An endpoint protection platform (EPP) is a comprehensive security solution that protects endpoint devices from threats.
What does Endpoint Protection do?
Endpoint protection entails monitoring and protecting endpoints against cyber attacks. Desktops, laptops, cellphones, tablet computers, and other devices are all protected endpoints. Various cybersecurity solutions can be installed and monitored on these devices to protect them from cyber-attacks regardless of whether they are on or off a private network.
Examples for Endpoint Protection?
An EPP platform, functioning as a preventative first line of protection against cyber threats to the endpoint, detects and prevents the execution of file-based and fileless malware, malicious scripts, and malware that runs only in memory.
As malware becomes more complex and ubiquitous, having threat analysis and remediation capabilities like those provided by EPP becomes increasingly essential for business cybersecurity. Security teams demand a solution that prevents many of their endpoints’ threats and gives them the tools to remediate any successful incursions properly.
To safeguard your endpoints, you can use one of numerous security systems. A few examples you may recognize are Internet-of-Things (IoT) security, Network Access Control (NAC), URL filtering, and Data Loss Prevention (DLP).
What is the difference between an Endpoint Protection Platform and antivirus?
From a distance, the distinction between antivirus and endpoint protection is indistinguishable. In fact, antivirus is like the grandfather of practically all cybersecurity. However, on closer inspection, the two are markedly different.
The most critical distinction is that antivirus can only stop threats, whereas endpoint security can detect device dangers. Since hackers may eventually exploit a data breach on any digital border with enough time and money, endpoint security is worth the investment.
Another critical distinction between antivirus and endpoint security is that the latter can analyze ambiguous applications. Some apps out there do not fit cleanly into being either malware or harmless. Antivirus virtually never recognizes or blocks them, unlike endpoint sandboxing, which creates a secure digital environment.
What are the three main types of endpoint security?
Endpoint security is divided into three types:
- Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP)
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
- Extended Detection and Response (XDR)
EPPs are similar to reactive antivirus programs in that they primarily focus on malware prevention but act differently. These platforms assist in dealing with threats by:
- Analyzing files against a database of known attack signatures.
- Utilizing machine learning to detect suspicious activities on an endpoint.
- Enabling the development of lists that ban or allow specific programs, URLs, ports, IP addresses, etc.
- Offering sandboxes for testing questionable executables
You can read more about the other types of endpoint security in our glossary.
Wrapping up
An Endpoint Protection Platform is an excellent way to protect your devices from threats. If you work in cybersecurity, consider checking out how an EPP could benefit your system.
