Cybersecurity is an ever-changing and evolving field. New threats appear every day. So do new solutions to mitigate or prevent malicious attacks or infiltrations. For businesses that regularly use digital tools, as most do, security is a vital concern that’s often forgotten or pushed to one side. Advanced cybersecurity solutions can help to increase data security and system safety significantly. Upgrading from existing, outdated, and possibly outmatched antivirus systems is one effective way to enhance that security.
This guide covers everything you need to know about next-generation antivirus and endpoint detection and response, two vital considerations for business cybersecurity. Combined together, these solutions help mitigate the cybersecurity risks that businesses face today.
Interested in learning what next-generation antivirus and endpoint detection and response are? Considering how these security systems could benefit your business? Read on now to find out more:
What is next-generation antivirus?
Next-generation antivirus (NGAV), is an evolution of traditional, legacy antivirus technology. The feature that makes this type of antivirus ‘next-generation’ is the ability to source threats through symptoms. Instead of relying on obsolete detection methods, NGAV takes a modern approach more suited to today’s advanced threats.
Benefits of next-generation antivirus over traditional antivirus
Traditional antivirus uses a signature-based detection method. This relies on information learned by threat detectors that may be months or years out of date. NGAV adapts its methods using machine learning, AI, and behavioral detection. This clever combination allows for threat identification without relying on an out-of-date reference catalog.
What makes implementing next-generation antivirus a worthwhile upgrade?
Next-generation antivirus can detect unknown threats and sophisticated fileless malicious attacks. It does this by using contextual information. By introducing context, NGAV can achieve its goal with a higher success rate. As NGAV is typically cloud-based, immediate updates and continual adjustments are available to further improve accuracy over time
What is endpoint detection and response?
Unlike traditional endpoint protection platforms, endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions are a suite of security tools designed to detect malicious behavior. Antivirus acts by identifying and quarantining suspected malware. Meanwhile, EDR has a different objective, identifying malicious activity and providing an alert. EDR allows other security measures, such as NGAV or security teams to investigate and respond effectively.
What functionality does EDR offer?
EDR offers increased visibility, recording potentially malicious events and activities on endpoints. This allows other security solutions to identify threats that might otherwise fly under the radar. That fast identification helps to save time and costs on manually tracking and identifying threats. Essentially, EDR helps to reduce the input required to keep an eye on multiple endpoints at once.
EDR achieves this goal in several ways. Firstly, the behavioral analytics used by the system allows for accurate, real-time analysis of practically limitless events at once. Secondly, EDR integrates with other threat intelligence tools to detect events faster. Finally, the functionality of EDR allows for threat hunting. This active response allows organizations to proactively uncover threats instead of reacting to them after the fact.
Why invest in a unified NGAV/EDR solution?
When combined, NGAV and EDR technology can form the ideal solution to your cybersecurity needs. Both share the common goal of preventing breaches and attacks. The difference between them is what makes them work so well together. NGAV provides prevention, and EDR offers detection. Some of the key reasons you may choose to invest in a joint solution include:
Improve protection against modern risks
An out-of-date antivirus solution isn’t providing the protection your business needs. Technology is evolving. At the same time, malware and malicious activity have also become more sophisticated. A joint NGAV/EDR solution provides an effective way to enhance protection against the risks your business faces today. Cloud-based services and smart learning techniques continue to provide protection long after implementation. By getting ahead of malicious attacks, you can act proactively to keep your security at an all-time high.
Reduce annual operational costs
Vulnerability can be pricey for your business. Running outdated technology makes you vulnerable to attacks while costing your company a significant amount each year. You may be paying above the average for an ineffective service, depending on the product. Upgrading to a new cybersecurity solution can potentially reduce running costs while mitigating expensive problems later down the line. A combined NGAV and EDR solution is the ideal choice if you’re keen to reduce operational costs.
Prevent post-breach wastage
A single breach can cost businesses thousands in lost time and resources. By integrating an endpoint security solution with NGAV and EDR, you can swiftly identify malicious attacks. The use of a modern console can support you in finding the root cause of an attack and quickly close off any pathways. The faster you can remove vulnerabilities, the less money you spend on dealing with the aftermath of a cyberattack.
How to choose a next-generation antivirus solution
Unsure where to start in investing in a NGAV solution? Perhaps you’re currently running outdated traditional antivirus. Or maybe you’re considering the ideal security for a start-up business soon to launch. Whatever your size or ultimate goal, here are some considerations when choosing a security solution to invest in:
Think about the systems that require protection
While a traditional antivirus may be limited, NGAV and EDR benefit from fitting into modern business standards for protection. The average business can use dozens of systems and programs to achieve day-to-day tasks. Investing in a solution that completely covers all of the endpoints is essential. By consolidating that protection, businesses can stay secure without any gaps in their armor.
Consider the costs your business could face
A security breach doesn’t just cost your business time. A significant amount of money can be lost from a single attack. If it takes weeks to months to uncover the timeline of an attack, this price tag continues to grow. The longer it takes, the more significant the figure. Thinking about these costs when you consider implementing an NGAV and EDR security system can provide insight into the right choice for your business.
Ready to implement a next-generation antivirus solution?
As security specialists, our team at Ramsey Consulting Services can help. From small businesses to large organizations, we can provide the guidance you need. Contact us today to get started.
