The network perimeter is expanding, thanks to technology such as laptops, SSL, VPNs, and wireless access points. However, as useful as those tools are, they also increase the exposure to risk.

With these unprecedented access opportunities, PCs bring viruses, hackers, unpatched software, and unapproved applications into your network easily. Security incidents resulting from any of these threats cost time, money, and your company's reputation—not to mention your personal reputation as an IT professional.

Why is endpoint security posture frequently so poor, despite existing security investments such as antivirus and IDS, and corporate policies concerning patches or unapproved software? The truth is that the value of security policies and technologies is only theoretical if you can't ensure that they're enforced at all times.

By Frederick Felman at Enterprise Security.

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