TL;DR
Endpoint monitoring is essential for maintaining an organization's IT infrastructure's security, efficiency, and compliance. It protects against malware, unauthorized access, and data breaches with real-time threat detection and response. It should have features including real-time monitoring, network status, centralized control, etc.
The best endpoint monitoring tools are:
- Strac
- NinjaOne
- Miradore
- Microsoft Endpoint Manager
- Hexnode
- Teramind
- Atera
Endpoints are often the most vulnerable entry points for cyber attacks, making their monitoring essential. Unless organizations monitor endpoints effectively, they risk data breaches, unauthorized access, and compliance failures. The rise of remote work and mobile device usage further complicates these security challenges, exposing networks to more significant risks.
An endpoint monitoring tool offers a comprehensive solution to these issues by providing continuous oversight and real-time alerts. Here, we explore the top seven endpoint monitoring tools for IT security. Let’s begin.
A Checklist of Features for Endpoint Monitoring Tools
An ideal endpoint monitoring tool should offer robust security measures and enhance operational efficiency and data integrity. Here are the essential features to ensure your IT infrastructure is secure, compliant, and runs smoothly.
1. Centralized Control and Management
An endpoint monitoring tool provides a unified console for IT administrators to monitor and manage all endpoints seamlessly. This consolidation simplifies oversight and reduces complexity by deploying updates, configuring settings, and enforcing policies to be managed centrally.
2. Security Management
Advanced threat detection, antivirus protection, and policy enforcement are essential to safeguard against malware, vulnerabilities, and unauthorized access. These security measures are crucial for protecting sensitive data and maintaining network integrity. Continuous monitoring and the uniform application of security policies across all devices help prevent data breaches and comply with regulations.
3. Remote Management
Managing devices remotely is crucial to avoid data breaches in today's remote work environment. Endpoint monitoring tools with remote management capabilities enable IT administrators to access, troubleshoot, and resolve issues on endpoints. This feature minimizes downtime and enhances productivity.
4. Data Backup and Recovery
Regular backups ensure that critical data is preserved, while recovery features allow for swift restoration in case of hardware failures, cyberattacks, or other disruptions. These capabilities protect against data loss and ensure business continuity. It will enable organizations to recover quickly and resume normal operations with minimal impact.
5. Reporting and Analytics
Effective endpoint monitoring tools provide detailed reports on device performance, security incidents, and compliance status. Analytics help identify trends and detect anomalies for valuable insights that guide proactive measures to enhance overall security.
Leveraging these insights enables IT teams to optimize strategies, allocate resources effectively, and ensure continuous network protection.
Best Endpoint Monitoring Tools for Enhanced Security and Efficiency
These tools will help enhance cybersecurity measures, streamline IT operations, and ensure compliance with modern IT standards.
1. Strac
Strac is a powerful endpoint monitoring tool with DLP abilities that comprehensively oversees and manages SaaS, cloud, and network-connected devices. It supports a wide range of compliance standards and integrates seamlessly with existing IT infrastructures. Its holistic approach to endpoint security ensures a reliable and future-proof endpoint monitoring solution.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Detection Options: Strac offers sensitive data detectors for regulatory frameworks like PCI, HIPAA, and GDPR, with customization options for specific data elements.
- Regulatory Compliance Support: The platform helps users meet compliance requirements for frameworks such as PCI, SOC 2, HIPAA, ISO-27001, CCPA, GDPR, and NIST.
- Seamless Integration: Integration with Strac is swift and user-friendly, typically taking less than 10 minutes. It allows immediate access to features like DLP, live scanning, and live redaction.
- High-Accuracy Detection and Redaction: Strac utilizes custom machine learning models to ensure precise identification and redaction of sensitive data, minimizing false positives and negatives.
- Advanced AI Integration: In addition to traditional integrations, Strac connects with leading AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Microsoft Copilot to enhance functionality.
- Encryption for Removable Media: Strac ensures that data transferred to external media is encrypted, protecting against physical data theft.
- Consistent Offline Policy Enforcement: The platform ensures that security policies are enforced even when devices are offline, maintaining continuous data protection.
- Inline Redaction Capabilities: Strac allows for the real-time masking or blurring of sensitive information within attachments, ensuring data protection in shared documents.
Most Suitable for:
- Startups to large enterprises seeking a comprehensive endpoint monitoring solution with advanced security features, seamless integration, and robust compliance support.
- Industries such as healthcare, finance, and legal services, where data protection and regulatory compliance are paramount.
What are Customers Saying about Strac
2. NinjaOne
NinjaOne is an all-in-one endpoint management and monitoring solution designed to enhance IT security and efficiency. It integrates endpoint performance monitoring, task automation, remote access, software management, and automated patching. This platform especially benefits organizations with remote or hybrid workforces, offering user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive features to streamline endpoint management.
Key Features
- Unified endpoint management with a single-pane-of-glass interface for all endpoint devices.
- Remote monitoring and management to track and manage devices from any location.
- Live telemetry data for real-time data on endpoint performance for quick issue resolution.
- Automated patching and software management to ensure all devices are up-to-date and secure with automated updates.
- Task automation of IT to increase efficiency.
- Robust security features like drive encryption management, antivirus management, and role-based access control.
- Alerting and reporting for real-time alerts and detailed reports on endpoint health and performance.
3. Miradore
Miradore is cloud-based Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) software that manages various devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. It also tracks other IT assets such as monitors, VR headsets, printers, and wearables, providing a centralized platform for Android, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, and macOS devices.
Key Features
- A centralized control for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS devices.
- It encrypts data, enforces passcodes, and supports remote lock/wipe.
- It ensures compliance with policies and regulations like GDPR.
- Remote app installation and control feature with automation for compliance.
- Dashboards and analytics for device health and status.
- Create and deploy configuration profiles with remote support integration.
4. Microsoft Endpoint Manager
Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM) is designed to empower organizations by enabling secure access to resources from any device, anywhere. It integrates application-level controls and intent-based policies to ensure users only access necessary resources.
MEM provides centralized management for all networked devices, including on-premises, remote, and personal devices. It enhances cloud security across virtual endpoints to protect users' remote devices from threats.
Key Features
- The centralized management allows managing all endpoints, including on-premises, remote, corporate-owned, and personal devices.
- It employs Zero Trust security controls to protect the entire network consistently.
- It enables automated remediation for workspace applications, ensuring continuous protection and compliance.
- Comprehensive device compliance ensures compliance with device types and applications to control data flow across mobile and desktop environments.
- It manages encryption, antivirus, firewall, and other security technologies to safeguard organizational data.
- The BYOD ecosystem promotes the secure management of diverse devices, including desktops, mobiles, and BYOD.
5. Hexnode
Hexnode is a comprehensive Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) software designed to streamline the management of various devices from a single, centralized console. It is ideal for organizations implementing bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies to enhance both security and user experience. Hexnode empowers IT teams to remotely secure, encrypt, lock, and wipe data, thus significantly strengthening the security framework of the organization.
Key Features
- Hexnode offers continuous 24/7 monitoring of endpoints, allowing IT teams to track device health and status.
- The centralized controls simplify the management of desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and IoT devices.
- It enforces compliance with corporate policies and regulatory standards, using features like BitLocker management and password rules.
- Location-based policies allow tracking and geofencing to manage devices based on their geographical location.
- Real-time remote support enhances troubleshooting capabilities, allowing IT teams to address technical issues quickly and efficiently.
- It generates comprehensive reports on device usage, compliance, application management, and more.
6. Teramind
Teramind ranks highly among endpoint monitoring tools for its extensive visibility and control over IT infrastructure and workforce. It enhances data security, mitigates risks, and optimizes employee productivity.
Teramind's robust feature set includes advanced monitoring capabilities such as user activity tracking, website monitoring, file transfer tracking, and session recording. These features enable organizations to gain detailed insights into employee behavior, identify potential security risks, and ensure compliance with data security standards.
Key Features
- Teramind tracks and records user activities, including keystrokes, websites visited, and application usage, for insights into employee behavior and security threats.
- It monitors web browsing activities and blocks access to non-work-related or risky websites.
- It generates detailed reports and analytics on employee productivity, time utilization, and potential insider risks.
- The file transfer & web file tracking feature logs file transfers, downloads, and uploads across the network to prevent data loss and data exfiltration.
- It allows remote access and control of employee workstations for troubleshooting or assistance in managing remote or hybrid workforces.
- Its DLP capabilities prevent accidental or intentional data leaks by blocking actions that violate data security policies.
7. Atera
Atera is a powerful unified endpoint management solution tailored for IT teams and managed service providers (MSPs). It offers comprehensive remote monitoring and management capabilities, enabling users to maintain a real-time, holistic view of multiple networks.
This allows IT professionals to efficiently oversee various aspects of their IT infrastructure, promptly address issues, and enhance support capabilities. Atera's proactive design, featuring real-time alerts, ensures that potential problems are detected and resolved before they escalate.
Key Features
- Atera delivers immediate insights into system resources, network status, IP monitoring, logged-in users, and active directory activities.
- Its network discovery facilitates simplified network discovery and monitoring through a consolidated single-pane view.
- It enhances efficiency by automating administrative and maintenance tasks across all devices and servers.
- The automated patch management provides detailed status reports and allows for the direct application of missing patches.
- Its intuitive and interactive interface ensures smooth navigation and a seamless user experience.
- It enables IT administrators to remotely access and control devices for troubleshooting, maintenance, and security checks.
- It offers a centralized console for monitoring and managing all endpoints from one location.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Endpoint Monitoring Software
Selecting the right endpoint monitoring software is crucial for maintaining a secure and efficient IT infrastructure. To make an informed decision, consider the following key factors:
1. Compatibility and Scalability
Your organization must ensure the endpoint monitoring software is compatible with its existing hardware, operating systems, and software applications. The tool should seamlessly integrate with your current IT environment without requiring extensive modifications. Additionally, the software should support an increasing number of endpoints and adapt to business changes.
2. Security Features
Look for tools that offer advanced threat detection, antivirus protection, firewall capabilities, and encryption. These features help safeguard against malware, vulnerabilities, and unauthorized access. Additionally, patch management capabilities are critical to ensure that all devices are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
3. Remote Management Capabilities
Effective endpoint monitoring software should allow IT administrators to access, configure, and troubleshoot devices remotely. Features such as remote desktop control, software deployment, and real-time alerts can significantly enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of IT support teams. It will reduce the downtime and improve overall productivity.
4. Automation and Integration
Automation features can streamline endpoint management tasks, reducing the burden on IT staff. Look for software that can automate routine tasks such as software updates, configuration management, and compliance checks. Additionally, integration with other IT management tools and systems, such as IT service management (ITSM) and network monitoring solutions, can provide an efficient IT management environment.
5. Vendor Support
Reliable vendor support is a critical factor in the successful implementation and ongoing operation of endpoint monitoring software. Evaluate the vendor's reputation, customer reviews, and the quality of their support services. Consider factors such as availability of technical support, documentation, training resources, and responsiveness to issues.
Final Thoughts
Endpoint monitoring tools are essential for maintaining the security and efficiency of modern IT infrastructures. They provide critical oversight and management capability to help organizations protect against cyber threats and ensure regulatory compliance.
With Strac, you can choose one of the industry's most effective endpoint monitoring tools. Its advanced security features, including threat detection and policy enforcement, are designed to protect all devices from cyber threats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is endpoint monitoring software?
Endpoint monitoring software is a tool used to continuously oversee and manage the various devices connected to a network. The devices could be desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. It helps detect and mitigate potential security threats, enforce policies, manage configurations, and maintain data integrity across all connected devices.
2. What software do you use for endpoint management?
Organizations often rely on industry-leading tools such as Strac for their centralized control, robust security measures, and DLP capabilities. Several leading software solutions, such as NinjaOne, Miradore, Zluri, etc., are widely recognized and used in the industry.
3. What is endpoint activity monitoring?
Endpoint activity monitoring refers to tracking and analyzing the activities performed on endpoint devices within a network. This includes monitoring user actions, application usage, file access, and network connections. It is intended to detect and prevent malicious activities and ensure compliance with security policies.
4. What are EDR tools?
EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) tools are specialized cybersecurity solutions designed to detect, investigate, and respond to advanced threats targeting endpoint devices. These tools provide continuous monitoring and comprehensive visibility into endpoint activities to detect suspicious behavior and potential security incidents.