A few years ago, endpoint security was a core component of nearly all digital organizations. In the past couple of years, cybersecurity has transitioned from a prevention-based model to a model based on detection – intuitive detection, perhaps. Security leaders have started to realize that the conventional framework of cybersecurity will no longer suffice and possibly, endpoints will remain the most vulnerable element of the dynamics despite advances in prevention technology. So, what role does endpoint security (and all of the investments driven towards it) play when it cannot prevent all cyber-attacks?

The answer is simple: enterprises need a stronger endpoint security solution that comes equipped with Artificial Intelligence capabilities. Advanced endpoint security solution continuously collects and analyzes current threats, deploying behavioral analytics to discover advanced, unkown and targeted attacks.

High-tech: The Changing Face of Endpoint Security Solutions

Endpoints security solutions, during the yesteryears, largely meant antivirus and anti-malware solutions as well as firewalls that prevented the attack at the network level. Of late, they have evolved to become sophisticate solutions such as EDR which incorporates capabilities like continuous monitoring, behavioral analytics, machine learning, allow for more precise identification, while keeping the occurrence of false positives to a minimum. This approach enables these novel solutions to detect even the smallest of anomaly within the network or a user’s behavior.

Furthermore, EDR lowers analyst entry level by automatically providing insightful visualization that affords firsttier analysts a deeper understanding of the threat. EDR incorporates forensics and investigation capabilities provide analysts with great visibility throughout their networks, supports investigation and analysis process. Therefore, automates the analyst’s work, allowing analyst teams to save time quickly identifying the entire threat lifecycle.

“Enterprises need a stronger endpoint security solution that comes equipped with Artificial Intelligence capabilities”

Here are some of the ways in which an advanced endpoint security solution adds to the value chain.

• The increasing sophistication of cyberattacks: Today, organizations are facing several unconventional TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) such as fileless attacks, signature less attacks, and APTs (Advanced Persistent Threats). We see a recurring trend where malware compromises an organization, however, the actual breach only gets detected after damage is done, because it is executed gradually while staying low and ‘under the radar’. However, EDR solution, nevertheless, can detect such unknown and targeted threats unlike other traditional solutions.

• Reduced Trust in Conventional Solutions like Antivirus: Attackers have figured out how to bypass the conventional tools such as antiviruses and malware detectors with real-time or signatureless attacks. EDR solutions can help enterprises detect most evasive attacks using behavioral analytics and Artificial Intelligence, thereby detecting attacks that are missed by conventional solutions.

• Increasing visibility and threat hunting: Centralizing all the information provides quick and easy access to all data for forensics and analyst investigations, as well as for active threat hunting. EDR solutions help in providing full visibility about endpoint activity and the ability to access all data required for investigations easily and quickly.

An EDR solution has become a necessity for enterprises, especially financial institutes and government organizations, as threat groups utilize advanced tactics to infiltrate their infrastructure and, subsequently, their data. Enterprises should focus more on developing their in-house cybersecurity skills. Any technology as as good as the person operating it. People skills ensure flawless execution within the SOC during an incident.