What is an Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)?

An Endpoint Protection Platform, or EPP, is a critical security suite that acts as your first line of defense against various cyber threats to your infrastructure’s endpoints. It’s a term used to cover software that protects against suspicious activity, malware, ransomware, and AI-driven threats.

A solid EPP is vital in the fight against increasingly sophisticated and ubiquitous cyber threats, providing endpoint security protection in the shape of:

• Network firewalls
• Email security tools
• Intrusion prevention systems (IPS)
• Data encryption
• Smart device access controls
• Threat intelligence and behavioral analysis
• Advanced antivirus and malware protection
• Data loss prevention (DLP)
• Data backups

EPP can be confused with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). EDR is a component of EPP – in that it detects and acts against threats if your front-line defenses are breached.

Cybercrime is an expensive business – set to cost firms $15.63 trillion by 2029 – meaning getting a responsive, proactive endpoint security perimeter in place is vital – and, here at VikingCloud, we can help.

Evolution of Endpoint Protection Platforms

Endpoint protection has traditionally consisted of on-site, hub-and-spoke or pillar solutions, where operators managed a central security system that connected and managed endpoints from a single access point. However, EPPs – such as VikingCloud’s Asgard platform – have evolved to become more flexible and scalable.

Traditional Endpoint Security

Traditional EPPs are still used by some companies, though they are no longer considered the most efficient or scalable way to protect endpoints. Traditional platforms are typically hosted in-house, on local servers and data centers.

The main drawback to this approach has been manual scaling, installation, and maintenance. Given the increasing speed at which threats are evolving and data silos are expanding, the modern age demands something more flexible and less resource-intensive than on-site management.

The Shift to Advanced EPPs

Firms have shifted to advanced EPPs, such as those based in the cloud, thanks to their relatively light hardware demands, speedy threat detection and remediation, and simple one-console, software-based endpoint management.

AI and machine learning, too, continue to enhance EPP scope and capabilities. EPPs using AI can analyze user data and behavior at breakneck pace, effectively responding to threats and making recommendations in real time. It’s possible for AI to crunch EPP data in a fraction of the time of manual personnel, therefore significantly reducing the chances of endpoint breach.

Core Capabilities of Modern Endpoint Protection Platforms

The most important capabilities of modern EPPs, such as VikingCloud’s Asgard, include smart threat detection, behavioral monitoring, data encryption, data loss prevention, antivirus and antimalware protection, quarantine, vulnerability management, and device control.

AI-powered threat detection and behavioral monitoring

Modern EPPs use EDR solutions supported by AI and machine learning to continuously monitor user behavior. AI gradually builds a robust profile of what’s accepted as suspicious activity and gets increasingly accurate at blocking endpoint threats and reporting back to operators – therefore reducing human errors and ensuring systems are protected in real-time.

Data encryption

All modern EPPs should encrypt both static and dynamic data to prevent bad actors from reading information via endpoints. This protective measure prevents data from being used even if it’s stolen.

Data loss prevention

Modern EPPs prevent data loss by strictly controlling how data is transferred, accessed, and otherwise downloaded. For instance, it can classify certain data accessible via endpoint so only certain personnel may retrieve it.

Antivirus and antimalware protection

EPPs with antivirus and antimalware protection prevent harmful software from breaching endpoints with a database of known threats that updates in real time. Along with a firewall, these solutions can stop malicious attacks.

Quarantine

Quarantining allows operators to safely move and dispose of threats beyond endpoint detection so they can no longer travel through a network or infrastructure and wreak havoc. It’s a common facet of antimalware and antivirus systems.

Vulnerability management

Modern EPPs can analyze endpoint flaws and weaknesses that may require patching against security threats. While you can automate this process, we also recommend regular penetration testing to ensure all vulnerabilities are discovered.

Device control

Operators can use EPPs to whitelist devices that have clearance to access certain endpoints, working on a zero-trust, deny-first basis until access is vetted.

Key Benefits of Implementing an EPP

We recommend implementing a modern, cloud-based EPP because it can help you manage all your endpoint devices from a single console, streamline security management, and help you keep track of gaps in your security posture.

We also recommend EPPs as part of your broader cybersecurity plan – with tighter endpoint controls, your network and data are even more secure against evolving threats, and your business’s reputation is even further protected.

For security managers and IT professionals, too, a smart, modern EPP helps to keep both mobile and static endpoints in check, and AI and automation helps to cut down significant time and effort analyzing and securing against threats.

EPP vs EDR: Understanding the Differences

The key difference between EPP and EDR is that one acts as a defender, while the other responds to threats that get past the frontline of defense. However, let’s break down some of the further facets of EPP and EDR.

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Ultimately, we recommend setting up a security perimeter and response system that utilizes both EPP and EDR principles.

“...EDR can do what EPP cannot do. EDR is an expert in dealing with the insider threat. It can gather different information; develop its intelligence to help detect the abnormal endpoints to eliminate insider threats. It also overcomes some disadvantages that EPP has, such as occupying too many resources. However, it cannot do what EPP can do too.”

Chanel, S. et al.

How to Choose the Right EPP for Your Organization

When looking for the right EPP for your organization, we recommend looking for tools that offer simple dashboard management and analytics, new application and software scanning, offline endpoint protection, predictive analytics, ease of integration with third-party tools, and ease of deployment across broad network areas.

Ultimately, we believe one of the most important facets to look for in an EPP is user friendliness balanced with broad scope and scalability. VikingCloud’s Asgard platform, for example, offers you in-depth security alerts affecting all your endpoints with zero confusing jargon – just insightful analytics you can rely on to help make your security posture more robust.

Wherever possible, it’s also wise to set up a “test drive” of an EPP so you know what to expect from the service before you agree to a contract.

Conclusion

In an age where cyber threats are increasingly undiscerning and sophisticated, your organization needs as much help as possible to protect all your endpoints against malware, hacking, and other malicious acts.

With VikingCloud, you’re always protected against the most sinister emerging threats – we’re your first line of defense and the team that steps in to support your systems if the worst-case scenario happens. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about Asgard and our additional cybersecurity services.