Technical Review by
Craig MacAlpine
We’ve evaluated the best endpoint security solutions to help IT and security teams protect corporate devices from malware, ransomware, and advanced threats, with centralized management and automated response.
Endpoint protection solutions protect your corporate devices from malware, malicious applications, and investigate security incidents and alerts. They differ from commercial anti-virus software as they allow admins to manage all devices and perform investigation and remediation against threats. This allows admins to easily respond to security incidents and alerts.
Cyberattacks against business devices are on the rise. For this reason, it’s absolutely crucial that your organization, whether a Fortune 500 company or a 5-person team, has an effective cybersecurity plan in place to detect and stop attacks. An important part of this should be implementing strong endpoint security on all of your company devices, with a management portal that allows you to monitor and update your endpoints from anywhere.
However, the endpoint security market is extremely crowded and there are hundreds of vendors with technologies to stop threats from reaching your corporate devices. Some are aimed at large organizations, while others are better suited to smaller and mid-sized organizations.
To help your organization find the endpoint security solution that works best for you, here’s our list of the top endpoint protection platforms. We’ll cover their top features, target markets, pricing, and customer feedback.
1. ESET Endpoint Security — Best for cross-platform coverage with minimal performance impact
2. ThreatLocker Protect — Best for Zero Trust application allowlisting
3. Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security — Best for small businesses without dedicated security staff
4. Check Point Harmony Endpoint — Best for consolidating endpoint security functions into a single agent
5. CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform — Best for cloud-native detection with deep threat hunting
6. Trellix Endpoint Security Suite — Best for enterprise SOC teams needing integrated EDR and telemetry
7. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint — Best for organizations already running Microsoft 365
8. Palo Alto Cortex XDR — Best for correlating endpoint, network, and cloud telemetry
9. SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint — Best for autonomous threat remediation with ransomware rollback
10. Sophos Intercept X — Best for mid-market teams wanting prevention-first protection with optional MDR
ESET is a market-leading vendor in endpoint security and antivirus software, known for their powerful yet lightweight cybersecurity solutions. ESET Endpoint Security is their cloud-based endpoint protection solution, designed to protect organizations of all sizes against known and zero-day threats such as malware, ransomware, and fileless attacks. The solution offers multilayered protection, which admins can control with a single centralized management console. ESET Endpoint Security is available as a standalone product and as part of ESET PROTECT Enterprise, which also includes file server security, disk encryption, a cloud sandbox, and EDR.
ESET Endpoint Security combines machine learning technologies and crowdsourced threat intelligence to detect and prevent targeted malware and ransomware attacks. The solution monitors all executed apps for malicious content based on their known behaviors and reputations. It also scans the behaviors of malicious file processes in each endpoint’s memory to discover and eliminate fileless threats. The combination of technical and human threat intelligence means that ESET’s solution has excellent detection rates before, during, and after execution. ESET Endpoint Security also offers web browser protection, preventing users from downloading malicious files and enabling admins to blacklist known malicious URLs.
Security teams can manage their security across all ESET endpoints, including mobiles, via one unified cloud-based management console. This enables a clear overview of the organization’s security posture. ESET Endpoint Security is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android operating systems, with built-in mobile device management for iOS and Android. The admin console is available in 21 languages, and ESET offers localized support in 38 languages.
ESET Endpoint Security is praised for being lightweight; it performs as well as any solid anti-malware engine without the need for extra hardware and without slowing down corporate systems. We think ESET Endpoint Security is a strong solution for organizations with a global workforce, as well as those with a large number of BYOD devices in their fleet. The cloud-based platform is scalable and flexible, and the multilanguage support makes it particularly well suited for diverse environments.
ThreatLocker Protect is a Zero Trust endpoint security solution that gives organizations granular control over applications and content on their endpoints. We think the deny-by-default approach is one of the strongest prevention-first models available, blocking threats before they execute rather than detecting them after the fact.
When first installed, ThreatLocker deploys in a Learning Mode to analyze all applications, executables, and processes, building a bespoke set of policies based on your environment. Granular application controls allow complete customization over what software can run. If a user requests a blocked app, a request is sent to an administrator, who can run it on an isolated VDI to check it isn’t a security risk before granting access. Ringfencing controls what access an application has once it’s running, including limiting access to files, the internet, and other applications on the endpoint; this prevents applications from being exploited to spread ransomware.
Elevation Control enables users to run certain apps as a local administrator without needing full admin privileges on the endpoint. Storage Control lets admins audit all file and media access and set policies for physical media like USBs. Network Control provides full visibility and control of network traffic, with ports automatically opening for authorized devices and remaining unavailable to unauthorized ones. This also covers IoT and shadow IT device management.
Deployment is straightforward, with install options including Microsoft Software Installer or via an RMM. The admin console is intuitive, well designed, and easy to use. We think ThreatLocker Protect is a strong fit for SMBs, MSPs, and enterprises that want tight application control on their endpoints. The combination of allowlisting, Ringfencing, and Network Control delivers layered prevention that most traditional endpoint tools can’t match.
Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security is an endpoint protection platform delivering both protection and automated threat detection and response. Bitdefender uses machine learning for behavioral monitoring and attack prevention, stopping threats that traditional endpoint protection technologies miss. The platform terminates malicious processes, quarantines threats, and recovers encrypted files without waiting for manual intervention, which matters when nobody is watching dashboards full time. Bitdefender can be delivered via the cloud or on-premises.
The detection engine layers machine learning with behavioral analysis to catch malware, ransomware, and fileless attacks. Bitdefender’s key strengths are its threat research and ease of management, with the entire endpoint suite managed from one admin console. Ransomware protection includes tamper-proof backups and blocks abnormal encryption behavior, giving you a recovery option built into the endpoint agent. Bitdefender also offers enhanced endpoint control, with patch management, web threat protection, and application and device controls. Agents install quickly and run light enough that end users won’t complain. Email alerts notify you of events without requiring constant dashboard monitoring. Modular add-ons let you expand coverage over time.
Customers call out the balance between protection and performance. MSPs appreciate the RMM integrations and ability to customize policies per client. The centralized portal handles multi-device management well, and most find installation painless. Some users flag the dashboard as occasionally confusing, with specific settings like scan exclusions taking digging to find. Customers also note that initial setup feels complex for non-technical users.
We think GravityZone fits small businesses without dedicated security staff that need automated protection with room to grow. Bitdefender’s large R&D team helps keep it on top of new and emerging threats, and the modular approach means you’re not paying for features you don’t need yet. If you need a polished admin interface or the simplest possible onboarding, factor in the dashboard learning curve.
Check Point Harmony Endpoint consolidates antivirus, EDR, XDR, DLP, full disk encryption, and VPN into a single agent. We think this is a strong fit for enterprise organizations that want to reduce tool sprawl across endpoint protection functions, especially those already in the Check Point ecosystem where the broader Harmony suite adds SASE, SWG, and email security.
Over 60 AI engines analyze threats before execution, catching zero-day and behavioral threats that signature-based detection misses. The platform covers Windows, macOS, Linux, servers, VDI, browsers, and mobile from one console. GenAI governance controls stand out if you’re concerned about data leakage through AI tools, with real-time policy enforcement and discovery of shadow AI usage. DLP recognizes over 700 predefined data types with OCR-based detection in images. Anti-ransomware includes rollback capabilities. Patch management, URL filtering, and anti-phishing round out the feature set.
Customers praise the centralized management and layered protection approach. The dashboards and reports are customizable, and deployment options are flexible. Teams appreciate not juggling separate tools for EPP, EDR, and XDR. Some users report the agent can be resource-heavy, with forensic scans impacting CPU on certain endpoints. Customers also note that the breadth of features creates a learning curve for teams new to the platform.
We think Harmony Endpoint fits mid-market and enterprise teams that want consolidated endpoint security with strong AI-driven detection. The GenAI governance controls address a risk most competitors haven’t caught up with yet. If agent performance on older hardware matters or you need a simpler solution, the resource footprint and complexity may be concerns.
CrowdStrike Falcon is the cloud-native endpoint platform that set the standard for modern EDR. CrowdStrike provides a suite of endpoint protection options under the Falcon name, with different tiers for enterprise, small, and mid-sized customers, each with unique detection and response capabilities. The platform runs a single lightweight agent across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android that catches threats signature-based tools miss. CrowdStrike is one of the most rapidly growing vendors in the endpoint security market.
AI-powered detection handles malware, ransomware, and fileless attacks with automated remediation that stops threats from spreading. The platform provides continuous and deep endpoint visibility, allowing admins to identify and alert on unauthorized systems and applications in real time for faster remediation. CrowdStrike Query Language makes complex investigations accessible without extensive training. CrowdStrike also employs experienced cybersecurity analysts who provide managed detection and response and managed threat hunting. You can add XDR, EDR, MDR, and Identity Threat Detection modules as your program matures. Deployment is fast, and the agent runs in the background without dragging down system performance.
Customers consistently praise the centralized console and real-time detection. Support gets high marks for responsiveness and availability. The dashboard organization makes navigation straightforward, and detection pages provide detailed breakdowns in a single view. Some users note that onboarding and offboarding takes time, and the console synchronization could be faster. Customers also report that advanced features overwhelm new users initially, and air-gapped environments face challenges since the platform requires internet connectivity.
We think Falcon fits mid-market and enterprise teams with mature security operations that will use the visibility and hunting capabilities. As a cloud-based endpoint solution, CrowdStrike is a good option for organizations looking for powerful endpoint security delivered as a service, with flexible pricing options and fast deployment. The detection quality and cloud-native architecture justify the premium pricing for organizations that can absorb the cost. Budget carefully and verify your air-gapped requirements before committing.
Trellix Endpoint Security Suite (formerly McAfee Enterprise) is enterprise-grade endpoint protection combining EDR, XDR, and MDR capabilities with AI-powered detection for large organizations managing hundreds or thousands of endpoints. McAfee’s enterprise security business merged with FireEye to form Trellix in 2022, carrying forward McAfee’s focus on automation and machine learning for endpoint defense. Trellix won the SE Labs ‘Top Product’ award for AV-Test Corporate Endpoint Protection in 2025.
The platform integrates host firewall, USB device control, exploit protection, signature-based antivirus, static and dynamic analysis, and behavioral detection alongside EDR in a single agent. Trellix has a strong focus on automation, using machine learning and behavioral analysis to allow endpoints to communicate and detect threats more quickly, reducing the need for manual detections and remediations with automatic analysis, containment, and remediation. Machine learning and generative AI assist investigations, reducing manual analyst workload. Endpoint telemetry feeds managed SOC teams with consistent file, process, and behavioral data that surfaces actionable alerts. Real-time EDR and forensic investigation include automated correlation and MITRE ATT&CK mapping. The platform supports Windows, macOS, and a wide range of Linux distributions.
Customers value the coverage and centralized management. Endpoint telemetry supports SOC operations well, and threat detection handles malware and phishing effectively. Independent testing scores reinforce the detection capabilities. Some users flag deployment as complex, with settings that can confuse even experienced administrators. Customers also note that the platform works alongside Trellix Agent and ePO, so you’re managing an ecosystem rather than a standalone product.
We think Trellix fits large enterprises with mature security operations and dedicated staff to manage the complexity. The telemetry depth and SOC integration deliver real operational value, with strong automated threat detection and response suited to organizations looking for a powerful EDR platform. Smaller teams should evaluate carefully, as the power comes with significant operational overhead.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is the natural endpoint security choice for organizations already deep in the Microsoft ecosystem. The platform provides behavioral-based antivirus, post-breach detection, automated investigation and response, and a unified incident response console that correlates alerts across endpoints, Office 365, Azure, and Active Directory. We think it makes little sense to pay for a separate solution when this level of protection comes bundled with M365 E3 and E5 licensing. Defender for Endpoint works natively with Windows but is also available across macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Next-gen antivirus handles malware effectively, and automated investigation reduces manual triage burden. Vulnerability management, network protection, and EDR ship in one package. The incident response console provides alerts and incident response activities across the Defender program, giving centralized visibility across endpoints, email, cloud apps, and identities. Integration with Defender XDR and Microsoft Copilot creates unified threat correlation. The telemetry depth across Windows environments supports complex threat hunting scenarios. Deployment is smooth, with stable agents that work out of the box with minimal friction.
Customers praise the baseline protection and real-time threat detection. The single alert console simplifies management, and extensive documentation supports implementation. Agents deploy without the headaches common to enterprise security tools. Some users find the platform confusing to navigate, with live response limitations and user isolation requiring more clicks than it should. Customers also note that advanced EDR features require P2 licensing tied to M365 E5.
We think Defender for Endpoint delivers the most value when you’re already running M365 E3 or E5. The included licensing eliminates incremental security spend, making it a good option for Microsoft-heavy organizations that want to manage their endpoints without a third-party tool. If you need advanced EDR, confirm you’re on E5 or budget for the upgrade. For non-Microsoft environments, evaluate the platform gaps on macOS and Linux.
Palo Alto Cortex XDR correlates endpoint, network, and cloud telemetry to detect and respond to advanced threats from a single platform. We think the alert grouping and incident scoring are the genuine differentiators here. Instead of drowning analysts in individual alerts, Cortex XDR deduplicates and clusters related events into actionable incidents, which significantly reduces mean time to resolution.
Behavioral analytics and machine learning catch fileless attacks and zero-day exploits that signature-based detection misses. Everything maps to MITRE ATT&CK for faster root cause analysis. The unified console pulls telemetry from endpoints, network, and cloud into one view for proactive threat hunting. Host isolation is straightforward, and SIEM and SOAR integrations support automation playbooks. Cortex XDR achieved 99% in both threat prevention and detection in the 2025 AV-Comparatives EPR evaluation.
Customers highlight the investigation workflow as a strength. SIEM and SOAR integrations support automation playbooks well, and the platform scales for large enterprise environments. Detection handles sophisticated threats effectively. Some users struggle with UI complexity, noting that navigation takes time to master despite strong underlying capabilities. Customers also report that policy tuning and detection customization involve a learning curve.
We think Cortex XDR fits mid-sized and enterprise teams with dedicated security analysts who can use the deep investigation capabilities. If you’re already running Palo Alto firewalls or SASE, this extends that investment with tight integration. The UI complexity is the trade-off for the depth.
SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint delivers autonomous AI-driven protection across endpoints, servers, and mobile devices. We think the automated threat remediation with ransomware rollback is the headline capability. The platform detects, isolates, remediates, and rolls back changes without waiting for analyst intervention, which matters for teams without 24/7 SOC coverage.
Static and behavioral detection work together to catch threats in real time. Attack storylines connect alerts from different sources into clear narratives, giving analysts the full picture without manual correlation. Ransomware rollback recovers encrypted files without restoring from backup. The platform discovers unmanaged endpoints on your network automatically, closing visibility gaps. Device policy controls cover network, USB, and Bluetooth access from the same console. Integration with the broader Singularity suite adds identity and cloud risk management through Purple AI.
Customers praise the unified visibility across endpoint, network, and cloud in one console. The intuitive interface and third-party tool integrations get high marks. Alert enrichment with threat intelligence helps prioritize real threats over noise, and ticketing system integrations enable fast response. Some users report VDI deployments have caused friction. Customers also note that administration can get complex at scale.
We think SentinelOne fits organizations wanting autonomous protection that scales from small deployments to hundreds of thousands of endpoints. The attack storylines and ransomware rollback are genuine differentiators. If you run significant VDI environments, test thoroughly before committing.
Sophos Intercept X is a prevention-first endpoint platform powered by deep learning AI that focuses on stopping threats before they execute. The platform aims to simplify endpoint protection for organizations, making it easier to secure Windows, Mac, and Linux systems against malware and malicious web traffic, with admin controls over web content, applications, devices, and data. We think this is a strong fit for mid-market teams that want solid protection working out of the box with optional managed detection and response for teams that need expert backup without building a full SOC. The platform can be deployed as a cloud-based console or on-premises.
Deep learning models, behavioral analysis, and anti-exploit capabilities work together to catch threats early. CryptoGuard blocks both local and remote ransomware encryption attempts and auto-restores affected files. Adaptive Attack Protection automatically hardens defenses when it detects hands-on-keyboard activity, which is a smart response to active attacker behavior. The unified cloud console manages hybrid deployments, remote users, and cloud infrastructure from one place. Sophos provides admin controls and policy enforcement across web content, applications, devices, and data. Strong default policies and click-to-fix health checks reduce configuration burden. MDR and incident response services are available as add-ons.
Customers praise the centralized management through Sophos Central. Adaptive Attack Protection and CryptoGuard get consistent positive mentions. The platform covers hybrid deployments, remote users, and cloud infrastructure from one place. Support has been helpful when needed. Some users flag that alert management and searchability across assets could be easier in the console. Customers also note that finding specific settings requires familiarity with the interface.
We think Intercept X fits mid-market and enterprise organizations that want prevention-first protection without heavy administrative overhead. The CryptoGuard ransomware defense and Adaptive Attack Protection are genuine differentiators. Sophos provides one single admin console from which all endpoints can be managed, making it a practical option for organizations that value simplicity alongside strong threat protection. If you need tight integration with non-Sophos tools or deep alert search capabilities, evaluate those gaps.
We researched lots of endpoint security solutions while we were making this guide. Here are a few other tools worth your consideration:
A threat detection engine that identifies and blocks known and unknown threats in real-time.
A unified security platform that brings together prevention, detection, access control, and response.
ML, behavioral analysis, and app controls that remediate binary and scripted threats, phishing, and security incidents.
Ideal for SMBs, Norton offers protection against malware and zero-day exploits against PCs, Macs, iOS, and Android.
Protects organizations against malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and zero-day exploits.
Powerful protection for Windows, macOS, and Linux devices with high detection rates against script-based exploits.
We evaluated each endpoint security solution based on its ability to detect and prevent threats, the quality of its management console, deployment flexibility, and how well it serves its target market. Our testing focused on real-world protection against malware, ransomware, fileless attacks, and advanced persistent threats.
Detection methodology was a primary consideration. We assessed whether platforms rely on signature-based detection, behavioral analysis, machine learning, or a combination. Solutions that catch threats traditional antivirus misses, particularly fileless attacks and zero-day exploits, scored highest. Independent testing results from organizations like AV-Comparatives and SE Labs provided additional validation.
We weighted the management experience heavily. Endpoint security tools generate alerts, and the difference between a good platform and a poor one often comes down to how well the console organizes that information. Platforms with clear dashboards, automated response capabilities, and MITRE ATT&CK mapping for investigations scored well. We also evaluated deployment speed and agent performance impact on endpoints.
Ecosystem fit mattered. Organizations running Microsoft 365, Fortinet, Palo Alto, or Check Point infrastructure get additional value from native integrations. We noted where those advantages apply and where standalone platforms offer better value for organizations without existing vendor commitments.
Expert Insights’ editorial and commercial teams operate independently. No vendor can pay to influence the testing, review, or ranking of their products. Our recommendations are based on hands-on evaluation, verified customer feedback, and independent research.
The first factor to evaluate is **detection approach**. Traditional signature-based antivirus catches known threats, but modern attacks use fileless techniques, living-off-the-land binaries, and behavioral manipulation that signatures miss. Look for platforms that combine machine learning, behavioral analysis, and threat intelligence. CrowdStrike Falcon, SentinelOne Singularity, and Sophos Intercept X all use multi-layered detection that goes beyond signatures. ThreatLocker takes a different approach entirely with deny-by-default allowlisting.
**Automated response** determines how quickly threats get contained. When malware executes at 3 AM and nobody is watching dashboards, automated quarantine, process termination, and rollback capabilities matter. Bitdefender GravityZone and SentinelOne both offer autonomous response that handles threats without analyst intervention. If your team lacks 24/7 SOC coverage, prioritize platforms with strong automation.
Consider **platform coverage and deployment flexibility**. Your endpoint fleet likely spans Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. ESET Endpoint Security and Check Point Harmony Endpoint cover all major platforms from a single console. If you need on-premises deployment alongside cloud management, Bitdefender and Sophos Intercept X support both models. Cloud-only platforms like CrowdStrike Falcon require internet connectivity, which matters for air-gapped environments.
**Ecosystem integration** can reduce vendor sprawl and operational overhead. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint makes the most sense when you’re already running M365 E3 or E5. Palo Alto Cortex XDR extends the value of existing Palo Alto firewalls and SASE investments. Trellix integrates with its broader security ecosystem for SOC-centric operations. Evaluate whether a best-of-breed standalone solution or an integrated ecosystem approach better fits your security program.
Finally, assess **management overhead and team capacity**. Enterprise platforms like CrowdStrike, Trellix, and Cortex XDR offer deep investigation capabilities but require skilled analysts to use them fully. Mid-market teams with smaller security staff should consider solutions with strong default policies and minimal tuning requirements, like Sophos Intercept X or Bitdefender GravityZone.
The right endpoint security solution depends on your organization’s size, existing vendor stack, and the maturity of your security operations. Cloud-native platforms offer fast deployment and minimal infrastructure overhead, while on-premises options suit organizations with specific data residency or air-gap requirements. Prioritize detection quality, automated response capabilities, and management simplicity that matches your team’s capacity.
Any physical device connected to your network is described as an ‘endpoint’ in cybersecurity. This can include PCs, laptops, cell devices, virtual machines, servers, and routers. Internet-of-things (IoT) devices are also endpoints – this includes cameras, smart speakers, lights, security hardware, smart refrigerators, toys, and even smart televisions.
Essentially, any device that can connect to your network and transfer or receive data is considered an endpoint device. Any of these devices has the potential to become compromised and pose a risk to the wider network. However, most security solutions for the enterprise focus on protecting endpoints and user devices, such as laptops, PCs, and smartphones, rather than IoT devices. This is because these web browsing workstations are the most targeted vectors in most organizations when it comes to malware and ransomware.
Endpoint protection (EPP) software is a cybersecurity solution that protects your endpoint devices (PCs, mobiles, laptops, tablets, routers, etc.,) against malware, phishing, harmful files, and suspicious activity.
EPP solutions are typically deployed via a software agent, which is installed directly onto the end user’s device and managed by admins from a central dashboard. From here the admins can configure policies, respond to incidents, and track endpoints connected to the network.
These solutions are deployed directly onto every individual endpoint on the network. This enables them to scan the device locally for malware, suspicious activity, and other cyber threats. They can also encrypt files and ensure that only approved applications are installed on the device.
Traditionally, endpoint security tools would use a signature-based system to detect malware and prevent it from being installed. Signature-based detection systems compare files and URLs with known malware examples to prevent users from downloading malicious documents or visiting harmful web pages. While this provides fast and effective protection against known risks, there is the risk that unknown and emerging malware strains can slip through, leaving you vulnerable to new security incidents.
For this reason, many leading endpoint security tools today use a heuristic system based on ML engines, alongside (or in place of) signature-based detection. Heuristic endpoint protection platforms use a confidence-based philosophy to assess files and judge whether it is likely to be malicious, even if the code has never been seen before. As many cybersecurity companies operate massive threat intelligence platforms with hundreds of millions of data points collected every day, week, or month, it does not take long for these AI systems to become effective at catching highly advanced malware strains, with very low false positive rates.
Many endpoint security vendors now combine endpoint security with endpoint detection and response (EDR) and extended detection and response (XDR) capabilities. These services provide greater remediation and investigation features, often utilizing machine learning to enable faster identification and resolution of detected threats. They also often integrate with third-party tools for more in-depth reporting across your security stack. You can view our guide to the top XDR solutions here.
EDR solutions are an evolution of endpoint security that continuously monitors end-user devices to detect and respond to advanced threats. While endpoint protection platforms traditionally scan user devices periodically (as well as scanning new files and web downloads), EDR solutions continuously scan for suspicious activity, recording, and analyzing endpoint behaviors at the system level. EDR solutions can automatically block malicious endpoint activity and provide high levels of contextual data and remediation actions for IT admins.
Many endpoint security vendors now offer EDR capabilities built into their core endpoint solutions, or offer these features as additional, tightly integrated products. We’ve put together a separate list of the top endpoint detection and response solutions here.
XDR tools are an evolution of EDR solutions. They are SaaS-based solutions that provide threat detection and incident response across the entire network, not just your endpoints. This improves your overall security posture.
We’ve put together a separate guide to choosing the best XDR solutions here.
MDR refers to EDR solutions that are managed by a security vendor directly on behalf of the organization. Tasks such as incident investigation, alert triaging, threat hunting, and remediation are outsourced to the vendor, saving valuable time for IT admins and SOC teams. This can make security more accessible to SMBs with a lack of internal resources, and can bolster the efforts of larger security teams with external expertise. You can read our guide to the top 10 managed detection and response solutions here.
Endpoint security is typically deployed as a software agent which is downloaded to end user-devices. These work on the device locally, so scanning and threat assessments can take place even when the device is offline.
A key component of endpoint security is the management console, which allows admins to monitor, control, and track all the endpoint devices with the software agent installed. This admin console can be deployed in the cloud, on-premises, or a hybrid approach, depending on your organization’s preferences.
There are many considerations to make when choosing a solution, such factors include price, features, and compatibility with the devices your workforce uses. Some important factors to consider when choosing the right solution include:
Planning out your organization’s requirements around these questions can be a strong way to identify the best endpoint protection solution for your organization.
To protect endpoint devices against malware, there are many key features enterprise that solutions should provide for teams. This includes:
The endpoint security market can be very complex, making it tricky to identify the best solution for your needs. This is made all the more difficult for small businesses who may not have the expertise to decide. For small businesses, there are several factors to be considered, not least your organizations budget, the type of endpoint devices you are running (Mac vs PC), your industry, the level of security you need, and the number of users.
There are a wealth of endpoint security providers that offer powerful, easy-to-install, and cost-effective endpoint security solutions for small-and-midsized organizations. ESET, Avast, and Bitdefender, for example, are all known for their small-business and consumer focused endpoint security solutions. There is more detail on each of these providers featured on our list of the top endpoint security solutions for business.
For more information from Expert Insights on the endpoint security market, read our guide to the Top 10 Antivirus Software For Small Businesses.
There has been an increase in devices needed for an employee to do their work in recent years. It was estimated by TechJury that by the end of 2021, there would be 46 billion IoT devices connected around the world. That’s a lot of devices. Each device connected to a company network is a gateway to said company network. Traditional security measures simply aren’t sufficient to defend organizations against these security threats.
With so many devices in circulation and so many of them potentially attached to your company network, it opens up a lot of unsecure gateways for threat actors to take advantage of. While endpoint security also serves for on-prem devices within the data center, it becomes especially important when these devices reside outside of it, which has become the norm since COVID-19 and the rapid rise of remote work and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). These devices are all endpoints and potential attack vectors which need to be secured.
Potential risk can come from all angles. Malware, ransomware, and security breaches can occur from an employee clicking a malicious link on their mobile device, or from someone downloading an attachment from a dubious source, as well as other avenues. A rise in hybrid and remote working has also seen end-users connecting to work networks at home or through public Wi-Fi networks. This, twinned with an increase in edge devices (devices that reside outside of a centralized data center) and BYOD, has led to an increasingly flexible network perimeter.
Comprehensive endpoint protection aims to eliminate these risks (cybersecurity threats, complex attack patterns, and advanced persistent threats) by securing an organization’s endpoints through playing a central role in a modern cybersecurity strategy. In practice, this involves defending against external threats through unifying security measures and integrating behavioral analysis, enabling security teams to gain full visibility.
Joel is the Director of Content and a co-founder at Expert Insights; a rapidly growing media company focussed on covering cybersecurity solutions.
He’s an experienced journalist and editor with 8 years’ experience covering the cybersecurity space. He’s reviewed hundreds of cybersecurity solutions, interviewed hundreds of industry experts and produced dozens of industry reports read by thousands of CISOs and security professionals in topics like IAM, MFA, zero trust, email security, DevSecOps and more.
He also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted. Joel is driven to share his team’s expertise with cybersecurity leaders to help them create more secure business foundations.
Craig MacAlpine is CEO and Founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA Cloud, an email security provider that rebranded as VIPRE Email Security following its acquisition by Ziff Davis, formerly J2Global (NASDAQ: ZD) in 2013.
Craig is a passionate security innovator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with cutting-edge information security and cybersecurity solutions.
Using his extensive experience in the email security industry, he founded Expert Insights with the singular goal of helping IT professionals and CISOs to cut through the noise and find the right cybersecurity solutions they need to protect their organizations.