Endpoint security versus antivirus
What is antivirus software?
Antivirus software is installed on end-user devices to detect and delete viruses. Once installed, it automatically runs in the background and scans through computer programs as well as files.
Antivirus uses signature-based detection, which matches the programs and files with its stored database. If any matches a pattern from the antivirus software's database, that file is marked for deletion and removed from your device. The user is also notified of the threat, allowing them to respond accordingly.
What is endpoint security?
Endpoints are all the entry points used to connect the user-end devices, such as desktops, laptops, mobiles, smartwatches, printers, etc. It is essential to deploy an endpoint security system to ensure all the endpoints are secured and leave behind no vulnerability for a cyber attack.
Endpoints create various vulnerabilities in the system of an organization, mainly due to the increasing use of
These allow employees to connect to the corporate network using different networks that are available to them. Cybercriminals can exploit the gap if no endpoint security measures are implemented.
Comparison
Using different procedures, endpoint security systems and antivirus software protect the user against cyber crimes. Differences between the two have been highlighted in the table below:
Differences
Endpoint Security | Antivirus Software |
It's a centrally managed system. | It's a standalone security system. |
It protects the network and connected endpoints from cyber attacks. | It protects an individual system from cyber attacks. |
Machine learning component allows detection of novel viruses. | Detects only known viruses using signature-based method. |
Cloud computing architecture allows for automatic updates. | Updates need to be manually installed. |
Data access control rejects unauthorized access to the data. | Does not provide data access control to the users. |
Behavorial analysis marks suspicious activity by analyzing data. | Does not offer behavorial analysis. |
Data is encrypted while sending and downloading files to prevent data exfiltration. | Does not provide data encryption. |
Excellent for small as well as large organizations. | Great for individual computer systems. |
Secures an entire organization. | Secures sole workstation. |
A full package that includes several security features, such as a firewall and email filtering. | Forms a part of the endpoint security system. |
Admins monitor, track, configure, and patch threats remotely for one or all endpoints at the same time. | User is notified on threat detection who then responds to it accordingly. |
The endpoint security solution is a complete package for organizations looking to secure their endpoints, while antivirus is a subset of this solution. Both of them are essential for cyber security.
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