Understanding the Anatomy of an Endpoint Attack: A Primer

For a couple of years, organizations of all sizes relied heavily on signature-based anti-malware programs to secure endpoint systems. Unfortunately, modern cybersecurity threats and attacks are fast and sophisticated, evading traditional endpoint security solutions. Kaspersky lists several types of endpoint devices, including medical devices, Point of Sale (POS) systems, scanners, digital printers, wearables, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, mobile devices, desktop computers, tablets, and laptops. 

Endpoints can provide security loopholes to threat actors. They can exploit vulnerabilities, encrypt data, or perform exfiltration. Hacking techniques are more advanced than the enhancements organizations are making.  The 2022 Endpoint Security Report discovers that 34% of enterprises do not have sufficient visibility into what is happening on their endpoints. According to a 2020 Ponemon Institute Study, 68% of businesses faced one or more endpoint attacks that successfully compromised their IT infrastructure and/or critical data. 

This article provides insight into the anatomy of an endpoint attack, including how cybercriminals infiltrate endpoints, their impacts, and how they  can be prevented. 

How Do Cybercriminals Infiltrate Endpoints?

A surge in customer-facing and network-connected products, BYOD devices, IoT devices, and remote work opportunities have made endpoints more vulnerable than ever. Security vulnerabilities are high, and hackers have more opportunities to exploit them. 

Single Factor Authentication

Some organizations use single-factor authentication, such as a password alone, for authentication purposes. The absence of Multifactor Authentication (MFA) may lead to an endpoint attack. For example, hackers can crack a password using password attacks, such as a dictionary or brute-force attack. 

Phishing

Novice endpoint users often fall prey to endpoint attacks. Phishing emails contain a malicious attachment and links to malware. No sooner a user opens the attachment than malware executes and hostages the victim endpoint. Untrained users cannot spot the difference between phishing and legitimate emails. 

Insiders

Disgruntled employees or users may not be happy with their organizations. Unusual terminations, punishments, or unhappiness with a current salary can lead to deliberate data exposure or endpoint exploitation. If companies don't have a mechanism to deal with malicious insiders, endpoint attacks can occur, and these insiders may expose the company's sensitive information to competitors. 

JavaScript Method 

The JavaScript method involves Windows's built-in scripting engine to carry out attacks. Before launching the attack, cybercriminals use dropper files such as JavaScript or macro-laced office documents. Dropper files may contain malware, such as Trojan Horse or Backdoor, to execute malware and deploy the secondary payload on the victim endpoint. 

What Are the Impacts of Endpoint Attacks?

Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) is one of the most dangerous endpoint devices. Some organizations allow BYOD to their employees for remote work. Unfortunately, BYOD devices can open the floodgates of endpoint attacks. 

Even though remote working risks are high, only 47% of businesses deploy 24/7 surveillance, and 50% of organizations apply encryption to their critical data. 

A successful endpoint attack has a significant impact on the victim organization. According to the 2022 Endpoint Security Report, organizations suffered a loss from an endpoint attack in terms of: 

• End-user productivity (47%)

• System downtime (40%) 

• Loss of IT productivity (39%) 

• Reputation and brand damage (36%) 

• Theft of information assets (32%) 

• Business revenue impact (28%) 

IBM Security Cost of Data Breach Report 2023 reveals that the average data breach costs organizations $4.45 million. 

In addition, endpoint compliance ensures that corporate endpoint systems are protected in the face of cybersecurity threats and attacks. Compliance regimes like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), SOC2, the EDU NIS2 Directives, etc., provide guidance to secure all parts of business networks and endpoints. Non-compliant organizations have to bear the brunt of heavy penalties and fines, such as that of GDPR. 

How Can You Prevent Endpoint Attacks? 

Organizations must protect their endpoints with solid security solutions and multilayer security. Look at the following sections for more details. 

Continuous Authentication

Use continuous authentication with cryptographic attestation to prevent unauthorized access to your network. Doing so can help confirm that the individual trying to access is who he says he is. 

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

Implement Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) to deal with cyber threats sneaking past endpoint security solutions. More importantly, the EDR solution continuously monitors files and apps on each endpoint device and hunts suspicious activities. Moreover, the EDR includes Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), behavioral analysis, advanced analytics, intelligent alerting systems, automation, and investigation and remediation. 

Extended Detection and Response (XDR)

Utilize an Extended Detection and Response (XDR) security solution that extends the functionality of the EDR threat detection and response platform. In addition to protecting endpoint devices, the XDR safeguards cloud platforms, networks, applications, databases, and storage facilities. 

Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)

Deploy Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) that combines Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) with some other endpoint solutions, including application control, email gateway, integrated firewalls, data classification and data loss prevention, and web control. 

Security Patches and Updates

Apply patches in a timely manner and update systems as soon as possible. Delays in applying patches can create security vulnerabilities and porous holes for threat actors to penetrate. 

Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Use Multifactor Authentication (MFA) for all endpoints. It's an additional layer of security that requires endpoint users to provide two or more authentication factors before granting access to endpoints. Endpoint MFA ensures risk mitigation even when passwords are exploited because of weak passwords. 

Encryption 

Encrypt all the critical data and information stored on corporate endpoints. Doing so can help protect organizations' digital assets' confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Security Awareness and Training Program 

Hackers mainly utilize human error to penetrate endpoints. Therefore, a security awareness and training program should be initiated to educate employees and all endpoint users. The program must include training about all endpoint attacks and educate individuals regarding how to spot and prevent these attacks. 

Conclusion 

The bottom line is that endpoint attacks have surged dramatically, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has driven the widespread adoption of Work From Home (WFH) strategies globally. Understanding the anatomy of an endpoint attack is crucial for protecting your systems and data. As endpoint attacks become increasingly sophisticated, relying solely on traditional security measures is no longer sufficient. You must adopt a multifaceted approach to endpoint security. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can safeguard your endpoints against evolving cyber threats and maintain the integrity and security of your IT infrastructure.

Learn more about the evolving landscape of cybersecurity trends.