery options. Automated monitoring and response enables continuous monitoring of the PC status in order to detect and automatically respond to unusual activities or attacks. AI-based threat detection identifies advanced and unknown threats, while efficient recovery options minimize downtime and maximize productivity.
The HP Endpoint Security Controller: A central component
A central component of the HP endpoint security stack is the HP Endpoint Security Controller. This microcontroller ensures hardware-based, self-healing, and manageable protection at the hardware level. It provides a physically isolated and cryptographically protected hardware trust basis for the entire security stack. The controller works below the operating system and enables important security functions such as detection, updating, recovery, and management.
Secure BIOS management without compromise
A remarkable element of the portfolio is HP Sure Start. It detects integrity violations in the PC BIOS firmware and the settings and automatically initiates self-healing measures. This ensures that only authentic firmware and settings are executed. In the event of damage, HP Sure Start restores the correct firmware and settings from a private copy.
Improved BIOS management with HP Sure Admin
HP Sure Admin enables improved, secure BIOS management by replacing BIOS passwords with a public key managed by the IT security team. This solution allows secure communication and remote management of the BIOS firmware configuration.
Application isolation with HP Sure Click
HP Sure Click provides application isolation through micro-virtualization. This technology isolates high-risk tasks in virtual disposable machines to prevent malicious activities. Isolation at hardware level is particularly resistant to software bypasses.
2. Integration of endpoint security
The development of a sophisticated strategy for endpoint security integration is essential. You should take the requirements of your hybrid work environment into account. With the support of your IT department, if available, and external consultants or service providers, you can analyze existing security concepts and define clear specifications for endpoint security integration. Implement the selected solutions and ensure effective cooperation with existing security systems.
Tasks and checkpoints:
• Identify the different types of end devices (desktop computers laptops, mobile devices, etc.) used in the company and create an inventory list.
• Evaluate endpoint security solutions that meet your specific requirements to facilitate an appropriate selection. This includes obtaining quotes, comparing the offers and the evaluation of various aspects, such as functionality, reliability, user-friendliness, costs, support, and technical requirements.
• Implement a centralized endpoint security management solution to efficiently manage device configurations, patches, and security policies.
3. Consideration of hybrid work environments
Hybrid work environments require a flexible approach to endpoint security. Aspects such as encrypted connections and secure authentication are extremely important. Suitable solutions offer protection for local and remote endpoints and support functions for remote management.
Tasks and checkpoints:
• Analyze current work practices and requirements to understand the specific challenges of the hybrid work environment.
• Implement a secure network infrastructure that supports both physical and virtual workstations.
• Create policies and procedures for secure access to corporate resources from remote locations, including authentication methods.
4. Employee education and training
Effective endpoint security requires well-informed and trained personnel. Make your employees aware of safety risks and encourage appropriate behavior, especially in hybrid work environments. Communicate safety policies and procedures and ensure that all employees can recognize and report safety threats.
Tasks and checkpoints:
• Use training programs to educate everyone in the company about the importance of endpoint security and encourage conscious behavior.
• Conduct periodic security training to keep all departments up to date on current threats and security best practices.
• Establish a culture of security in which employees proactively report threats and make conscious security decisions.
5. Constant monitoring and adjustment
Continuous monitoring and optimization of security measures is the key to effective endpoint security. A robust monitoring system enables real-time detection of threats. Periodic checks and updates ensure that security patches are up to date on all endpoints. Constantly adapt your security strategy to the changing threat landscape and the requirements of hybrid work environments. Information on this topic can be found at Heise Security, the HP Security Bulletins, or the BSI Security Newsletter.
Tasks and checkpoints:
• Implement a continuous monitoring system to detect potential security incidents and respond quickly.
• Periodically update security policies and procedures to keep pace with the everevolving threat landscape.
• Conduct periodic audits to review the effectiveness of the endpoint security strategy and identify possible improvements.
