Part 2 of a cloud security series by Mallory Mooney emphasizes the critical task of securing endpoints within an organization's network, especially in cloud environments where the complexity and variety of endpoints have significantly increased. It highlights the importance of mapping all connected endpoints, implementing effective management practices, and gaining visibility into endpoint activity to prevent active threats. Endpoint vulnerabilities often arise from outdated software, weak passwords, or misconfigurations, which threat actors can exploit through methods like phishing or active scanning. To mitigate these threats, organizations are advised to adopt the Zero Trust model to control access based on identity and least privilege principles, and to use CIS benchmarks for fine-tuning endpoint configurations. The text also emphasizes the significance of integrating security monitoring solutions like Endpoint Protection Platforms, SIEM, CWS, and CSPM to enhance visibility and threat detection across all endpoints, ensuring comprehensive endpoint security in cloud-native infrastructures.