In the latest episode of the RIA Tech Talk podcast, Todd and David talk about how more and more RIAs are embracing hybrid work and why endpoint protection is crucial.

Whether your firm is fully remote, hybrid, or predominantly office-based, securing your workforce wherever they operate is essential. Hybrid work offers flexibility and employee benefits, but it also brings unique security challenges that firms must address.

RIAs must prioritize endpoint protection to secure devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets used by employees working remotely. Endpoint protection ensures that these devices are safeguarded from cyber threats, even when not behind the company's firewall. It's not just about protecting computers but also securing smartphones and tablets employees use to access work resources on the go.

David and Todd highlight six top endpoint protection solutions recognized by Gartner's Magic Quadrant: Microsoft, SentinelOne, CrowdStrike, Trend Micro, Palo Alto Networks, and Sophos. Among these, Microsoft and SentinelOne stand out as leaders due to their comprehensive capabilities and integration with other security tools.

This solution offers robust protection with advanced AI capabilities and seamlessly integrating with other Microsoft security tools. It provides real-time threat detection and response, helping firms identify and mitigate potential threats effectively.

Known for its strong presence in the financial services space, SentinelOne offers a comprehensive security platform with features like endpoint detection and response and extended detection and response. These solutions provide enhanced visibility and protection across various endpoints.

Focuses on detecting and responding to threats at the endpoint level, providing visibility into device activities.

Expands protection beyond endpoints to include networks and cloud services, offering a holistic security approach.

Adds a layer of human expertise, with a security operations center actively monitoring and responding to threats.

For RIAs with five or more employees, investing in robust endpoint protection is critical. While smaller firms might assume they're not targets, the reality is that cyber threats are real and can cause significant harm. By implementing solutions like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or SentinelOne, firms can secure their remote workforce effectively.

Endpoint protection solutions, particularly on personal devices like smartphones, separate work and personal data. This ensures that companies can monitor and secure work-related activities while maintaining user privacy for personal activities.