What is Endpoint Protection and Why Does it Matter?

In today’s hybrid work environment, every device - laptop, smartphone, tablet, desktop, or even a printer - that connects to your business network is considered an endpoint. These endpoints are the gateways through which users access data, applications, and services.  

For Australian small and medium businesses (SMBs), securing these endpoints is no longer optional - it’s foundational. According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), even a minor cyber incident could cripple an SMB. With over 40% of cyberattacks targeting SMBs¹, the “we’re too small to be a target” mindset is dangerously outdated. 

What Is Endpoint Protection? 

Endpoint protection refers to the suite of security technologies and policies designed to defend endpoints from cyber threats. These devices are often the first point of compromise in attacks involving: 

• Ransomware 

• Credential theft 

• Data exfiltration 

• Insider threats 

Modern endpoint protection goes far beyond traditional antivirus. It includes: 

• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Monitors device behaviour to detect and contain threats in real time. 

• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Prevents sensitive data from being copied, printed, or uploaded to unauthorised locations.  

• Patch Management: Closes known vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them. 

• Device Control: Manages USB, Bluetooth, and peripheral access. 

• Zero Trust Architecture: Assumes no device or user is trusted by default and enforces continuous verification. 

Why Endpoint Protection Matters for SMBs 

1. Attackers Exploit Weak Links 

SMBs are often targeted not because of who they are, but because of what they lack - robust defences. Automated attacks scan for unpatched systems and unsecured endpoints.  

2. Data Is the New Currency 

Endpoints are conduits for sensitive data - client records, financials, intellectual property. Without DLP and encryption, this data is vulnerable to theft or accidental leakage.  

3. Endpoint Sprawl Increases Risk 

With remote work, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), and cloud apps, managing endpoints has become complex. Many SMBs use fragmented tools, leading to alert fatigue, blind spots, and higher breach risk. 

The ACSC’s Essential Eight: A Strategic Framework for Endpoint Security 

The Essential Eight is a set of prioritised mitigation strategies developed by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) to help organisations - especially SMBs - defend against common cyber threats. It’s not just a checklist - it’s a baseline security framework that significantly raises the cost and complexity for adversaries². 

Each strategy directly supports endpoint protection: 

• Application Control: Prevents unauthorised applications (including malware) from executing on endpoints. 

• Patch Applications: Closes vulnerabilities in software like browsers and document readers. 

• Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings: Blocks malicious macros, a common ransomware delivery method. 

• User Application Hardening: Disables exploitable features like Flash, ads, and Java. 

• Restrict Administrative Privileges: Limits the blast radius of compromised accounts. 

• Patch Operating Systems: Closes OS-level vulnerabilities. 

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds a second layer of identity verification. 

• Regular Backups: Ensures data can be restored after ransomware or destructive attacks.  

Maturity Model: A Measurable Path to Resilience 

The ACSC defines four maturity levels: 

• Level 0: No effective implementation. 

• Level 1: Basic protection against opportunistic threats. 

• Level 2: Protection against targeted and persistent threats. 

• Level 3: Advanced protection against sophisticated adversaries.  

For SMBs, Maturity Level 1 is the recommended starting point. It’s designed to mitigate threats from adversaries using widely available tools - precisely the kind of attacks that target under-resourced businesses.  

Why It Matters for Endpoint Protection 

The Essential Eight enhances endpoint security by: 

• Reducing attack surface: Through application control and privilege restrictions. 

• Improving visibility: Via patching and logging. 

• Supporting recovery: With enforced backup strategies. 

• Enabling assessment: Organisations can self-assess or engage third parties using ACSC’s toolkit.  

Real-World Example 

A 2025 report by the Ponemon Institute found that 64% of Australian companies hit by ransomware³ were forced to halt operations, with attackers often exploiting unpatched systems to gain access.  

Key Findings: 

• Unpatched systems and hybrid environments were identified as primary weak links exploited by attackers. 

• 43% of affected companies reported significant revenue losses. 

• 42% had to eliminate jobs, and 39% lost customers due to the attack. 

• On average, it took 17 people working 134 hours each to contain and remediate the largest ransomware incidents. 

• Only 18% of Australian organisations had implemented microsegmentation—a key control to prevent lateral movement once an endpoint is compromised. 

This case study demonstrates how failure to patch endpoints and segment networks can lead to full operational shutdowns, financial losses, and reputational damage – especially for SMBs. 

Final Thoughts 

Endpoint protection is not just an IT concern - it’s a business continuity imperative. For SMBs, the cost of inaction is far greater than the investment in modern endpoint security. 

Start with the basics. Build toward a Zero Trust model. And remember: your endpoints are your front line. Need help? Ring us up and we’ll help ensure that your endpoints are secured.

Sources

1. Why are CyberCriminals Going After Smaller Targets?

2. Essential Eight Strategies

3. Illumio Research Reveals 64% of Aussie Companies Hit by Ransomware Forced to Stop