Everything you need to know about Unified Endpoint Management

1. What is endpoint management?

Endpoint management refers to The process of managing, monitoring, and securing all devicesthat are used within a corporate network. Devices include:

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• desktop computers
• laptops
• smartphones
• tablets
• Cash register systems
• servers
• industrial PCs
• more IoT devices

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This list could go on forever — the variety now even extends to smart faucets with a Windows operating system. In view of increasing mobility and flexibility of work environments — such as through home office or bring-your-own-device (BYOD) concepts — it is essential for companies to have a reliable endpoint strategy. The goal of endpoint management is to minimize potential security risks, control access to corporate data, meet compliance requirements and at the same time ensure a positive user experience when onboarding and using devices.

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With central administration and monitoring of all devices, Detect and prevent security incidents at an early stage. Endpoint Management also ensures that all devices are always equipped with the latest security updates and patches. These measures help prevent data loss and ensure consistent IT security. Finally, well-implemented endpoint management also provides a structured overview of the IT infrastructure and makes administration easier.

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2. Why is endpoint management important?

In an increasingly digital working world, endpoint management is essential for companies to Security and efficiency of your IT infrastructure to ensure. Since devices form the interface between end users and corporate resources, they represent potential entry points for cyber attacks and data leaks. Over 90% of successful cyber attacks involve either the device or the end user directly, which makes protecting this interface particularly important. Endpoint Management protects companies by providing centralized control over all devices and enabling IT teams to identify and fix security gaps early on.

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In addition to protecting against threats, endpoint management also helps to Compliance with regulatory and internal compliance standards ensure. Many industries, such as healthcare and the financial sector, are subject to strict data protection requirements, in which the protection of end devices plays a decisive role.

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The introduction and implementation of comprehensive endpoint management can therefore not only protect companies from data loss and attacks, but also prevent heavy fines and loss of image. In addition, smooth endpoint management contributes to employee satisfaction, as it enables uncomplicated and reliable processes. However, security measures often conflict with ease of use — especially in today's world, safety has clear priority here.

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3. The role and relevance of endpoint management for companies

Endpoint management plays a central role in security and efficiency in companies and provides numerous benefits that go beyond simply managing end devices. Here are the key benefits in detail:

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Increased security and threat protection

Endpoint management enables companies to Centrally monitor and control the security of all connected devices. A central component is the System hardening, which minimizes potential vulnerabilities, such as removing unnecessary applications and restricting access rights.

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In addition, this plays patch management an important role, as regular updates close security gaps. Together with a Endpoint Protection Platform like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint This combination offers proactive protection against threats such as malware or phishing — essential in view of increasing cyber threats.

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Centralized management and greater control

A major advantage of endpoint management is central control over all devices in the network. Through a unified platform, IT administrators can Control settings, policies, and access for all devices, regardless of their location. This greatly simplifies administration and allows IT teams to respond more quickly to security issues. This central administration provides a transparent overview of the IT infrastructure and makes it easier to identify potential weaknesses.

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Increasing productivity through automation

Endpoint management solutions offer numerous automation functions that relieve IT teams and make repetitive tasks more efficient. This includes, for example, the automatic installation of software updates or security patches. By reducing manual intervention, IT departments have more capacity for strategic tasks and can focus on more complex challenges. At the same time, employees also benefit because Minimize downtime due to security updates and they work on the latest, well-protected systems.

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Easier compliance policy compliance

Many industries are subject to strict regulatory requirements that require the protection of sensitive data and compliance with specific security standards. ISO 27001 and NIS 2 These are important standards that provide clear guidelines for information security and the protection of critical infrastructures.

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Endpoint Management helps companies implement these compliance requirements by providing the Protects data on devices and sets clear access and security policies. Audits and controls can also be simplified through centralized administration, as all safety-relevant information and settings are available in one place.

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Support for flexible working models

With the increasing Using home office and BYOD models (Bring Your Own Device), companies need solutions that ensure secure access to corporate resources even outside the office environment. Endpoint Management provides the necessary security and control to securely integrate personal or mobile devices into the network. Clearly defined policies for BYOD and remote access minimize security risks, while at the same time allowing employees to work more flexibly, from anywhere.

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These benefits show that endpoint management is much more than just an administrative task. It forms the Basis for a strong IT security concept and helps companies to work efficiently, securely and in compliance with the law.

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4. Endpoint Management Challenges

Although endpoint management offers many benefits, companies stand by Implementation and maintenance often faced with a range of challenges. Here are the key points in detail:

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Management complexity

Managing a wide range of devices can be fast complex and resource-intensive become. Companies often use a mix of different operating systems (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) and device types (desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets), which have different security requirements.

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This Diversity can make it difficult to manage and implement consistent security standards. Particularly for large companies or globally active companies that manage devices in different countries, the complexity is high and requires a well-thought-out strategy and experienced IT staff to keep track of things.

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Implementation and maintenance costs

The financial outlay for comprehensive endpoint management should not be underestimated. In addition to the Acquisition costs for special software solutions include ongoing costs for licenses, support, training and maintenance on. However, the most expensive are the specialized employees with the necessary know-how, which are essential to implement and operate such solutions.

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Companies must continuously invest in updating software to ensure that security standards are always up to date. Even with Security threats or system failures Costs can rise quickly as fast, effective support is required to prevent business interruptions and loss of data. For smaller companies, this financial outlay can be a hurdle and make it difficult to invest in endpoint management.

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Data protection and compliance

Central monitoring of all devices can lead to data protection concerns. Especially in countries and regions with strict data protection guidelines, such as the EU with the GDPR, companies must ensure that monitoring is compliant and that no illegal data is collected from employees. This is particularly tricky when employees use private devices for work purposes, as is the case with BYOD (Bring Your Own Device).

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Standards such as NIS 2 and ISO 27001 require comprehensive protection of data and critical infrastructure, while the GDPR also ensures that employee privacy is maintained. Companies must create a balancing act here: On the one hand, devices should be protected and company data stored securely, and on the other hand, the privacy and personal data of employees must not be breached. A well-defined BYOD policy framework is necessary to ensure data protection and compliance.

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User acceptance and training costs

Implementing new security policies and tools can be met with resistance from employees, particularly if the measures are perceived as cumbersome or restrictive. Employees could circumvent safety requirementsif they feel that they are affecting their productivity.

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Another important point is the amount of training required: To ensure that all employees use the devices and software correctly and securely, regular training be carried out. This effort ties up resources and requires a long-term strategy for employee acceptance. However, through well-structured training and clear communication, companies can increase awareness of security risks and the importance of endpoint management.

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Many companies are faced with the challenge of continuously patching, hardening and reliably monitoring their systems. Endpoint Management as a Service offers a valuable solution here, as it is often difficult to provide the necessary capacities and specialized employees in your own team. A managed service can help to maintain a high level of security over the long term and thus avoid risks such as unpatched software or unhardened systems. Eine Sophisticated endpoint strategy thus ensures long-term protection and efficiency.

‍Dorian Garbe, managing director of SOFTTAILOR

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Despite these challenges, Endpoint management is usually essential, and with thoughtful planning, companies can successfully overcome most difficulties and take advantage of a secure IT environment.

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5. Use cases and supported device types

With the increasing variety of devices and the flexibility of modern work models, the importance of endpoint management is also growing. Here is an overview of the most important use cases and supported device types:

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BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

Through a Implementing BYOD Many companies allow their employees to use private devices such as smartphones or laptops for professional purposes. Endpoint Management ensures that these devices securely integrated into the corporate network without causing security risks. By applying specific security policies, private devices can be monitored and controlled to protect corporate data.

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Home office and mobile work

With the relocation of many workplaces to the home office, the need to protect data outside the office environment is increasing. Endpoint Management enables secure management and Control of devices that are operated remotely, as well as monitoring data access.

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Dies ist besonders wichtig, da Heimnetzwerke oft nicht die gleiche Sicherheit bieten wie die Netzwerke im Unternehmen. Lösungen wie z.B. Microsoft Intune und Entra ID stärken die Sicherheit zusätzlich und deviceTRUST ermöglicht eine granulare Echtzeitsteuerung des Zugriffs mobiler Geräte auf Unternehmensressourcen.

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IoT- und Spezialgeräte

Auch IoT-Geräte und spezialisierte Hardware wie Drucker und Scanner gehören heute zur erweiterten IT-Umgebung vieler Unternehmen. Diese Geräte haben besondere Sicherheitsanforderungen und müssen in das Management einbezogen werden, um potenzielle Schwachstellen zu schließen.

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Besonders kritisch sind diese Geräte, da sie häufig nicht im Fokus stehen, aber durch ihre zentrale Rolle in der Produktion oder Dienstleistung erheblichen Schaden anrichten können. Sie werden zunehmend zu beliebten Zielen für Angreifer und bedürfen daher besonderer Schutzmaßnahmen.

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Hybrid-Umgebungen und Multi-Plattform-Support

Die Unterstützung verschiedener Betriebssysteme wie Windows, macOS, iOS und Android ist für Unternehmen essenziell. Endpoint Management kann hybride und Multi-Plattform-Umgebungen verwalten, um einheitliche Sicherheitsrichtlinien für alle Geräte zu etablieren – unabhängig von Plattform oder Betriebssystem.

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Der Übergang zu Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)

Angesichts der Vielfalt und Komplexität moderner Endgeräte setzen viele Unternehmen heute auf Unified Endpoint Management (UEM), das alle Endgeräte über eine einheitliche Plattform integriert und verwaltet. UEM baut auf klassischem Endpoint Management auf und ermöglicht die zentrale Verwaltung aller Endgeräte, Anwendungen und Daten in einer Lösung. Besonders wertvoll ist UEM in Umgebungen mit BYOD, Homeoffice und IoT-Geräten, da es eine umfassendere Kontrolle und Sicherheit bietet.

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Ein entscheidender Vorteil von UEM ist die plattformübergreifende Unterstützung: Früher waren separate Lösungen für verschiedene Betriebssysteme erforderlich. Microsoft Intune hingegen bietet heute eine zentrale Verwaltungsoption für eine breite Palette von Plattformen, darunter Windows, macOS, iOS, Android und sogar Linux (z. B. Ubuntu und RedHat).

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Trotz eingeschränkter Funktionen auf bestimmten Plattformen ermöglicht Intune eine konsistente Sicherheits- und Zugriffskontrolle über alle Endgeräte hinweg. Durch die zentrale Verwaltung aller Geräte vereinfacht UEM das Management und erhöht die Effizienz – ein Vorteil, der besonders in Unternehmen mit großen, verteilten IT-Umgebungen spürbar wird. Unternehmen profitieren von einer höheren Sicherheit und einem besseren Überblick über die gesamte IT-Infrastruktur.

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6. Auswahlkriterien und führende Lösungen im Endpoint Management

Bei der Auswahl einer passenden Endpoint-Management-Lösung ist es wichtig, verschiedene Kriterien zu berücksichtigen, um sicherzustellen, dass die Lösung den spezifischen Anforderungen des Unternehmens gerecht wird. Zu den wichtigsten Kriterien gehören:

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• On-Premise, Cloud oder Hybrid: Unternehmen sollten entscheiden, ob sie eine On-Premise-, Cloud-basierte oder hybride Lösung bevorzugen. Cloud-basierte UEM-Lösungen hatten 2023 den größeren Marktanteil, allerdings eignen sie sich meistes nicht für Unternehmen mit spezifischen und strengen Datenschutzanforderungen.
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• Skalierbarkeit und Flexibilität: Die Lösung sollte mit dem Unternehmen wachsen und sich an veränderte Anforderungen anpassen lassen. Insbesondere bei steigender Anzahl an Endgeräten ist eine flexible Skalierung erforderlich, ohne Kompromisse bei Sicherheit oder Verwaltungskomfort einzugehen.
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• Plattform- und Geräteunterstützung: In heterogenen IT-Umgebungen ist die Unterstützung verschiedener Betriebssysteme wie Windows, macOS, iOS und Android entscheidend. Nur so kann eine einheitliche Verwaltung sichergestellt werden, unabhängig von den genutzten Geräten.
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• Sicherheits- und Compliance-Funktionen: Eine Endpoint-Management-Lösung sollte starke Sicherheitsfunktionen bieten, die Bedrohungen frühzeitig erkennen und abwehren sowie die Einhaltung gesetzlicher Vorschriften unterstützen. Patch-Management, Bedrohungserkennung und Datenverschlüsselung sind zentrale Sicherheitsmerkmale.
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• Benutzerfreundlichkeit und Administrationskomfort: Intuitive Oberflächen und Dashboards vereinfachen die Nutzung und ermöglichen eine effiziente Reaktion auf Sicherheitsvorfälle.
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• Integration mit bestehenden Systemen: Für Unternehmen, die bereits IT- und Sicherheitssysteme verwenden, ist eine nahtlose Integration entscheidend, um die Prozesse zu optimieren und Komplikationen zu minimieren.
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Überblick: Lösungen im Endpoint Management

Hier sind einige der wichtigsten Tools und Lösungen für Endpoint Management. SOFTTAILOR setzt hier hauptsächlich auf Microsoft-Produkte und bietet Migrationen zu Intune und MECM an.

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1. Microsoft Intune: Microsoft Intune bietet eine cloudbasierte Plattform für das Management mobiler und stationärer Geräte und zeichnet sich durch seine Integration in die Microsoft 365-Umgebung aus. Unternehmen können Geräte sowohl in der Cloud als auch in hybriden Umgebungen verwalten, und IT-Teams profitieren von Funktionen wie automatisiertem Patch-Management, Zugriffssteuerungen und mobilen Sicherheitsfunktionen. Die nahtlose Einbindung in Microsoft-Anwendungen macht Intune besonders geeignet für Unternehmen, die bereits auf Microsoft-Produkte setzen.
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2. Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (früher System Center Configuration Manager): MECM ist die On-Premise-Lösung von Microsoft für das Endpoint Management und ermöglicht eine umfangreiche Verwaltung von Geräten innerhalb des Unternehmensnetzwerks. Der Endpoint Configuration Manager unterstützt insbesondere die Verwaltung und Sicherung von Windows-Geräten und bietet eine hohe Anpassbarkeit für hybride IT-Umgebungen. Unternehmen können neben Patches auch Software-Updates und -Bereitstellungen effizient steuern. Durch Co-Management lässt sich der Endpoint Configuration Manager mit Microsoft Intune kombinieren, sodass Unternehmen vom Besten aus beiden Welten profitieren können: lokales Management und cloudbasierte Verwaltung über eine umfassende UEM-Lösung.
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3. Ivanti DSM (Desktop & Server Management): Ivanti DSM bietet eine leistungsstarke Plattform für das Endpoint Management, die lange Zeit besonders für die Automatisierung von Software-Bereitstellungen und -Updates geschätzt wurde. Die Lösung erleichtert das Patch-Management und sorgt dafür, dass alle Endgeräte stets auf dem neuesten Sicherheitsstand sind. Ivanti DSM bietet umfassende Funktionen zur Verwaltung von Workstations und Servern und lässt sich flexibel in bestehende IT-Infrastrukturen integrieren. Da sich Ivanti DSM jedoch in der End-of-Life-Phase befindet, gilt die Lösung nicht mehr als zukunftsfähig (gleich mehr dazu).
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4. Ivanti Neurons: Ivanti Neurons ist eine weiterentwickelte, KI-gestützte Plattform, die proaktives Endpoint Management ermöglicht. Sie setzt auf Automatisierung und Selbstheilungsfunktionen, um Sicherheitsvorfälle in Echtzeit zu erkennen und zu beheben. Ivanti Neurons bietet Unternehmen vorausschauende Wartungsmöglichkeiten und reduziert den Administrationsaufwand erheblich, was die Effizienz und Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit im IT-Bereich steigert. Die Plattform wird von Ivanti als Nachfolger von DSM positioniert. Unternehmen sollten jedoch prüfen, ob ein Wechsel zu anderen Lösungen besser zu ihren langfristigen Anforderungen passt.
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5. Baramundi Management Suite: Die Baramundi Management Suite bietet eine umfassende Plattform zur Verwaltung und Absicherung von Endgeräten in Unternehmensnetzwerken. Die Lösung umfasst automatisierte Softwareverteilung, Patch-Management und eine zentrale Verwaltung für mobile und stationäre Geräte. Baramundi zeichnet sich durch hohe Benutzerfreundlichkeit aus und ist in der Lage, schnell auf Sicherheitsvorfälle zu reagieren, was sie besonders geeignet für Unternehmen mit vielfältigen Endgeräten macht.
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6. Matrix42 Empire: Matrix42 Empirum offers a scalable endpoint management solution that gives companies detailed control over their IT environment. In addition to automated software and patch management, Empirum offers comprehensive hardware and software inventory. The solution supports various device types and operating systems and is particularly suitable for companies with large IT environments that require a high level of automation and security.

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These solutions cover a wide range of requirements and offer the flexibility, security, and control that companies need today for effective endpoint management. However, since all providers highlight comprehensive features and versatile benefits in their descriptions, the selection of the right platform should always be based on individual business requirements. The specific Security standards, the desired range of functions and integration options in the existing IT ecosystem are important criteria for deciding which solution fits best and actually delivers the desired results.

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7. Essential Features

Zero trust and advanced authentication mechanisms

Endpoint management systems can also be part of a comprehensive Zero trust strategy be, which verifies every access to corporate resources regardless of network locations. By integrating advanced authentication measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and context-based access controls, companies can ensure that only authorized people have access to sensitive data and applications.

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Self-healing features and automation

Many modern endpoint management solutions, such as Ivanti Neurons, rely on Automation and self-healingto fix issues before they affect operations. Self-healing functions enable devices to repair themselves themselves, for example by automatically carrying out updates or Isolate suspicious activity. This reduces the workload for the IT team and increases system stability.

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Cloud integration and hybrid environments

Organizations using hybrid infrastructure need endpoint management solutions that can manage both local and cloud-based endpoints. Integration with cloud services enables centralized management and security for all devices, whether they are used in the office or remotely. solutions such as Microsoft Intune co-managed with MECM offer a comprehensive platform for hybrid endpoint management that manages and secures both local servers and cloud resources.

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AI-powered analysis and automated responses

Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in modern endpoint management, as it helps Identify threats faster and more precisely. AI-based analysis tools are able to analyze large amounts of data in real time and automatically respond to anomalies before human intervention is required. This not only improves threat detection, but also relieves IT teams by automating numerous processes.

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AI is also being used in self-healing solutions and proactive security mechanisms to Identify complex attack patterns at an early stage and to further reduce response time. As AI technologies continue to develop, it is expected that their use in endpoint management will become even more important and further increase the effectiveness of security strategies.

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8. Advanced solutions and integrations

As already mentioned, classic endpoint management solutions in modern corporate networks are often no longer sufficient to meet increased security and efficiency requirements. Provide advanced solutions and integrations additional features and options, which complement endpoint management and make IT security future-proof. Some of these solutions are also required to meet the requirements of NIS 2 , which set strict requirements to protect critical infrastructures and protect against cyber threats.

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Advanced threat detection and prevention (EDR)

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions offer specific, proactive security monitoring that focuses on identifying and preventing threats on endpoints. These systems continuously collect safety-relevant data at endpoints and analyze it in real time to identify deviations from normal behavior.

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In contrast to traditional security solutions, which often only respond after a threat is discovered, EDR systems offer proactive analysis and detailed insights into potentially suspicious behavior. As a result, IT teams can react specifically and quickly to security incidents, for example by automatically isolating a compromised device or sending specific data to the Security Operations Center (SOC) be forwarded for further analysis. EDR supplements classic endpoint management tools with in-depth threat analysis and creates an additional layer of security.

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Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an example of a comprehensive EDR solution that is part of a Endpoint Protection Platform can be used. It provides real-time threat detection and seamless integration into existing IT security environments, providing companies with a solid basis for meeting modern security standards.

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Integration with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems

SIEM solutions aggregate safety-related data from various sources and enable a comprehensive analysis of the entire IT environment. By integrating Endpoint Management with SIEM, companies can centrally monitor all security-related incidents and respond to threats more quickly. This solution improves transparenciesz and makes it possible to view end devices in the context of overall network security.

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By using such advanced solutions and integrations, companies can develop a holistic endpoint management strategy that includes not only the management and security of end devices, but also their integration into the entire IT security architecture. This additional level of control and security gives companies the flexibility and protection they need in the face of today's threats.

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9. conclusion

Effective and professional endpoint management is essential today to ensure safety and efficiency in companies. In view of the variety of devices, the flexibility of modern work models and growing cyber threats, well-thought-out management of all endpoints is a basic requirement for a stable IT environment. Solutions such as Microsoft Intune, MECM/SCCM and Ivanti Neurons offer companies a central platform to comprehensively and securely manage end devices.

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In the past, professional endpoint management was often reserved for companies with more than 1,000 devices, as the effort and costs were a hurdle. However, today, cloud-based solutions such as Microsoft Intune even small and medium-sized companies have access to powerful endpoint management. The scalability and affordability of such platforms make it useful even for companies with around 100 devices and employees to introduce centralized administration. Especially with the increasing cyber threat situation, endpoint management has become indispensable for companies of all sizes. With modern solutions, even smaller companies can securely and efficiently manage their devices, ensure the protection of sensitive data and significantly reduce the burden on IT administration — an essential step to remain competitive and secure in the digital world.

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However, the future of endpoint management lies in technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud integration, and automation. These trends open up new opportunities for threat detection, proactive security measures, and automated device maintenance. Companies that rely on these modern approaches will not only further strengthen their security, but also increase their efficiency and relieve their IT departments.

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Overall, endpoint management is a key element of IT security, which enables the protection of sensitive data and the continuous optimization of the IT infrastructure. For companies of all sizes, it provides the flexibility and control they need to remain competitive and secure even in a dynamic digital world.