This article is part of Electronic Design’s 2024 Technology Forecast series.
What you’ll learn
- How further integration of AI and ML will impact endpoint security.
- Expanding adoption of Zero Trust Architecture.
- Building secure, encrypted solutions for data at rest using CSfC components.
Virtually everyone has a laptop today, especially after COVID-19 altered our work locations and habits. But most people don’t realize that laptops are perfect examples of critical “endpoints” in the world of IT. And they’re especially important in cybersecurity planning.
In general, an endpoint is a device or node in a network, such as a computer or smartphone. Endpoint security protects these devices from cyber threats, ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and availability.
At the onset of the pandemic, nearly everyone worked from home if they had that option. This sudden transformation in workplaces burdened IT staff all over the world.
Not only did IT need to furnish employees with proper equipment, but they had to consider the security concerns for the millions of laptops and computers that were suddenly put into the hands and homes of people who never thought much about cybersecurity. Even though many employees have returned to work in offices, the widened need for diligent endpoint security that surfaced during the pandemic is still vitally important.
In 2024, several trends will shape the landscape of endpoint security. These span the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), the growing importance of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), and more. The following key trends will influence the future of endpoint security most dramatically in the coming year.
AI and ML Integration
It’s been barely a year since ChatGPT arrived on the scene, catapulting AI into conversations and workflows everywhere. We will see a significant leap in the use of AI and ML in endpoint security in 2024. The ability to quickly analyze large amounts of data from networks and users means that sophisticated threat detection and mitigation will take place more rapidly and in real-time.
However, the cat-and-mouse game will escalate between those who need to constantly reinforce endpoint security against the latest cyberthreats and those bad actors who create the cyberthreats. It’s not only cyber defenders who utilize AI and ML, but threat actors use AI and ML to create more sophisticated attacks that will slide by undetected.
Zero Trust Architecture Implementation
The adoption of ZTA will continue its expansion drumbeat in 2024, representing an ongoing paradigm shift in cybersecurity philosophy. The concept revolves around the idea that trust is never assumed, and strict access controls are maintained regardless of a user’s or device's location. With the proliferation of remote and mobile work, organizations will implement continuous verification of users and devices, a fundamental principle of Zero Trust, to bolster their defense against potential breaches.
Endpoint protection is a key component of a ZTA. That’s because endpoints are most often the intersection between the world (or internet) at large and sensitive, secret, and proprietary information that should be kept under strict control.
As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand, we will see increased integration of IoT security into endpoint protection strategies. Endpoint security solutions will be tailored to secure a broader range of connected devices beyond traditional computers and mobile devices, recognizing the diverse threat landscape posed by an interconnected world.
Hardware-Assisted Endpoint Security with Secure SSDs
Zero Trust adoption likely means that there will be more checkpoints for access to secure, or sensitive networks and data, especially data at rest (DAR). In the military and other government agencies, the use of certified storage devices, such as Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC)-listed components, to build secure, encrypted storage solutions for DAR, will continue to increase. CSfC is an NSA program to enable secure cybersecurity solutions that leverage commercial technologies and products instead of expensive custom products.
In endpoint security, we will continue to see the use of CSfC-listed, self-encrypting storage integrated into endpoint devices. Features such as pre-boot authentication (PBA), which requires users to authenticate to the boot storage device before the computer starts up, will become the new table stakes in a variety of industries for eliminating unauthorized device boot access as well as access to DAR.
Secure storage embedded in endpoints will become the basis for sophisticated software endpoint security solutions layered on top.
Enhanced User Authentication and Focus on Insider Threats
In addition to PBA, user authentication will see continued advances in 2024, with a focus on bolstering identity verification. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) will evolve to become more sophisticated, incorporating biometric authentication and behavioral analysis. These enhancements will contribute to creating a more secure access environment, mitigating the risks associated with compromised user credentials.
Heightened emphasis on mitigating insider threats will be a key focus area in 2024. Behavioral analytics and monitoring will play a crucial role in identifying potential risks within the organization. Endpoint security solutions will be designed to prevent data exfiltration and unauthorized access, addressing the challenges posed by employees or other insiders with malicious intent.
Endpoint Detection and Response Advances
Endpoint detection and response (EDR) will improve significantly in 2024, offering more comprehensive threat visibility and response capabilities. These solutions will not operate in isolation, but rather integrate seamlessly with other security tools, fostering a holistic approach to cybersecurity. By enhancing threat detection and response capabilities, organizations can better safeguard their endpoints against evolving cyber threats.
Conclusion
As endpoint security evolves, it’s paramount for organizations seeking to safeguard their digital assets to keep pace. As we anticipate the trends shaping 2024, it’s evident that a multi-faceted approach, encompassing advanced technologies, strategic architecture, user empowerment, and secure SSD storage, will be crucial for building resilient and adaptive endpoint security strategies. By embracing these trends, organizations can fortify their defenses and navigate the evolving threat landscape with confidence.
Check out more articles from Electronic Design’s 2024 Technology Forecast series.