Which term describes the practice of securing devices on a network?

The term "endpoint security" refers specifically to the approach of securing individual devices, or "endpoints," that connect to a network. This includes devices such as computers, mobile phones, tablets, and any device that communicates with the network. Endpoint security aims to protect these devices from threats like malware, unauthorized access, data breaches, and other vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.

This approach is essential in a world where remote work and mobile devices have become more prevalent, as each of these devices can serve as a potential entry point for security threats. By focusing on endpoint security, organizations can implement various protection measures such as antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems specifically designed to mitigate risks at the device level.

Network security, while it does encompass a broader range of protections including the network infrastructure itself, is not as specific to the individual devices, making endpoint security the more accurate term for this context. Similarly, system administration deals with the overall management of IT systems and applications, and application security focuses primarily on protecting software applications. Both of these do not inherently center on the security of individual devices within the network.