Endpoint Protection Vs. Endpoint Security

Arthur 11 Oct, 2022 1540 Views
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What Is An Endpoint?

An endpoint in computing refers to those ‘areas’ within a network using which hackers can intrude or hack into it and carry out illegal activities like stealing sensitive information or end up compromising the network’s security. Therefore endpoints can also be considered as vulnerable points within a network which has to be strengthened in order to keep the network safe from various security threats which today’s prevailing cybersecurity landscape throws up.

What Is An Endpoint Device?

Endpoints are basically devices outside of the network (mobile devices) like laptops, tablets, smartphones, desktops which have been provided with the privilege to connect to the network. With the proliferation of workforces willing to work off-premise and on-the-go, the number of endpoints has increased tremendously. And with the increase in the number of endpoints, the chances of cyber attacks too has seen a sharp increase. Technically speaking, endpoints are where hackers (or attackers) execute code and exploiting vulnerabilities in order to gain access to the network.

Web Service Endpoint

Web service endpoint is the endpoint in which a web service is located which will be accessed by millions of endpoints across the globe. This decides the point of contact for a web service by providing the physical location of the service, or what computer the request is coming from. Simply put, just like an enterprise network has endpoints, in the same way, web services or applications hosted online too have endpoints and these are known as web service endpoints.

Difference Between Endpoint Protection And Endpoint Security

Although there exists a confusion as to whether endpoint protection and endpoint security mean the same thing or not, the truth is they do. Be it endpoint protection or endpoint security, they both refer to the same security tools that protect networks against various security threats.

How Do Endpoint Security Tools Offer Protection?

Endpoint security tools is usually a group of several security tools like antivirus, antimalware, antispam etc., all grouped into one solution for protecting the entire network against various security attacks. They operate on a client-server model in which the security program is hosted on a central administrative server and client programs on the endpoints. Whenever clients (endpoints) attempt to login to the network, the server program allows them to do so only after validating their credentials and scanning the device to make sure they comply with the network security policy. In other words, only after ensuring the device “is the part of the network”.

Top 5 Endpoint Security Software For Your Devices

The IT security market contains several endpoint protection or security tools. Selecting one among them is not easy as most of them contain reasonable features and are available at an affordable price. Therefore we try to make this task easier for you by providing a list of top 5 endpoint protection tools for your devices.

Best Endpoint Security 2022

  • Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection (AEP)
  • Mcafee Endpoint Protection
  • Sophos Endpoint Protection
  • Eset Endpoint Protection
  • Symantec Endpoint

1. Xcitium Advanced Endpoint (AEP):

Xcitium AEP tops the list easily with its impressive security features. And also because it’s reasonably priced. This security product is extremely efficient in combating external as well as internal security threats successfully. Therefore using Xcitium AEP enterprises can keep all kinds of malware and security threats at bay.

Features:

Default Deny Platform: the default deny approach, a technology which is unique to Xcitium, ensures all applications (be it good or bad) are denied entry by default until they prove themselves to be harmless. An extremely efficient way of tackling cyber security threats in the age of zero-day malware.

Containerization Technology: for restraining or restricting unknown files within containers and releasing them into the devices only after these files prove themselves to be harmless. The technology which powers the Default Deny Platform approach.

VirusScope Behavior Analysis: another technology which is unique to Xcitium for performing local-workstation analysis performed based on the Indicators of Compromise (IOC) collected based on previous malware exploits. VirusScope makes use of techniques like API hooking, DLL injection prevention and much more.

Valkyrie Cloud-based Static & Dynamic Analysis: cloud-based malware analysis service for providing quick malware verdicts, often within 45 seconds. Reduces false positives and ensures enterprise productivity is not affected.

URL Filtering: a technique which keeps enterprises away from malicious websites and web applications by performing efficient URL filtering.

Device Control Related Features: granular device control features like easy device profile creation, over-the-air enrollment, remote data wipe, find my device and other anti-theft features, along with easy to implement yet secure mobile device security policies.

Application Security-Related Features: granular application control features like application inventorying, blacklisting applications, whitelisting applications, BYOD protection and more such security features.

Remote Monitoring and Management: for ensuring remote device takeover and applying timely security patches over the network.

2. Mcafee Endpoint :

This endpoint protection tool which is also moderately priced is packaged with the goal of making security administration easier for small to midsize businesses (SMBs). The security company claims to offer superior protection It comes with an extremely user-friendly interface.

Pros:

Easy-to-Use User Interface: which simplifies the complex technology behind endpoint protection and helps enterprises protect their networks easily without any fuss.

Cons:

The fact that it’s basically a bare-bones solution using which enterprises can offer only minimal protection. Certainly not suitable for tackling the zero-day malware.

Bottomline:

Certainly good for small to midsize businesses but does not have much on offer which can leave its users wanting for more.

3. Sophos Endpoint :

This security tool is a combination of anti-malware, web and application control, device control and much more, designed to support businesses of all sizes – both big and small. Sophos has also introduced Intercept X which is a cloud-based endpoint protection service that enhances endpoint security already running in your environment.

Pros:

Fully Functional 30-Day Free Trial: including all the features need for enterprise management, which is not that easily available with other security products.

Cons:

Per User License: with a price ranging between $30 to $60 range, making it quite expensive.

Bottomline:

Not bad. But definitely not the best in the IT security industry, as users often report about having second thoughts on the product’s ability.

4. Eset Endpoint :

Another security tool worth mentioning. Protects your endpoints using tools like antivirus and antispyware, advanced memory scanners etc. Comes with built-in data access control features as well. Above all, it easy to use.

Pros:

Offers reliable technical support backup and is cheaply priced.

Cons:

Does not offer enough security to networks. Leaves much to be desired.

Bottomline:

Useful for frugal-type enterprises. But then, good security comes with a price tag, doesn’t it?

5. Symantec Endpoint:

a few months ago, Symantec was in the new for all the wrong reasons with regards to its SSL business. But its security products still command much respect in the industry. Easy to use, good security at an affordable price, it’s the last in this list.

Pros:

Highly customizable, extremely flexible, cheaply priced.

Cons:

Only minimal protection on offer. Could improve its security.

Bottomline:

Not bad for a company which had to sell its SSL business owing to security issues.

See Also:

Best Endpoint Detection & Response

Endpoint Security Software
What is a Trojan Virus
Endpoint Detection and Response
EDR Security