These solutions protect endpoints against zero-day exploits, attacks and inadvertent data leaks due to human error. An endpoint protection platform is a solution that combines multi-purpose endpoint security functions into a single product, delivering antivirus, anti-spyware, personal firewall, application control and other forms of host intrusion prevention in a cohesive solution.
Is endpoint protection the same as antivirus?
Endpoint protection includes but is not limited to antivirus measures, including anti-spyware, firewalls and additional functions.
Antivirus software is a critical component of cybersecurity, helping protect users and devices from malware that has been unwittingly embedded within their system by a malicious party. Malware includes any form of malicious code, such as viruses, trojans, keyloggers, ransomware and worms. These work to disable devices, steal passwords, gain access to servers and more. Antivirus solutions are installed within individual devices, as well as on servers, to provide a line of defense against malware. The software typically runs in the background and performs periodic scans of device files and directories to identify and eradicate any malware present.
Antivirus protection is not the only form of endpoint protection. Endpoint protection platforms will often integrate antivirus software, data protection software, reporting tools, firewalls and additional security measures within a single product to offer advanced protection against constantly emerging threats. Endpoint protection software is also enormously valuable in detecting abnormal activities that get past antivirus protection methods and is a critical step in facilitating a multifaceted cybersecurity strategy.
What does endpoint protection provide?
Endpoint protection provides a method of protection for devices, networks and data in the event of targeted attacks and persistent threats.
Endpoint protection uses a variety of techniques to protect endpoints like personal computers and mobile phones from various cyber threats. Typically, endpoint protection methods come in the form of packaged software known as an Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP), which combines antivirus, personal firewall, application control, anti-spyware and additional capabilities into a single product to ensure expert-level protection.
Endpoint protection platforms work by creating specific rules for endpoints in order to identify and encrypt sensitive data or block the replication of specific files. Endpoint protection will also often involve setting network access control functionality to block unauthorized access to networks, thereby protecting sensitive data contained within the network or stored on connected devices. In enterprise environments, endpoint protection is typically controlled by the central administration server that monitors all connected endpoints to provide protection across the board. In addition to specifying rules for data identification and encryption, as well as blocking file replication in certain circumstances, endpoint protection also provides detection and remediation capabilities so security teams can move swiftly when responding to potential threats on a device.
Which is the best endpoint protection?
The best form of endpoint protection is to use a comprehensive endpoint protection platform that incorporates multiple security functions.
Endpoint protection consists of a variety of methods that protect devices, networks, data and users from attacks by cybercriminals. Several platforms offer such endpoint protection capabilities. The most important part of enabling endpoint protection functions, however, is ensuring that comprehensive solutions that incorporate multiple forms of cybersecurity provide across-the-board protection to emerging threats. Every company or individual will have different cybersecurity needs, so while there are leaders in the field, certain endpoint solutions may benefit one user’s needs over another.
Endpoint protection solutions may come packaged within a single platform or may be distributed among several products used simultaneously to detect and mitigate threats. When endpoint protection solutions are installed within an enterprise or personal environment, however, top-tier antivirus, anti-spyware, firewall, application control and host intrusion prevention tactics must be used to ensure protection from current and future threats.
