What is Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)?
An Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) is a security solution designed to protect endpoints such as laptops, desktops, servers, and mobile devices from cyber threats. It serves as a frontline defence, detecting and blocking malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other security risks before they can compromise an organisation’s network.
Unlike traditional antivirus software, EPP uses advanced techniques such as machine learning and behavioural analysis in order to identify and mitigate new and evolving threats.
How is EPP Different from EDR?
While both EPP and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) aim to protect endpoints, they serve different functions:
- EPP focuses on preventive measures, blocking threats before they infect an endpoint.
- EDR concentrates on detecting and responding to threats after they have penetrated an endpoint.
Here’s how they differ in key areas:
- Features: EPP features include antivirus, anti-malware, firewall protection, data encryption, compliance monitoring, and web and email protection. Whereas an EDR’s features include threat detection and threat hunting, incident response and forensics tooling, and continuous monitoring.
- Automation: EPP provides automated threat blocking, while EDR uses automated detection and response actions, such as isolating infected devices.
- Scope: EPP generally covers broad, known threats, while EDR is more focused on complex or unknown attacks that bypass initial security layers.
In short, EPP is proactive, and EDR is reactive. Combining the two provides optimal endpoint security.
Benefits of an Endpoint Protection Platform
An endpoint security platform offers numerous benefits, making it essential for modern cybersecurity strategies:
- Comprehensive Protection: EPP secures against a wide range of threats, including malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
- Advanced Threat Prevention: Using machine learning and AI, EPP can detect and block both known and emerging threats.
- Reduced Complexity: EPP simplifies security management by consolidating multiple security tools into a single platform.
- Real-Time Monitoring: EPP solutions provide continuous monitoring of endpoint activities to ensure threats are blocked immediately.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many industries require robust endpoint security for compliance, and EPP helps meet these standards.
In Summary
So, what is EPP? It is an advanced endpoint security platform that combines multiple layers of defence to prevent cyber threats. EPP security ensures that your organisation’s endpoints are well-protected, offering automated, real-time threat prevention.
While EPP focuses on prevention, combining it with EDR enhances your overall cybersecurity posture, offering both proactive and reactive defences. If you want to protect your business against cyber threats, then get in touch and see how our cyber insurance services can help you.
