Managing Remote Endpoints with Deep Freeze Cloud: A Modern IT Guide

There are plenty of benefits to adopting a hybrid or remote work configuration. Hybrid work setups give staff more autonomy and flexibility, and they’re often attractive to many candidates. Want a job that’s agile enough that you can pick your kids up after school? Or want to work from home so you can be around to assist your elderly parent? Or maybe you just don’t want to spend three hours commuting every day? A hybrid work environment can provide these benefits, unlocking advantages for employees and employers alike.

Fully remote work configurations open up an even wider candidate pool. Not only are all the hybrid advantages present, but a company could also, in theory, hire anyone in the world. They just need the prerequisite devices and an internet connection.

However, there can also be downsides to these work setups. We’re not here to argue about in-office orders or the best environment for team building. We’re here to talk about something more practical: the cybersecurity and IT vulnerabilities of hybrid and remote endpoints.

What’s a Remote Endpoint?

A remote endpoint is any device located outside the main network of a company, such as the office Wi-Fi, that requires secure access. Remote worker laptops, phones and other devices used to connect to a work platform are all examples of remote endpoints. 

It’s crucial to protect these endpoints with secure gateways or firewalls to prevent direct exposure to the internet. This is true for any device and workstation, regardless of where they’re physically located. Still, when the endpoints are remote, there are additional considerations and obstacles that can make this process more difficult. Furthermore, managing IT — installing upgrades, running diagnostic tests, etc. — is a bit more complex when you can’t physically access the machines. 

The Challenges of Managing Remote Endpoints

Here are some of the most prominent challenges for organizations dealing with remote endpoints:

Data Security and Compliance

When employees access, store or transfer confidential information on their personal devices or less secure home networks, the risk of data breaches skyrockets. This distributed data also complicates adherence to stringent regulatory requirements like GDPR or HIPAA. Ensuring that every remote device meets compliance standards and that data remains secure demands robust security measures and vigilant oversight.

Expanded Attack Surface and Increased Risk

The proliferation of remote endpoints dramatically broadens an organization’s attack surface, presenting more entry points for cyber threats. Remote workers often connect from less secure environments, such as home, café or library Wi-Fi networks. This can make them targets for phishing, malware and ransomware attacks. 

A successful breach on a single remote device can rapidly propagate across the entire corporate network. This heightened risk necessitates comprehensive endpoint protection, advanced threat detection and continuous monitoring.

Lack of Centralized Control and Visibility

Unlike devices within a controlled office environment, remote endpoints operate outside the traditional network perimeter. This makes it difficult for IT teams to monitor device health, enforce security policies and maintain an accurate inventory of all connected devices. 

Patch Management and Software Updates

Ensuring all remote endpoints receive timely security patches and software updates is a constant uphill battle. Remote workers may have inconsistent internet access or simply neglect to install critical updates, leaving their devices vulnerable to known exploits. 

How Deep Freeze Cloud Can Help

Deep Freeze Cloud makes managing and securing remote endpoints easier than ever. Here are some benefits of Deep Freeze Cloud for remote work:  

Consistent Endpoint State

With Reboot To Restore technology, Deep Freeze can “freeze” remote workstations, discarding any changes upon reboot. Even if a user engages in risky or novice behavior, a simple restart means the device is back to a safe state. It’s as comprehensive as it is simple.  

Defense Against Malware 

By reverting workstations to their safe states, Deep Freeze Cloud effectively eliminates malware, ransomware and other unwanted changes. This neutralizes the threat of remote workers using personal devices without up-to-date antivirus software.

Fewer Help Desk Calls

Deep Freeze Cloud significantly reduces the number of necessary IT calls by automatically resolving common problems. This frees up IT staff to deal with more complex issues.

Simplified Endpoint Management

Deep Freeze Cloud simplifies endpoint management by automating the restoration process. IT administrators can remotely manage and control Deep Freeze settings, so they can perform necessary IT maintenance no matter where they are.

Deep Freeze Cloud can be your safety net, securing remote endpoints and keeping them operational, regardless of what individual remote workers do. It’s an ideal solution for maintaining a consistent state across remote devices. To learn more about Deep Freeze Cloud, please reach out to our experts today.