You’ve got to know the opponent’s moves, which means understanding today’s top threats. In 2024, IBM saw an 84% surge in infostealer malware spread through phishing attacks, along with a 12% annual increase in stolen credentials being sold on the dark web. These stealthy credential theft methods involve malware on endpoints and also exploit networks through stolen data.

Bad guys are now using machine learning to develop adaptive malware that changes tactics in real time, turning the once familiar cat-and-mouse chase into a contest where the mouse anticipates every move ahead of time. The endpoint security challenges businesses face today require a massive shift in how we think about defense.

Ponemon Institute research shows that 68% of organizations have experienced at least one endpoint attack that successfully compromised their data or IT infrastructure. Each endpoint represents a potential entry point, and attackers only need to find one weak link to compromise your network.

Driver Abuse Detection (BYOVD): Huntress noted the use of Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) exploitation, identifying Truesight, Process Explorer (AUKill), and HRSword as the main culprits. In non-enterprise environments monitored by Huntress, over 90% of BYOVD usages were for privilege elevation to gain full system control and persistence, rather than solely EDR tampering.

So, what are the biggest endpoint security threats businesses are up against today? We’ll give you a hint: One hides in plain sight, one talks like your boss, and one strikes before anyone even knows there’s a flaw. If you guessed living-off-the-land attacks, zero-day exploits, and AI-driven phishing scams, you guessed right.

Today’s cyberattackers use a mix of classic moves and bold new gambits to keep businesses on their toes. They include:

Zero-day exploits

Zero-day exploits are like secret gambits. Unknown to software vendors, they give attackers a hidden advantage before anyone can react, letting them strike with surprise and precision. 

AI-supported attacks

AI is the new breed of opponent that learns and adapts fast. It can be used to craft hyperrealistic phishing campaigns, tricking even the most vigilant security team.

Supply chain compromises

These strategic attacks target one vendor to checkmate scores of victims. Like positioning a key pawn early in the game, attackers breach third-party providers to infiltrate their customers’ networks and systems. 

Ransomware

Ransomware is complex, multi-layered, and doesn’t just lock your king, but also threatens your reputation. Attackers steal data, encrypt systems, and publicly shame their victims, cornering them on several fronts all at the same time. 

Living-off-the-land attacks

These campaigns mimic legit moves using the defender’s own pieces. Attackers wield built-in system tools to carry out malicious acts, making it look like a trusted insider’s play, but the opponent is actually an outsider.

Managing endpoint security is like playing chess on multiple boards at once, and maybe even blindfolded. Here are some of the challenges:

Visibility gaps

Many businesses have hidden blind spots, especially with remote workers and bring your own device (BYOD) use. Today’s distributed workforce creates gaps in visibility that leave critical systems exposed to attack. 

Alert fatigue

Security teams are flooded with alerts. When false alarms dominate the game, it’s like hearing a false check every time a pawn shifts, so eventually you start ignoring the real threats. Here’s how to deal with alert fatigue.

Skills shortage

An endpoint security vulnerability is an opening in your digital security that attackers target to break through. And while there are many weak spots, the most vulnerable square is often the user. Here’s where attackers are most likely to make their move:

Unpatched software

This is the easiest opening move for threat actors. When patches drop, they reveal the board’s weak spots. Don’t leave your king exposed and patch regularly.

Misconfigured systems

Default settings are rarely safe settings. Don’t leave your queen unguarded on the board, as that’s an open invitation for your opponent to strike.

Weak authentication

You can’t rely on just passwords anymore, just like you can’t guard your king with a pawn.  Multi-factor authentication is the real deal.

Insider threats

Not all threats come from outside. Malicious insiders are like disguised gambits and can pose serious endpoint security vulnerabilities.

The three main types of endpoint security tools include: 

1. Endpoint protection platform (EPP): Uses antivirus, firewalls, and disk encryption to protect all your pieces.

2. Endpoint detection and response (EDR): EDR scans the board in real time to spot and counter suspicious moves before they strike.

3. Extended detection and response (XDR): XDR continuously evaluates and anticipates threats across every front.

Huntress Managed EDR helps businesses stay one move ahead of threats, with a dedicated SOC that never leaves the board and advanced threat intel that anticipates the next play.