Which of the Following Are Endpoint Device Security Controls: A Practical Guide

Endpoint device security controls are the built-in or managed safeguards that protect endpoints—laptops, desktops, mobile devices, and other workstations—from threats and data loss. As organizations increasingly rely on remote and hybrid work, understanding which controls truly reside on the endpoint, and how to apply them effectively, becomes essential. This guide explains what qualifies as endpoint device security controls, offers concrete examples, and provides practical guidance for evaluating and deploying these controls in a real-world environment.

What qualifies as endpoint device security controls?

Put simply, endpoint device security controls are protections that operate at or directly on the endpoint itself. They enforce policy, detect or prevent threats, and protect data even when the device is offline or outside the corporate network. It is important to distinguish these from controls that act solely at the network or cloud layer. For example, a perimeter firewall is valuable, but it is not an endpoint device security control unless its behavior is enforced on the device itself (for instance, a host-based firewall or network access control that is agent-based on endpoints).

To determine if a control belongs in the category of endpoint device security controls, security teams often use a simple checklist. The control should be enforceable on the device, provide protection or visibility at the endpoint, operate with or without a network connection, and report telemetry that can be measured and acted upon by security operations. When these criteria are met, the control is generally considered an endpoint device security control and should be integrated into the broader endpoint security program.

Representative endpoint device security controls

Identity, authentication, and access on the device

Multifactor authentication (MFA) tied to the device, such as biometric login (fingerprint/face) combined with a token or device posture checks.
Device-based conditional access policies that evaluate the health and compliance state of the endpoint before granting access to corporate resources.
Windows Hello, macOS Touch ID, or equivalent platform authentication integrated with enterprise single sign-on.
Local and remote session controls that restrict unauthorized use when a device is lost or stolen.

Malware prevention, detection, and response on the endpoint

Antivirus with real-time protection and signature-based detection augmented by behavior analytics.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) capabilities that continuously monitor process behavior, isolate suspicious activity, and provide for rapid containment.
Threat containment features such as process isolation, application whitelisting, and script control to reduce attack surface.

Data protection on endpoints

Full-disk or device-level encryption (e.g., BitLocker, FileVault) to protect data at rest.\n
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies enforced on the device to prevent sensitive data leakage through email, cloud sync, or removable media.
Containerization or secure enclaves that protect corporate data within unmanaged or BYOD devices.

Configuration, patching, and compliance on the device

Security baselines and configuration management that enforce minimum OS versions, settings, and application control policies.
Automated patch management on the endpoint to reduce exposure to known vulnerabilities, including critical and zero-day updates when possible.
Enforcement of minimal privilege and application control to limit what software can run on the device.

Device management, visibility, and posture

Mobile Device Management (MDM) or Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) to enforce policies, inventory hardware/software, and apply remote actions such as wipe or quarantine.
Endpoint posture assessment that continually evaluates device health against established baselines and flags non-compliant devices for remediation.
Inventory of installed applications and versions to identify risky software and ensure license compliance.

Peripheral, media, and network controls at the endpoint

USB and peripheral device control to block or monitor removable media and unapproved devices.
Secure web access and browser controls on the device, including hardened browser configurations, sandboxing, and built-in privacy protections.
Host-based firewall and VPN usage with enterprise policy enforcement to control network traffic originating from the device.

Hardware-assisted and platform security features

Trusted Platform Module (TPM) or equivalent secure enclave use for key storage and attestation.
Secure Boot and measured boot processes to verify the integrity of the operating system from startup.
Hardware-enforced isolation for sensitive workloads or enterprise cryptographic operations.

Backup, recovery, and resilience on the device

Regular local backups or integrated device backup solutions to ensure data can be restored after an incident.
Remote wipe and theft recovery options to minimize risk when devices are lost or stolen.

Monitoring, logging, and security telemetry on the endpoint

Built-in security event logging and telemetry that feeds into security information and event management (SIEM) or extended detection and response (XDR) platforms.
Anomaly detection on device behavior, with automated alerting and, if possible, automated containment actions.

How to evaluate whether a control is an endpoint device security control

Organizations often encounter a mix of controls across the technology stack. To decide if a control truly belongs in the category of endpoint device security controls, apply these criteria:

On-device enforcement: Does the control run and enforce policy on the endpoint itself, or rely primarily on cloud or network services?
Autonomy and offline capability: Can the control protect the device even when it is disconnected from the corporate network?
Visibility and telemetry: Does the control provide actionable data that security teams can monitor from an endpoint perspective?
Impact on user experience: Is the control designed to minimize friction while maintaining strong protection?
Interoperability with the broader security fabric: Can the control feed data into SIEM/XDR, and is it compatible with other endpoint controls?

By applying these criteria, security leaders avoid misclassifying cloud-only or network-centric safeguards as endpoint device security controls. This clarity helps in designing a layered defense that places the right protections on each endpoint and aligns with governance and risk management objectives.

Mapping endpoint device security controls to frameworks and best practices

Many organizations align their endpoint security programs with established frameworks. Core ideas include a layered defense, continuous monitoring, and a risk-based approach to control selection. The following references are commonly used in practice:

NIST SP 800-53 security and privacy controls, which describe control families that map well to endpoint protection, such as access control, configuration management, and system and information integrity.
MITRE ATT&CK for Enterprise, which helps translate endpoint protections into detectable adversary techniques and corresponding defensive controls.
Center for Internet Security (CIS) benchmarks for secure configuration baselines, which often inform endpoint hardening and patching cadences.

Implementation tips for effective endpoint device security controls

Start with a baseline: Define minimum endpoint security controls that all devices must meet, including encryption, anti-malware, MFA, and posture checks.
Automate wherever possible: Use MDM/UEM, automated patching, and policy enforcement to reduce human error and ensure consistency across devices.
Ensure visibility: Collect telemetry from endpoints into a centralized platform and correlate with network and cloud data for a complete security picture.
Balance security with user experience: Choose controls that secure without impeding productivity, and provide users with clear guidance and support.
Regularly review and update: Reassess endpoint device security controls in response to new threats, technology changes, and business needs.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Relying on cloud-only policies to protect data on endpoints that frequently operate offline.
Underestimating the importance of device posture and on-device enforcement for remote workers.
Neglecting removable media controls and USB device management in endpoint security planning.
Overloading endpoints with too many agents, which can degrade performance and user acceptance.

Conclusion

Endpoint device security controls form a foundational element of a robust cybersecurity strategy. When properly identified, implemented, and managed, these controls protect data, reduce risk, and enhance the resilience of the organization in the face of evolving threats. By focusing on on-device enforcement, offline capability, visibility, and automation, security teams can build a practical and effective set of endpoint device security controls that integrates with broader security programs and supports secure, productive work across the enterprise.