If you are deeply invested in ensuring the security of your business, you have probably encountered the ongoing debate: endpoint protection vs antivirus – which is superior for your organisation?
While both solutions aim to protect businesses against malicious software and cyberattacks, they have different approaches and functionalities.
In this article, we highlight the distinctions between endpoint protection and antivirus software, exploring their unique features and how they contribute to a business’s overall security.
Endpoint Protection & Antivirus : What Are They?
Antivirus or anti-malware software is a fundamental component of computer security. Its primary purpose is to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, such as:
- Viruses
- Worms
- Trojan horses
- Spyware
- Adware
Endpoint protection, on the other hand, encompasses a range of practices intended to safeguard a business’s endpoints, such as laptops, servers, and mobile devices, against an array of security threats.
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Endpoint Protection vs Antivirus : Understanding their Differences
1. Scope of Protection
Endpoint protection offers a wider range of protection than antivirus software.
For instance, antivirus software only protects systems against malware, while endpoint protection can protect businesses against other threats, such as ransomware, phishing, and data loss.
2. Deployment
Endpoint protection often includes centralised management and reporting capabilities, allowing administrators to manage security across all endpoints (laptops, mobile devices, and IoT devices) from a single console.
Antivirus software, in contrast, operates as an individual security solution. It is installed directly onto the computer it is intended to protect.
3. Cost
Endpoint protection is typically more expensive than antivirus software. This is because it offers a more expansive range of features and protection in comparison to antivirus software.
4. Usage
Endpoint security software is widely used by larger organisations due to their complex network infrastructures and higher number of endpoints to protect.
Plus, its centralised management capabilities allow administrators to monitor and manage security across all endpoints efficiently, ensuring consistent protection and minimising vulnerabilities.
In addition to protecting traditional office environments, endpoint security solutions are well-suited for virtual work environments and remote workers.
They ensure that data and systems remain secure even when accessed outside the corporate network.
Alternatively, antivirus software is primarily utilised by home users and smaller organisations as a more basic solution for malware protection.
5. Layers of Defence
Antivirus software primarily relies on signature-based detection to identify and combat malware.
This approach involves comparing a computer’s files and programmes against a database of known malware signatures.
When a match is detected, the software takes action to quarantine or remove the identified threat.
On the other hand, endpoint protection combines multiple security technologies to provide comprehensive security for computer systems.
In addition to signature-based detection, it incorporates various advanced security features, such as:
- Firewall
- Intrusion prevention
- Data loss prevention
- Device control
- Behavioural analysis
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Choosing the Right Security Solution : Endpoint Protection vs Antivirus
If you’re searching for a robust security solution that safeguards your systems against an extensive array of threats, endpoint protection is undoubtedly the ideal choice for you.
With its comprehensive features and capabilities, endpoint protection provides a holistic defence mechanism for your devices and networks.
Alternatively, if you have budget constraints and your primary concern is defending against malware, an antivirus solution can still offer sufficient protection.
While it may not deliver the same level of comprehensive security as endpoint protection, antivirus software focuses specifically on detecting, preventing, and removing malware infections from your systems.
Enhanced Endpoint Protection with Aegis CEB
In conclusion, understanding the differences between endpoint protection and antivirus software is crucial for businesses to make informed decisions regarding their cybersecurity needs.
By comprehending the unique characteristics of each, organisations can determine which solution aligns best with their specific requirements.
Aegis Cloud Endpoint Backup (CEB) provides a complete solution for safeguarding your business’s cloud data by effectively managing and protecting data on all devices across your organisation.
With our robust and customisable backup technology, Aegis CEB shields your business’s data from potential risks, including human error, malware attacks, and theft.
Moreover, you can ensure the integrity and security of your valuable data, allowing for uninterrupted operations and providing peace of mind in the ever-changing landscape of the modern business world.
Several other key features of Aegis CEB include:
- Unlimited retention capability
- Easy deployment
- Remote data wipe
- Policy-controlled backup
- And many more!
