The Critical Role of Converged Endpoint Management for Ensuring Enterprise Resilience

Did you know there are more than 1.4 billion Windows devices currently in use by businesses worldwide? And this figure continues to grow steadily. Despite the increasing prevalence of mobile, IoT, and ruggedised device types, Microsoft Windows remains the predominant end-user computing Operating System (OS). According to IDC’s Worldwide Personal Computing Device Tracker, a striking 80% of business PCs and laptops shipped in the first quarter of 2024 were Windows devices.

With such widespread adoption, it should come as no surprise that Windows devices have long been an attractive target for cybercriminals. This is due in part to their inherent vulnerabilities, but also because a successful attack on a single device can provide a gateway to an entire corporate network.

The sheer number of Windows devices can quickly become a security burden for IT teams. Managing a growing fleet of Windows devices requires efficiency and automation. Endpoint Management solutions streamline this process, allowing IT teams to centrally configure, update, and enforce security policies across all devices. This centralised control not only minimises human error but also ensures a consistent security posture.

Core Features in An Effective Endpoint Management Platform

Security, compliance, policy enforcement, and software patching are essential functions in today’s Endpoint Management solution for Windows devices. While Microsoft has significantly improved its OS and application security and streamlined critical updates, its Windows endpoints remain a primary target for various attacks, with identity theft, malware, and ransomware being the main concerns.

For these reasons, selecting the right Endpoint Management tool is something that any organisation looking to maintain robust security and optimal functionality of its Windows devices should not take for granted. With the myriads of options available, organisations should prioritise those that offer the following key features and capabilities:

• Modern Management: Providing location-agnostic, real-time visibility and remediation on endpoints is crucial to ensure all OS and third-party application vulnerabilities are quickly patched.
• End-User Analytics and Digital Employee Experience (DEX): Comprehensive views of employee devices enable Endpoint Management platforms to collect and analyse data on digital experiences, thereby enhancing productivity and satisfaction.
• Conditional Access Controls: These supplement conditional access controls by providing deep, granular controls into the endpoint device posture.
• Support for Specialty-Use Windows Devices: Beyond typical office use, Endpoint Management tools should manage devices in diverse roles like retail POS terminals, industrial control tools, and ATMs.
• Strong Integrations: The Endpoint Management platform should have robust integrations with leading enterprise platforms deployed within the enterprise.

While these features represent a strong foundation for Windows device security, they are by no means exhaustive. The ideal Endpoint Management solution should cater to your organisation’s specific needs and security posture. Carefully consider your existing infrastructure and opportunities to derive cost savings by consolidating multiple point tools, and the level of control required when selecting the best tool to safeguard your ever-expanding digital landscape.

Take Control of Your Windows Environment with Tanium XEM

The features outlined above are crucial, but what if you need a solution that goes beyond basic measures? For organisations facing complex Windows security challenges, Tanium’s XEM platform offers a unified approach.

The Tanium Converged Endpoint Management (XEM) platform is recognised as the leader in managing and securing Windows endpoints. Tanium’s real-time visibility, control, and remediation capabilities cover a broad range of devices. Its decentralised client architecture and real-time data processing provide in-depth control over Windows devices, enhancing patch management and reducing attack surfaces.

Tanium’s strengths lie in its real-time patch and vulnerability management, sensitive data monitoring, and comprehensive security policy enforcement. Even if you are not one of the 80% who uses Windows, worry not, as these capabilities extend to other OSs, including Mac, Linux, and Unix systems, offering a holistic and unified approach to endpoint management.

Windows: The Core of Your Business You Must Protect

All in all, Windows still remains the king in the enterprise world. This dominance makes the need for robust Windows endpoint management ever so crucial. Tanium’s XEM platform, recognised as a Leader in the 2024 IDC MarketScape Report for Worldwide Client Endpoint Management Software for Windows Devices, empowers you to stay ahead of cyber threats.

Download the report to discover why Tanium is setting the standard for endpoint management and how it can transform your organisation’s security and productivity.