Malware Protection vs. Endpoint Protection: They’re Allies, not Rivals

When it comes to defending your business from malware attacks, we don’t recommend relying solely on endpoint protection. Instead, we suggest viewing desktop security suites as a final point of defense in a multi-layered security strategy.

Additional defenses mean better overall protection, making it less likely that malware will slip through undetected. That’s why Perimeter 81’s Malware Protection is a significant enhancement to your security. 

Our solution stands guard against malware infections at the most common entry point: the web. Designed to intercept dangerous http/s-based traffic from third-party ads to files downloaded via webmail, Malware Protection helps protect user devices against devastating infections. 

Malware Protection vs. Endpoint Protection: A Quick Overview

Malware protection and endpoint protection are often used interchangeably, but they represent different levels of security.

Malware Protection

Malware protection primarily targets malicious software like viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware.

• Methods: Antivirus software, anti-malware software, and intrusion detection systems (IDS) are common tools.
• Scope: Limited to detecting and removing known potential threats.

Endpoint Protection

Endpoint protection secures individual devices (endpoints) from a broader range of cyber threats.

• Methods: Endpoint security solutions combine malware protection with additional features like firewall, intrusion prevention systems (IPS),data loss prevention (DLP), and application control.
• Scope: Offers a more comprehensive defense against various advanced threats, including targeted attacks and insider threats.

Feature	Malware Protection	Endpoint Protection
Focus	Malicious software	A broader range of cyber threats
Methods	Antivirus solutions, anti-malware, IDS	Firewall, IPS, DLP, application control
Scope	Detecting and removing known threats	Comprehensive defense against various threats

Although you can now probably choose which solution suits your needs more, we recommend not making a choice – and instead, leveraging both of these solutions together.

The Advantages of a Multi-Layered Approach to Security

Endpoint protection is a crucial tool in a comprehensive security strategy, but it primarily focuses on defending devices after malware has already breached the perimeter.

Perimeter 81’s Malware Protection offers a complementary layer – focusing on preventing malware from entering the network. Our solution analyzes files for malicious behavior before they can interact with devices, by employing advanced techniques like:

• Sandboxing
• Code emulation

This proactive approach, combined with traditional signature-based analysis, provides a more robust defense against a wide range of malware threats and tons of benefits.

• Enhanced security: By detecting malware at the entry point and the device level, we create a more formidable barrier against threats.
• Improved visibility: Our event logs provide valuable insights into network activity, enabling early detection of suspicious behavior and faster response to potential breaches.
• Enhanced compliance: A strong security posture is essential for meeting regulatory requirements like HIPAA and GDPR. Our solution helps organizations protect sensitive data and demonstrate compliance.

For businesses with remote workforces, Malware Protection is especially critical. 

As the pandemic highlighted, remote employees are particularly vulnerable to attacks. By monitoring incoming traffic, we help prevent malware from infiltrating corporate networks and compromising sensitive data.

The Benefits of Perimeter 81’s Malware Protection

Perimeter 81’s Malware Protection solution offers several key benefits to businesses: 

• Real-time protection against malware, preventing infections before they can infect user devices
• Out-of-band protection so that managed devices are protected whether employees are connected to the company network, or not.
• Simplified management with a centralized console that allows businesses to monitor the entire network from a single location
• Automatic updates ensure timely protection against zero-day exploits, advanced persistent threats, Trojans, ransomware, and more
• Award-winning 24/7 support for configuring and deploying your network security solution
• Reduced TCO. As with the rest of our cloud-based solution, Malware Protection is easily scalable as your company grows with no long-term fixed costs. It’s also seamlessly integrated with the rest of our networking and network security platform that includes ZTNA, FWaas, and Web Filtering.

Stay Safe with Combined Security from Perimeter81 

Malware and endpoint protections complement each other rather than compete, because each service performs different functions. 

As we said at the top they’re allies, not rivals. Together they provide comprehensive coverage against all forms of cyber-threats while also offering enhanced visibility, improved compliance adherence, better incident response capabilities, and reduced operational costs. 

Getting started couldn’t be easier, book a FREE demo today to see how Perimeter 81 can protect your network from the worst the web has to offer.