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Endpoints are the common place attackers start, so MSPs should build controls that evaluate device health before granting access. This guide answers practical questions to help you design and operate device posture checks across managed and unmanaged devices.
It’s an automated evaluation of a device’s security status to decide if it should be allowed access. Posture checks inspect indicators like OS patch level, anti-malware status, disk encryption, configuration baselines, and known vulnerabilities. Results can be used to allow, block, or quarantine access and to trigger remediation workflows. For MSPs, posture checks provide a way to apply uniform policies across client environments. They are especially important for remote devices and BYOD scenarios where direct control is limited.
Because endpoints are where attackers commonly gain initial access, starting at the device reduces downstream risk. Evaluating posture before authentication or resource access stops compromised or misconfigured devices from reaching sensitive data. This reduces incident response load, limits lateral movement, and supports compliance reporting. For MSPs, endpoint-first checks help protect multiple clients at scale and simplify policy enforcement across cloud and on-prem resources.
Prioritize signals that indicate immediate compromise risk: OS patch level, real-time anti-malware, disk encryption, secure boot, and configuration drift. Also include presence of risky services, removable media usage, and unmanaged software that can carry exploits. Network context—like connection over public Wi‑Fi—adds important risk weight. Combining these signals into a risk score lets you apply graduated access controls rather than a binary allow/deny.
Posture checks let MSPs enforce access controls without taking ownership of devices. Use agent-based checks where possible and agentless checks (MAM, conditional access) when an agent is impractical. For BYOD, apply least-privilege access, limit sensitive actions, and require device isolation or app-level controls. Clear policies and user education reduce friction and increase adoption.
They provide verifiable evidence that only compliant devices accessed regulated data, simplifying audits. Posture logs and policy outcomes can demonstrate enforcement of required controls like encryption and patching. Automated blocking of noncompliant devices reduces human error and the chance of costly violations. For MSPs managing multiple clients, posture checks allow standardized compliance templates per industry requirements.
Look for solutions that integrate with identity providers, MDM/UEM, EDR, and SSO to combine device signals with user context. Centralized dashboards that correlate signals and automate policies save operational time. Choose vendors that support both agent and agentless telemetry, and that expose APIs for orchestration. Integrations with ticketing and remediation tools let MSPs automate fixes and reduce manual effort.
Start with risk-based access: allow low-risk actions while gating sensitive operations. Offer transparent remediation steps and fast self-healing where feasible, like auto-patching or installing required agents. Communicate policies clearly to users and provide temporary access paths for business-critical needs. Measure friction and refine policies to keep security effective but not obstructive.
Use a standard policy framework that can be customized per client to speed onboarding. Pilot policies with a small user group, tune signal thresholds, then scale. Automate discovery of unmanaged devices and maintain an inventory to prioritize remediation. Document runbooks for common failures so technicians can resolve issues quickly.
Posture checks work best when combined with lifecycle controls: deprovisioning automation, periodic access reviews, and credential hygiene. Block access from devices tied to inactive accounts and require revalidation for dormant users. Use anomaly detection to flag odd device–user pairings and automate alerts for suspected orphaned access.
Track metrics like blocked access attempts, number of remediated devices, mean time to remediate (MTTR), and reduction in security incidents traced to endpoints. Monitor user friction metrics—helpdesk tickets related to access—to ensure policies aren’t too strict. Regularly review posture signal effectiveness and tune policies based on outcomes and threat intelligence.
Avoid one-size-fits-all policies, lack of testing, and poor communication with users. Don’t rely solely on a single signal or vendor; combine telemetry sources for a fuller picture. Neglecting agentless scenarios leaves gaps for BYOD and unmanaged devices. Finally, failing to automate remediation will create unsustainable manual workloads.
Start with an inventory and a minimal posture policy: require up-to-date OS, running anti-malware, and disk encryption for access to sensitive resources. Pilot that policy with high-risk users and iterate based on results. Ensure integration with identity and endpoint tools to enforce and log decisions. Communicate expected changes to clients and users before rollout to reduce surprises.
A: Skilled attackers can try, but layered signals and continuous validation make bypassing much harder. Regular updates and correlation of telemetry reduce blind spots.
A: No. They complement EDR by preventing risky devices from accessing resources, while EDR focuses on detection and response after compromise.
A: Costs vary by toolset and scale; starting with a minimum viable policy and extending integrations reduces upfront investment and demonstrates quick wins.
A: Review quarterly or after any major incident; tune thresholds more frequently during pilots.
A: Learn practical deployment options and templates at device posture checks with Palisade.
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