Endpoint Security Software

What is Endpoint Security Software?

Endpoint security software consists of necessary tools and capabilities to secure a wide variety of endpoints, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and pretty much any other device that can be used to access an organization's network. With an increase in remote work and subsequent shadow IT, organizations need to monitor their endpoints more comprehensively than ever, while also preventing unauthorized access via network perimeters.

Often used in conjunction with Identity and Access Management (IAM) tools, the best endpoint security platforms offer all the tools that organizations need to detect threats, implement speedy quarantine or remediation, and even execute user access policies on a granular level. As a result, endpoint security software goes beyond basic antivirus solutions, by offering protection that is not only holistic, but also proactive.

Key Features of Endpoint Security Software 

  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): EDR continuously monitors endpoints for signs of compromise. If any are detected, the system takes action to contain and remediate the threat, strengthening the overall security positioning.
  • Antivirus and Anti-Malware Protection: Identifies and removes various forms of malware, including viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware, safeguarding endpoints from malicious software.
  • Firewalls: Controls both incoming and outgoing network traffic, ensuring that unauthorized access attempts are blocked to maintain optimum network security.
  • Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): IPS monitors network traffic for signs of suspicious activity and takes immediate action if any is detected. This proactive approach prevents attacks in real time.
  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Endpoint security software typically includes DLP capabilities (but can also integrate with dedicated DLP tools) to prevent sensitive data from being compromised or leaked, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations.
  • Device Encryption: Protects endpoint data from unauthorized access in the event of device loss or theft, adding an extra layer of security.
  • Endpoint Lifecycle Management: Manages the entire lifespan of endpoints, from initial deployment to eventual retirement, ensuring optimal security throughout the device's operational lifespan.
  • Threat Intelligence Integration: Endpoint security software receives real-time updates about emerging threats by integrating with threat intelligence feeds. This proactive approach enhances its ability to protect endpoints from new and evolving attacks.

Choosing the Right Endpoint Security Software

When selecting endpoint security software, organizations should consider factors like:

  1. The full scope of protection,
  2. Ease of deployment and long-term management,
  3. Integration capabilities with allied cybersecurity tools, such as network security or Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms,
  4. The quality of support and coordination in the event of an attack, from the vendor's SOC.

Ultimately, it's imperative to ensure no threat is missed, unauthorized access is always prevented and incidents are triaged so that your internal security or IT teams are always aware of what is most severe, and needs to be prioritized immediately.

Endpoint security software, just like any other cybersecurity tool, also needs to evolve based on zero-day threats - while the same applies to your security teams' level of expertise.

Interested to learn more about endpoint security platforms? Please visit out endpoint security FAQs.

Top 10 Endpoint Security Software

Microsoft Defender for Business / Syxsense / NinjaOne / ThreatDown / Lookout / Trellix / Broadcom / Rapid7 Managed Security Services / Singularity Cloud / Webroot

WH Score
9.5
Microsoft Defender for Business

Microsoft Defender for Business

2reviews
Starting Price:$3 per user / per month
Microsoft Defender for Business is a comprehensive and cost-effective solution tailored to provide enterprises of all sizes with essential security tools, ensuring the protection of their devices, data, and networks against diverse threats. 
WH Score
9.4
Syxsense
14reviews
Starting Price:N/A
Syxsense is a cloud-based endpoint security company. Syxsense has been famous for its outstanding services promising top-notch endpoint security. Syxsense realizes the importance of endpoint security for a company's survival and delivers accordingly to the best of its potential.
WH Score
9.3
NinjaOne
35reviews
Starting Price:N/A
NinjaOne automates the hardest parts of IT, empowering more than 17,000 IT teams with visibility, security, and control over all endpoints. The NinjaOne platform increases productivity while reducing risk and IT costs. Organizations use NinjaOne, including its wide range of IT and security integrati...
WH Score
9.0
ThreatDown
123reviews
Starting Price:$69 per device / per month
ThreatDown (formerly MalwareBytes for Business) is a renowned cybersecurity company dedicated to creating effective anti-malware solutions. With its cutting-edge technology, ThreatDown has become a trusted name in the industry, safeguarding individuals and businesses from diverse cyber threats. A st...
WH Score
8.9
Lookout
27reviews
Starting Price:N/A
Lookout is a cloud-based security solution that offers real-time protection against mobile threats. It uses a multi-layered approach to security, which includes both network and device-level security measures. Lookout is designed to protect against a variety of mobile threats, including malware, phi...
WH Score
8.9
Trellix
28reviews
Starting Price:N/A
Trellix is an information security product that protects the confidential data and systems of an organization from unauthorized access. It does this by providing a secure environment for users to access their data and applications, and by managing the user's access to these resources. Trellix also i...
WH Score
8.8
Broadcom
57reviews
Starting Price:N/A
Broadcom Security is a comprehensive security solution that offers a wide range of features to help protect your organization from cyber threats. With Broadcom Security, you can safeguard your network, endpoints, and cloud infrastructure against the latest cyber threats.
WH Score
8.8
Rapid7 Managed Security Services

Rapid7 Managed Security Services

9reviews
Starting Price:N/A
Rapid7 is a renowned Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) that has been recognized as one of the fastest growing cybersecurity system vendors. Rapid7’s IT security solutions are mainly used for managing security flaws and providing data insights to create credible action plans and closely ...
WH Score
8.7
Singularity Cloud
14reviews
Starting Price:N/A
Singularity Cloud is a cutting-edge cloud security platform that offers robust protection for virtual machines (VMs), servers, containers, and Kubernetes clusters across multi-cloud and data centers. It equips organizations to prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to real-time threats without co...
WH Score
8.7
Webroot
15reviews
Starting Price:N/A
Webroot is a leading cybersecurity company that specializes in providing comprehensive endpoint protection solutions to individuals and businesses. With a history spanning over two decades, Webroot has established itself as a trusted name in the industry, consistently delivering innovative and relia...

Learn more about Endpoint Security Software

What Is The Difference Between An Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) And A Traditional Antivirus?

Traditional antivirus software serves as a specialized defense mechanism tailored to combat viruses. In contrast, an Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) takes a more comprehensive approach, incorporating a wider array of security functionalities. Alongside its antivirus capabilities, an EPP reinforces security with firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and device encryption. This multifaceted strategy establishes a robust defense, fortifying against various cyber threats. By employing a combination of these advanced security measures, an EPP offers a heightened level of protection for endpoints, ensuring a more resilient defense against the evolving landscape of digital threats.

Do I Need Antivirus Software If I Have An Endpoint Protection Platform?

You can function without a traditional antivirus if you use an Endpoint Protection Platform, as EPPs offer all the capabilities of an AV, plus many other advanced capabilities that help to proactively secure devices. EPPs, unlike static AVs, can also detect zero-day threats, as they analyze behavior patterns among users and their devices to block, triage and remediate any incidents.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) vs Extended Detection and Response (XDR): What’s The Difference?

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) represent two distinct but crucial approaches to cybersecurity. EDR, as the name suggests, hones in on threats that are localized specifically to endpoints. These endpoints could range from individual devices like laptops and desktops to servers and mobile devices. By focusing on these critical touchpoints, EDR ensures a granular and detailed level of scrutiny, providing high visibility into potential security issues.

On the other hand, XDR takes a more expansive approach. It casts a broader net, encompassing endpoints, networks, cloud workloads, and other IT assets. This comprehensive view of the entire IT environment allows XDR to provide a holistic defense against various threats.

By monitoring and analyzing activity across these diverse elements, XDR can swiftly detect and mitigate potential security risks, regardless of where they originate or how they may traverse the IT landscape. This comprehensive coverage ensures that organizations have a robust defense against the multifaceted and evolving nature of modern cyber threats.

Does Endpoint Security Software Offer Remote Access/Control?

Certain endpoint security software solutions integrate remote access and control capabilities. This functionality empowers IT administrators to manage and troubleshoot endpoints from a remote location efficiently. By providing this level of accessibility, the software streamlines maintenance tasks, ensuring that endpoints remain secure and optimized without requiring physical proximity.

Does Endpoint Security Software Offer Device Lifecycle Management? 

Yes, some endpoint security software solutions incorporate device lifecycle management features. This capability empowers IT administrators to oversee the entire lifespan of endpoints, from their initial deployment to eventual retirement.

By providing a comprehensive framework for managing devices throughout their lifecycle, this functionality contributes to streamlined operations and ensures that endpoints remain secure and optimized.

Does Endpoint Security Software Integrate With Threat Intelligence?

Many endpoint security software solutions seamlessly integrate with threat intelligence feeds. This integration ensures the software remains up-to-date with the latest threat intelligence, providing real-time updates about emerging threats. By leveraging this intelligence, the software enhances its capacity to detect and neutralize evolving cyber risks swiftly, bolstering the organization's overall security posture. This proactive approach is instrumental in safeguarding against cyber threats' dynamic and evolving landscape.

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