Endpoint security is securing a network’s endpoints or entry points of user devices, such as smartphones, against attacks.
What are the three main types of endpoint security?
Endpoint security is divided into three categories: Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and Extended Detection and Response (XDR).
EPPs are similar to reactive antivirus programs, primarily focusing on malware prevention. These platforms assist in dealing with threats by:
- Analyzing files against an archive of known attack signatures.
- Utilizing machine learning to identify suspicious activities on an endpoint.
- Allowing the development of lists that ban or allow specific programs, URLs, ports, MAC addresses, IP addresses, and so on.
- Offering sandboxes for testing questionable executables.
Administrators install EPPs directly on endpoints, but a central platform continually analyzes data (on-premises or in the cloud).
An EDR has the same features as an EPP but can also respond to active threats in real-time. An administrator can use these platforms to:
- Set up automatic remediation processes (for example, if something goes wrong, isolate a harmful file or delete the endpoint’s memory).
- Determine the indications of compromise (IoC).
- Receive real-time security incident alerts.
EDRs detect dangers an EPP might miss, such as file-less malware or polymorphic attacks.
Lastly, an XDR platform provides more protection and in-depth risk analysis than an EDR platform. XDRs offer greater visibility and rely primarily on automation to identify and eliminate risks.
An XDR tool spans various security layers (endpoints, network traffic, and so on) and collects data from:
- SIEM (security information and event management) software.
- EDRs and EPPs.
- Analyzing network traffic.
- Tools for identity and access management (IAM).
The primary goals of XDR are to shorten incident response times, provide more context during threat assessment, and deliver an in-depth analysis of affected endpoints to determine the root cause of the threat.
What is endpoint security versus antivirus?
Antivirus software has been around for decades, and it’s designed to detect, identify, and remove malware, which includes everything from viruses and worms to keyloggers and trojans.
On consumer PCs and in simpler commercial systems, antivirus software is used, and it typically uses existing threat databases to deal with issues as they arise. While they frequently have additional functions, their primary function is to remove viruses.
Endpoint security is far more extensive, and antivirus is only one component. A cloud-based endpoint security system secures a complete network and all its connected devices, from desktops and laptops to smartphones and tablets.
Endpoint security includes antivirus modules, encryption, data protection, and intrusion detection. Endpoint solutions are precious for enterprises with more sophisticated needs because a complete network of devices is usually handled from a single cloud-based management panel.
What is an example of endpoint protection?
One example is Network Access Control. NAC manages which users and devices obtain access to your network, including remote access, what they do, and which regions they interact with. It employs firewalls, which are placed between users, devices, and sensitive areas of your network.
Final thoughts
Endpoint security solution implementation can be a difficult task. However, ensuring all components are in place is critical to safeguard your network and data. Endpoint security is an essential part of cybersecurity. A robust endpoint security solution to protect your devices and data would be best.
