As technology continues to advance, so do the security threats businesses face. With increasing data being stored and transmitted electronically, endpoint security and antivirus services have become essential tools for protecting business assets. But what is the difference between these two types of security measures? And which network security solution does your business need? This blog will help you determine which solution best fits your organisation’s security needs.
Endpoint Security
Malicious network activity and malware attacks are severe concerns for businesses, so endpoint security has become crucial in detecting and preventing such threats. By safeguarding servers, desktops, and mobile devices from intrusions, businesses can ensure the security of their network. Every endpoint connected to the network poses a potential security vulnerability, making endpoint security solutions indispensable.
With the rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT), the number of endpoints is only set to increase, making it more critical than ever to have centralised management, authentication, and support for remote software deployment and updates. Endpoint security solutions include antivirus, firewalls, intrusion detection, and anti-malware tools, providing businesses with the essential tools to secure their network.
Endpoint security solutions are apt for businesses of all sizes. They are primarily intended for commercial use, especially concerning BYOD policies, connect-from-home policies, and personal devices on the company network.
Features of endpoint security solutions
- Endpoint detection and response capabilities to detect new endpoint devices and prioritise vulnerabilities.
- Anti-malware and data protection functionalities that prevent malware and exploits, and may include a firewall, DLP, port and device control, and mobility management.
- Third-party integrations with open API systems for seamless integration with other security tools such as network monitoring, intrusion prevention, active directory, and SIEM.
- Reports and alerts that offer prioritised warnings and dashboards to enhance the visibility of endpoint security.
- Centralised and automated incident investigation and remediation tools with step-by-step workflows and advanced features like blacklisting and sandboxing to contain malware.
Antivirus Software
Antivirus software aims to detect and eliminate malware, an umbrella term for various malicious or unwanted code types. Malware includes viruses, Trojans, keyloggers, ransomware, and worms. Antivirus solutions are installed on devices and servers to scan directories and files periodically for malicious patterns using virus definitions and signatures from a database. If the software detects a match, it blocks or quarantines the file.
Vendors continually update their databases to include new viruses, and it is essential to keep your antivirus software updated to avoid further attacks. Antivirus software is available as a stand-alone product or part of an endpoint protection platform, with vendors offering products for individuals, small businesses, and enterprises with varying levels of protection.
Features of antivirus software
- The software automatically scans your system at scheduled times and can be started manually to detect and remove any threats or viruses.
- Antivirus software helps keep your online browsing and downloads safe by blocking malicious web pages or warning you of potential dangers.
- Identify and remove various types of malware, including viruses, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, worms, keyloggers, adware, and rootkits.
- The software can isolate or remove infected files based on the severity of damage to prevent the further spread of malware.
- Sends periodic updates and alerts about infected files or potentially malicious software.
- Provides remote updates about virus scan rules to keep the software up-to-date and protect against new viruses and threats.
Conclusion
Endpoint protection platforms provide comprehensive security for networks and devices by incorporating features such as web filtering, threat detection, device monitoring and control, and integration with other security solutions. On the other hand, antivirus software tools are specialised tools designed to detect and remove malware, especially viruses. Some antivirus services also offer protection against different types of malware, such as worms, Trojans, and bots. We at Green Method offer a comprehensive range of network security solutions for businesses. Get in touch with us for more details.
