What Is The Basic Difference Between Endpoint Protection And Antivirus

Updated on October 11, 2022, by Xcitium

Typical business security of today is usually antivirus and a firewall. However, today’s threats are getting much more sophisticated making this approach outdated and ineffective. Malware attacks are increasing constantly and this trend is not going to change anytime soon. Online criminals target big companies to steal identities and to inflict malware for zero-day attacks. In the present situation, signature-based products like antivirus cannot provide full coverage and it requires an Endpoint Security Antivirus to effectively ward off such attacks.

What Is Endpoint Protection?

An Endpoint can be a Desktop, Laptop, Mobile Phone, Tablet or Server.

Endpoint Security or Endpoint Protection is a methodology to the safeguarding of corporate networks that are remotely connected to client devices. The connection of Laptops, Tablets, Mobile phones and other wireless devices to corporate networks creates an entry point for security threats. So, Endpoint Security is devised to make sure that all devices connecting to a network follow the defined level of compliance standards.

Endpoint security management systems components include an Operating System, an updated Endpoint Antivirus software, and a VPN Access client (Virtual Private Network). It helps administrators identify and manage both remote and local users who access over a corporate network. Endpoint Security management software approach enables administrators to restrict certain access to specific users. Computer devices which do not adhere to organizations policies and standards can be easily denied access or granted with limited access.

What Is Endpoint Antivirus?

Many of us get distracted by the idea that antivirus software is a complete solution for all kinds of online troubles. However, the truth is, antivirus is only one of the core components of your security systems.  Simply put, an antivirus is installed on a machine, it sits in the background, and does real-time scans on emails, websites, downloaded programs, etc. The antivirus software solely depends on virus definitions and heuristics algorithms to protect your computer against online threats.

Endpoint Antivirus Versus

There is an essential difference between Endpoint Antivirus and Endpoint Security Antivirus programs.

In a home environment where there are only a few computers, managing and controlling them is simple and easy. There are no complexities as they don’t come under any central administration. Their routine functions are-:

1. Signature and applications updates are received from developer’s control servers through the internet
2. Antivirus programs are installed on each computer
3. Threat alerts and log entries can be viewed only on the respective computers

On the other hand, Endpoint security antivirus uses a centralized server application. It is the ideal way to manage and control multiple devices. Its features include:

1. Centrally managed interface for configuring endpoints.
2. Access every log entry and alerts of various endpoints from one location
3. Automatic downloading of signature and application updates when released by the central management system
4. Policies and standardization of network usage and access
5. Enforcement of a network-wide standard access and usage policies

Xcitium Endpoint Protection

Xcitium Endpoint Protection ensures complete safety against internal and external threats. It combines a robust antivirus, packet filtering firewall of enterprise-class and (Defense +) an advanced host intrusion prevention system. It is more capable of providing superior protection against targeted attacks and other threat challenges.