Laptops and phones are now the front door to your business. Employees work from home, coffee shops and client offices, and every device connects to email, Microsoft 365, SaaS apps and cloud systems. That is why most attacks on small and mid-sized businesses start at an endpoint: a phishing email, a stolen password or an unpatched laptop.
This guide explains what modern endpoint security includes, why 24/7 monitoring matters and how to put it in place without building a security operations center of your own.
What counts as an endpoint?
Any device that connects to your data or network: Windows and Mac laptops, desktops, servers, virtual machines, phones and tablets. If it can log in to Microsoft 365 or your cloud, it is an endpoint and it needs protection.
Antivirus vs EDR vs MDR
Traditional antivirus
Antivirus looks for known malware signatures. It is still useful, but on its own it misses many modern attacks that use stolen credentials, scripts and legitimate admin tools.
EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)
EDR platforms such as CrowdStrike Falcon and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint watch device behavior, detect suspicious activity and let responders isolate a device in seconds. EDR is the baseline for any business that handles customer data.
MDR (Managed Detection and Response)
EDR produces alerts, and someone has to act on them at any hour. MDR adds a team of analysts who monitor alerts 24/7, investigate and contain threats. For most SMBs, EDR plus a managed monitoring and response service is the most effective approach.
The endpoint security checklist for SMBs
- EDR on every device, including servers and executives’ laptops
- Device management with Microsoft Intune or Jamf so every device is enrolled, encrypted and configured the same way
- Automatic patching for operating systems, browsers and common applications
- Multi-factor authentication and conditional access with Microsoft Entra ID
- Email security to stop phishing before it reaches users
- Least-privilege access, with no daily use of admin accounts
- Backup and recovery for devices, Microsoft 365 and critical data
- 24/7 monitoring and response with a clear escalation path
- Security awareness training and phishing simulations for staff
Why 24/7 monitoring matters
Attackers rarely work business hours. Many ransomware incidents begin late at night or on weekends, when nobody is watching. The difference between a contained incident and a company-wide outage is often how fast someone isolates the first infected device. Around-the-clock monitoring, backed by a team that can act immediately, closes that gap.
Endpoint security as part of Zero Trust
Zero Trust means never assuming a device or user is safe just because it is on your network. Device health becomes part of every access decision: a laptop that is unpatched, unencrypted or missing EDR should not reach sensitive data. Combining Intune device compliance, Entra ID conditional access, CrowdStrike or Defender EDR and a secure access platform such as Zscaler turns endpoint security into a full Zero Trust model.
How to choose an endpoint security provider
- Do they operate EDR and respond to alerts 24/7, or only install software?
- Who responds to a critical alert at 2 a.m., and how fast?
- Do they also manage devices, identity, patching and Microsoft 365, or will you need several vendors?
- Can they support compliance evidence for SOC 2, PCI-DSS or NIST?
- Will you get clear monthly reporting on threats, patch status and device health?
How Raise Networks helps
Raise Networks is a San Jose based Technology Services Provider and managed IT partner. We deploy and operate endpoint security with CrowdStrike and Microsoft Defender XDR, manage devices with Intune, secure identity with Entra ID and provide 24/7 monitoring through our US and India follow-the-sun team. Because we also run the helpdesk, Microsoft 365, cloud and networking, security is built into everything we operate rather than bolted on.
Explore our Cybersecurity and Compliance services, Zero Trust Security Architecture and Managed IT Services, or book a free security assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Defender good enough for a small business?
Microsoft Defender for Business and Defender for Endpoint are strong EDR options, especially for companies already on Microsoft 365. The key is configuring them correctly and making sure someone monitors and responds to alerts.
What is the difference between EDR and MDR?
EDR is the technology that detects and responds on the device. MDR is a service in which security analysts monitor EDR alerts 24/7 and take action for you.
How much endpoint security does a 25-person company need?
At minimum: EDR on every device, device management with encryption and patching, multi-factor authentication, email security, backups and someone monitoring alerts around the clock.
Do Mac laptops need endpoint security?
Yes. Macs are increasingly targeted, and auditors expect the same protection, encryption and management on Macs as on Windows devices.
