What is Endpoint Security?

Endpoint Security or Endpoint Protection is a centralized approach to protecting all endpoints - servers, desktops, laptops, smartphones and other IoT devices - connected to the corporate IT network from cyber threats. This methodology enables efficient, effective, and easier endpoint security management. Some vendors offer Endpoint Security systems that includes antivirus, firewall and other high defined security software.

When any device-smartphone, laptop, tab etc- is connected remotely to a network, the endpoint thus created would provide an entry point for threats and malware. Endpoint security management is all about adequately securing such endpoints and thereby securing a network by blocking access attempts and such risky activities at endpoints.

Endpoint security systems are a must in today's threat landscape. As more enterprises adopt practices like BYOD and also as incidences of mobile threats are consistently on the rise, endpoint security becomes highly relevant. Employees today connect to company networks using their laptops or mobile devices, from their homes and also while on the move. In this scenario, when security perimeters tend to be undefinable and ever-shifting, a centralized security solution won't be adequate. It's here that security endpoints come in, supplementing centralized security measures with additional layers of protection at endpoints, which are not just entry points for threats and attacks, but points of egress for sensitive data (corporate and personal) as well.

Companies need to ensure that endpoint devices meet security standards; this has to be ascertained before such devices are granted network access. Endpoint security helps enterprises maintain greater control over all access points and also helps block threats and access attempts effectively. Security endpoint tools also help monitor for, detect and block malicious activities.

Endpoint security systems typically consist of a centrally located security software (which is located on a centrally managed server or gateway within the network) plus the client software that's installed on each endpoint or endpoint device.

Difference between Endpoint Security Software and Antivirus Software

It's to be understood that endpoint security software happens to be basically different from the antivirus software. In the case of endpoint security software, it's not an individual device that's protected; it's the network as a whole that is secured. The endpoints or endpoint devices, on the other hand, bear some amount of responsibility for their own security as well. This means that even when there is an endpoint protection software to safeguard a network, it's always necessary also to protect endpoint devices like laptops, smartphones etc with endpoint security antivirus or antimalware tools. Comodo’s free endpoint antivirus software is capable of protecting your network with anti-spyware, anti-spam, and virus protection, which can lessen slowdowns of the system and offer customized options.