The workstation: cybercriminals' new playground

With the widespread adoption of remote working and hybrid environments, combining both on-site and remote working, the workstation has become the preferred gateway for cybercriminals to attack your digital infrastructure. Laptops, tablets, smartphones... every connected device represents a potential risk that must be effectively protected.

An unsecured endpoint, i.e., a physical device connected to a network to exchange information, represents a potential breach of your sensitive data, critical applications, and ultimately, your reputation.

Faced with this very real risk, it is therefore essential to ask yourself the following question: Do your employees have modern AND secure tools?

 

The challenges of the modern workplace

Since its democratization due to Covid, hybrid work has been based on three pillars to be functional: mobility, collaboration, and rapid access to resources. The modern workplace must therefore be flexible, but this flexibility comes at a price and is not without risks.

First of all, the hybridization of workplaces means a proliferation of active terminals. Between BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and professional equipment, the number of connected devices has increased tenfold to meet operational needs, thereby increasing the potential attack surface.

Another major challenge concerns mobility and the use of cloud applications. This mobility means that your data can travel wherever you go. But is this data really secure everywhere?

On the purely hardware side, the issue of what is known as Shadow IT, i.e., tools that are not approved by the IT team and are therefore beyond their control, is also an important consideration.

Finally, another major challenge remains the regulatory pressure (NIS2) that requires companies to control access and secure work environments.

As you can see, securing your endpoints is crucial to the smooth running of your business, without which it may be exposed to a whole range of significant threats.

Better understanding for better protection: real-life examples

Ransomware, data theft, and industrial espionage can quickly become a reality for unsuspecting users, with examples including:

• Targeted phishing (spear phishing): an employee receives an email imitating a legitimate supplier. By clicking on a link, they install malware that opens remote access to the attacker.
• Corrupted public Wi-Fi: while working remotely in a café, a user connects to a compromised network. Session credentials are intercepted, allowing unauthorized access to cloud applications.
• Shadow IT: a marketing department installs an unapproved SaaS tool for sharing files. This service is compromised, exposing sensitive data to third parties.
• Ransomware via USB drive: an employee plugs in an infected USB drive picked up at a trade show. The result: critical data is encrypted and a ransom is demanded.

 

Why are endpoints so vulnerable?

Endpoints are at the heart of a company's daily operations. Every click, every download, every connection can be an opportunity for an attacker to penetrate a system.

In fact, cybercriminals mainly exploit:

• Software vulnerabilities (outdated systems).
• Risky behavior (installation of unauthorized applications, personal use of terminals).
• Uncontrolled access (file sharing via unsecured platforms).

 

How can you secure your endpoints without slowing down productivity?

The answer lies not in blocking, but in striking a balance between user experience and enhanced security. To achieve this goal, action must be taken in three specific areas:

 

1. Centralized device management

• Inventory and control all devices connected to your network.
• Deploy consistent security policies (encryption, automatic updates, MFA).
• Manage access rights according to roles (principle of least privilege).

2. Enterprise browser and session isolation

• Separate professional and personal use.
• Reduce risks related to SaaS access and sensitive data.
• Limit unauthorized downloads and risky extensions.

 

3. Real-time detection and response

Not all EDRs (Endpoint Detection & Response) are created equal. Our R&D team has tested them for you. Find out which ones make a difference by downloading our R&D Study.

Download our R&D Study

Why is this essential?

Because mobility and the cloud have become the norm. An unsecured workstation is an open door to your data, and therefore to the heart of your business. By investing in endpoint security, you will be able to:

• Reduce the risk of intrusion and ransomware..
• Ensure regulatory compliance.
• Provide your teams with a modern, fluid, and secure work environment..

At Shinka IT, our team of IT experts in network infrastructure and cybersecurity is here to support you in securing your systems and raising awareness among your teams.

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