ENDPOINT PROTECTION: What Is It & How Does It Work?

No matter the size of the company, endpoint protection or security is a crucial component of a larger cybersecurity program. Traditional antivirus software has given way to an all-encompassing defense against sophisticated malware and emerging zero-day threats. In this article, we look at what endpoint protection is, how it operates, and what knowledge is required by businesses.

What is Endpoint protection? 

Endpoint protection is the process of defending against harmful threats and cyberattacks on devices such as workstations, servers, and other devices that can accept a security client. Businesses can defend servers located on a network or in the cloud, or devices used by employees for work, from online attacks by implementing endpoint security software.

Cybercrimes with greater sophistication are posing a rising danger to cybersecurity in today’s commercial environment. Each endpoint that is connected to the company network presents a risk and could be used as a point of entry by cyber criminals. Consequently, there is a chance that any device an employee uses to access a corporate system or resource could end up being the preferred entry point for hackers looking to breach an organization. Malware that could steal or leak confidential company information could take advantage of these devices.

Businesses must therefore implement technologies that are able to assess, identify, block, and contain cyberattacks as they occur. In order to promptly identify security risks and address any possible problems, organizations must also work together and make use of technologies that give their IT and security teams visibility into sophisticated threats.

How does Endpoint Protection work?

Endpoint protection operates by combining defenses at the network and device levels. Network-level access controls to the enterprise network can be implemented by the company according to a device’s adherence to least privilege and corporate security guidelines. The company limits its attack surface and upholds its security standards by preventing unauthorized devices from accessing critical resources and the corporate network.

To monitor and safeguard an endpoint, organizations can also install software directly on it. This covers both stand-alone solutions and those that provide centralized monitoring, control, and protection of the device through the use of an agent placed on the device. This enables a company to keep an eye on and safeguard gadgets that might not always be directly linked to the corporate network.

Why is Endpoint protection important?

Businesses’ IT infrastructures have changed as a result of the shift to remote and hybrid work modes, which have moved corporate endpoints outside of the enterprise network and its perimeter-based defenses. Organizations need endpoint security solutions to recognize and stop these threats before they become a risk to the business since endpoints are now their first line of defense against cyberattacks.

Numerous cyberattacks target endpoints, and as corporate IT architecture changes, endpoints are increasingly exposed to attack. Corporate endpoints are moved outside of the enterprise network and its security measures, with increased support for remote work. Employee-owned devices are permitted to connect to the business network and access private company information under the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy.

Although endpoint protection has always been crucial for defense in depth, its significance has increased as a result of BYOD policies and remote work blurring the boundaries of the corporate network. Endpoints are a primary source of cyber risk and a company’s first line of defense against online threats.

What are the three main types of Endpoint protection? 

There are three main types of endpoint security:

#1. Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)

EPPs are similar to reactive antivirus programs in that their main objective is to avoid malware. These platforms assist in addressing risks by:

• Comparing data files with an attack signature database.
• Using machine learning to identify potentially harmful behavior on an endpoint.
• allowing lists to be created that prohibit or permit specific applications, websites, ports, IP addresses, etc.
• Supplying test environments for dubious executables.

#2. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

In addition to providing the same characteristics as EPPs, an EDR may react instantly to threats that are currently active. With these platforms, an administrator can:

• Configure automated remedial procedures (such as erasing the endpoint’s memory or isolating a hazardous file) in case something goes wrong.
• Determine the IoC or indications of compromise.
• Receive updates about security events in real-time.

Threats that are undetectable to an EPP, including fileless malware and polymorphic attacks, are identified by EDRs.

#3. Extended Detection and Response (XDR)

Compared to an EDR, an XDR platform provides deeper risk analysis and superior protection. In order to correlate and remove risks, XDRs offer greater visibility and mostly rely on automation.

An XDR tool gathers information from several security tiers (endpoints, network traffic, etc.) and traverses them.

• SIEM tools, or security information and event management.
• EDRs and EPPs.
• analytics on networks.
• Tools for identity and access management, or IAM.

Note that reducing incident response times, enabling greater context during threat inspection, and offering a comprehensive analysis of impacted endpoints to pinpoint the threat’s primary source are the three primary objectives of XDR. 

The Best Endpoint Protection for Home Users

#1. Heimdal® EDR

As a reputable industry leader with a proven track record dating back to 2014, Heimdal® stands out as the top choice when it comes to endpoint security technologies. Heimdal has been committed to assisting clients globally with domain name system security for more than ten years, developing a stellar reputation in the process.

Predictive DNS, a special feature found only in Heimdal’s Threat Prevention Endpoint offering, is a major distinction. With the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, this state-of-the-art technology continuously analyzes user traffic in real-time. 

#2. Cisco Secure Endpoint:

Previously known as Cisco AMP for Endpoints, Cisco Secure Endpoint is made to offer advanced threat defense in the lead-up to, during, and aftermath of a cyberattack. It is well known that Cisco has a lengthy history—dating back to 1984—in the field of networking technologies.

Features of Cisco Secure Endpoint Protection:

• Advanced threat protection: Sandboxing, constant monitoring, and global threat intelligence are all combined in advanced threat protection to protect against malware and breaches both proactively and reactively.
• Comprehensive Analysis & Reaction: provides comprehensive incident investigation through the provision of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), threat hunting, and full system snapshots via Orbital Advanced Search.

#3. VMware Carbon Black EDR

Carbon Black EDR is a security solution made to safeguard endpoints by offering extensive threat detection, incident response, and a variety of additional security services.

Features of VMware Carbon Black EDR

• Comprehensive Endpoint Insight: Post-event studies and a thorough grasp of endpoint behaviors are made possible by Carbon Black EDR’s continuous monitoring and recording capabilities.
• Proactive Security: To identify problems early, it combines behavior-driven detection, threat-hunting capabilities, and the most recent threat data.
• Cloud-centric and customizable: Designed with the cloud in mind, it guarantees easy deployment and seamless scalability.

#4. Cybereason Defense Platform

Offering threat hunting, advanced antivirus, and endpoint detection and response (EDR), the Cybereason Defense Platform is a comprehensive cybersecurity system. By employing a behavior-based methodology, it offers a comprehensive understanding of intricate cyber risks, emphasizing the wider context of attacks as opposed to discrete alarms.

Features of Cybereason Defense

• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Analyzing and monitoring endpoint activity in real-time in order to spot and neutralize threats.
• Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV): Using behavioral analysis in place of signature-based detection, NGAV offers advanced protection against malware and other harmful software.
• Threat hunting: This is the proactive use of tools and insights to find, recognize, and eliminate possible threats before they materialize into actual attacks.

#5. ESET Enterprise Inspector

ESET’s EDR solution, ESET Enterprise Inspector, is made to find anomalous activity, pinpoint breaches, evaluate risks, and carry out comprehensive forensic investigations. It also has the capability to counter and eliminate threats that have been recognized.

ESET Inspector’s key characteristics

• Handling events: ESET Inspect provides full reaction capabilities to mitigate threats that are discovered, as well as the ability to identify and handle security events.
• Threat Detection: The system looks for anomalies, strange behavior patterns, and signs of compromise that could point to possible security risks.
• Policy Enforcement: To ensure compliance with company security policies, ESET Inspect keeps an eye out for policy infractions.

#6. Malwarebytes EDR

As a business-focused security solution, Malwarebytes EDR offers thorough reporting and analytics in addition to real-time threat detection, investigation, and response capabilities throughout an organization’s network.

Key characteristics of Malwarebytes EDR

• Malwarebytes EDR provides real-time threat detection, incident investigation, and response capabilities, such as ransomware rollback and endpoint isolation.
• Comprehensive Insights: Offers in-depth analytics and reporting to comprehend the security posture, trends, and volume of security incidents within the company.
• Centralized Management: Provides a single dashboard for monitoring and managing endpoint security on Linux, macOS, and Windows operating systems.

#7. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an enterprise-class security platform that offers tools for prevention, detection, investigation, and response to protect endpoints against sophisticated threats.

Key features of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

• Threat and Vulnerability Management: By locating and controlling vulnerabilities, Microsoft Defender improves the security posture all around.
• Next-generation Protection: It provides enhanced defense against attacks by utilizing contemporary defensive technology.
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): It offers powerful instruments for identifying and handling endpoint security events.

#8. Sophos Intercept X

Sophos Intercept X is a cloud-based endpoint security solution that has features including data loss prevention (DLP), intrusion prevention system (IPS), application control, anti-malware, and mobile device management (MDM).

Features that set Sophos Intercept X apart

• AI/ML: To identify and defend against novel and emerging threats, Intercept X makes use of cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies.
• Activity Dashboard and Tracking: Real-time monitoring and reporting of endpoint activities are made possible by the platform’s extensive activity dashboard and tracking system.
• Behavioral analytics, data collection, application security, anti-virus, and other security features are just a few of the many capabilities that Intercept X offers to offer complete protection against a variety of threats.

#9. Trend Micro

Global cybersecurity leader Trend Micro provides consumers, companies, and organizations with a variety of solutions to defend against ransomware, phishing, and malware.

Key characteristics of Trend Micro

• Security Risk Protection: keeps PCs safe from malware, spyware, and viruses by updating the server frequently with the newest defenses.
• Utilizing Web reputation technology, this anti-spyware tool blocks malicious websites and guards against a variety of spyware threats.
• Plug-ins and Security Features: consists of an integrated firewall, a modifiable plug-in manager, and cleanup services to get rid of leftover malicious software.

#10. WatchGuard EDR (Panda 360)

In order to defend network-connected devices from cyberattacks, WatchGuard Technologies offers WatchGuard EDR, an advanced threat detection solution with automatic reaction actions and continuous endpoint activity monitoring.

Key characteristics of WatchGuard EDR

• Continuous Monitoring: Keep an eye on endpoints to spot any unusual activity or possible dangers, including file-less assaults, exploits, and APTs.
• Zero-Trust Application Service: ensures optimal security by using a Zero-Trust classification method for all processes (pre-execution, running, and post-execution).
• Automated detection and response: With further assistance from the Threat Hunting Service, automated detection and response may identify and stop unknown processes from starting, as well as automatically identify targeted attacks and in-memory exploits.

How can you benefit from endpoint security software?

A dependable endpoint security software solution offers a number of advantages that make a company want to invest in it. The ability to defend your devices against threats like ransomware, malware, viruses, and other harmful software that can seriously disrupt your business operations is perhaps the most significant benefit of this kind of solution, as it can ultimately save you time and money.

Additionally, the fact that it facilitates compliance is an additional benefit. Therefore, by installing endpoint security software, you may safeguard the networked devices, stop data leaks, and adhere to industry standards.

How to choose the right endpoint security platform for you

When selecting the ideal endpoint security platform to meet your organization’s objectives, bear the following points in mind:

#1. Detection

Examine the platform’s capacity to identify a variety of dangers, including advanced persistent threats, zero-day exploits, and known and unknown malware. Verify whether it makes use of cutting-edge technology for more precise and proactive threat detection, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, or behavior analysis.

#2. Reduction and Controlling

Examine the platform’s capacity to quarantine compromised endpoints, stop threats from spreading, and eliminate malicious software, either automatically or manually. In order to return the system to a clean condition, it should also be able to undo modifications performed by malware.

#3. Architectural Points of View

Assess whether the architecture of the platform meets the needs of your company. It might be hybrid, on-premises, or cloud-based. An on-premise solution could provide you with more control over your infrastructure and data, but a cloud-based solution is more manageable and scalable.

#4. Investigation features

Think about the forensic features of the platform. It ought to offer thorough logs, notifications, and reports so that your security crew can look into occurrences, comprehend attack routes, and strengthen defenses going forward.

#5. Compatibility features

Make sure that the platform is compatible with the devices, operating systems, network architecture, desktops, laptops, and mobile devices that make up your current infrastructure. Note that it needs to work with the software and hardware requirements of your company.

#6. Application and Integration

Assess how simple it is to implement and integrate with the network infrastructure, IT management software, and security stack you currently have. The platform needs to integrate easily with other products and support your present security solutions.

#7. Flexibility In Price

Think about the platform’s pricing structure, taking into account any subscription, licensing, or other costs. Verify that the price fits within your budget and provides flexibility for potential future expansion or adjustments to the needs of your company.

What is the difference between Endpoint protection and Antivirus? 

Antivirus software keeps an eye out for malware and viruses on the device it is installed on. It will carry out the planned action at a specific time. Endpoint security checks every device connected to a network for anomalies, threats, and questionable activity.

Is Endpoint protection the same as EDR? 

Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP) assist in defending your endpoint devices against security risks, such as malware, both known and undiscovered. Endpoint Detection and Response, or EDR, assists you in identifying and handling problems that have gotten past your EPP or other security safeguards.

What is an example of endpoint protection? 

There are various types of endpoint protection, and selecting the appropriate one is crucial to maintaining the security of your devices.

Among the many instances of endpoint security management are the following:

• Managed antivirus software
• Web filtering 
• Application/patch management
• Network access control and “need to know”
• Virtual private network (VPN) software
• Data and email encryption

What devices are classified as Endpoints?

An endpoint is any device that users interact with when it’s connected to your network. These kinds of devices should be protected by endpoint protection software, which include:

• Laptops
• Cell phones
• Tablets
• Printers
• Servers
• Medical devices
• Handheld scanners
• Robots
• All Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices

Do I need Endpoint protection? 

For a number of reasons, an endpoint protection platform is essential to business cybersecurity. Since data is a firm’s most precious asset in today’s business environment, If a corporation loses access to its data, the entire enterprise may be at risk of going bankrupt.

Which Endpoint protection technique is commonly used?

Application whitelisting is a popular endpoint protection method used to stop end users from launching unapproved apps, including malware.

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References:

Kaspersky

Heimdal Security