Best 10 Endpoint Security Solutions for Business (2026)

We reviewed the leading endpoint security platforms on the breadth of threat detection, how well each handles the range of device types in modern enterprise environments, and the management overhead that security teams face at scale.

Last updated on Jul 7, 2026
Joel Witts Written by Joel Witts
Craig MacAlpine Technical Review by Craig MacAlpine
Top 10 Endpoint Security Solutions For Business

Endpoint protection solutions protect your corporate devices from malware, malicious applications, and investigate security incidents and alerts. They differ from commercial anti-virus software as they allow admins to manage all devices and perform investigation and remediation against threats. This allows admins to easily respond to security incidents and alerts.

Cyberattacks against business devices are on the rise. For this reason, it’s absolutely crucial that your organization, whether a Fortune 500 company or a 5-person team, has an effective cybersecurity plan in place to detect and stop attacks. An important part of this should be implementing strong endpoint security on all of your company devices, with a management portal that allows you to monitor and update your endpoints from anywhere.

However, the endpoint security market is extremely crowded and there are hundreds of vendors with technologies to stop threats from reaching your corporate devices. Some are aimed at large organizations, while others are better suited to smaller and mid-sized organizations.

To help your organization find the endpoint security solution that works best for you, here’s our list of the top endpoint protection platforms. We’ll cover their top features, target markets, pricing, and customer feedback.

What is Endpoint Security?

Endpoint security is software that protects the devices your employees use every day, including laptops, desktops, phones, tablets, and servers, from cyberattacks. It goes beyond traditional antivirus by giving your IT team a central console to manage security policies, monitor threats, and respond to incidents across every device in your organization. When a threat is detected, endpoint security tools can automatically quarantine the device, block the malicious process, and alert your team.

Modern endpoint protection platforms (EPP) combine signature-based detection with behavioral analysis, machine learning, and threat intelligence to catch both known malware and zero-day attacks. Agents installed on each endpoint monitor process execution, file system activity, network connections, and memory operations in real time. When suspicious behavior is detected, the platform can terminate processes, quarantine files, isolate the endpoint from the network, and in some cases roll back changes to a pre-attack state.

Enterprise platforms add centralized policy management, vulnerability assessment, device control (USB, Bluetooth, network), application allowlisting, and full disk encryption. Many now integrate endpoint detection and response (EDR) and extended detection and response (XDR) capabilities that provide deeper investigation tools, MITRE ATT&CK mapping, and cross-telemetry correlation across endpoints, email, identity, and cloud workloads.

Endpoint Security Solutions Compared

A high-level comparison of the 10 endpoint security platforms reviewed in this guide.

Product Best For Type Behavioral AI/ML Ransomware Rollback MDR Available
ESET Endpoint Security
Cross-platform coverage with low overhead
EPP
Yes
Yes
Yes
ThreatLocker Protect
Zero Trust application allowlisting
Zero Trust EPP
Yes
No
Yes
Bitdefender GravityZone SBS
Small businesses without security staff
EPP
Yes
Yes
No
Check Point Harmony Endpoint
Consolidated endpoint security
EPP + EDR + XDR
Yes
Yes
No
CrowdStrike Falcon EPP
Cloud-native detection and hunting
EPP + EDR
Yes
No
Yes
Trellix Endpoint Security Suite
Enterprise SOC with integrated EDR
EPP + EDR + XDR
Yes
No
Yes
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft 365 environments
EPP + EDR
Yes
No
No
Palo Alto Cortex XDR
Cross-telemetry correlation
XDR
Yes
Yes
No
SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint
Autonomous remediation with rollback
EPP + EDR
Yes
Yes
Yes
Sophos Intercept X
Mid-market prevention-first protection
EPP
Yes
Yes
Yes

How We Tested

Expert Insights evaluated 10 endpoint security platforms based on threat detection quality, management console experience, deployment flexibility, and target market fit. We assessed detection across malware, ransomware, fileless attacks, and advanced persistent threats using independent testing results from AV-Comparatives and SE Labs. This guide was researched and written by Joel Witts and technically reviewed by Craig MacAlpine. Read our full methodology

ESET Endpoint Security Logo
ESET

Best for cross-platform coverage with minimal performance impact

ESET is a market-leading vendor in endpoint security and antivirus software, known for their powerful yet lightweight cybersecurity solutions. ESET Endpoint Security is their cloud-based endpoint protection solution, designed to protect organizations of all sizes against known and zero-day threats such as malware, ransomware, and fileless attacks. The solution offers multilayered protection, which admins can control with a single centralized management console. ESET Endpoint Security is available as a standalone product and as part of ESET PROTECT Enterprise, which also includes file server security, disk encryption, a cloud sandbox, and EDR.

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  • Machine learning and crowdsourced threat intelligence detect and prevent targeted malware and ransomware attacks
  • Behavioral monitoring of all executed apps based on known behaviors and reputations
  • Fileless threat detection by scanning malicious file processes in endpoint memory
  • Web browser protection prevents malicious downloads and enables URL blacklisting
  • Cross-platform support for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android with built-in MDM for iOS and Android
  • Admin console available in 21 languages with localized support in 38 languages

ESET Endpoint Security is praised for being lightweight; it performs as well as any solid anti-malware engine without the need for extra hardware and without slowing down corporate systems. We think ESET Endpoint Security is a strong solution for organizations with a global workforce, as well as those with a large number of BYOD devices in their fleet. The cloud-based platform is scalable and flexible, and the multilanguage support makes it particularly well suited for diverse environments.

Strengths
Lightweight agent with excellent detection rates and no extra hardware needed
Multilayered protection against malware, ransomware, and fileless attacks
Cross-platform coverage for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Admin console in 21 languages with localized support in 38 languages
Available standalone or as part of ESET PROTECT Enterprise with EDR and encryption
Cautions
Pricing not publicly available; requires contacting ESET for a quote
ThreatLocker Protect Logo
ThreatLocker

Best for Zero Trust application allowlisting

ThreatLocker Protect is a Zero Trust endpoint security solution that gives organizations granular control over applications and content on their endpoints. We think the deny-by-default approach is one of the strongest prevention-first models available, blocking threats before they execute rather than detecting them after the fact.

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  • Learning Mode analyzes all applications, executables, and processes to build bespoke policies based on your environment
  • Granular application controls with complete customization over what software can run
  • Ringfencing controls what access an application has once running, limiting files, internet, and other app access
  • Elevation Control enables users to run certain apps as local administrator without full admin privileges
  • Storage Control audits all file and media access with policies for physical media like USBs
  • Network Control provides full visibility and control of network traffic with dynamic port access

Deployment is straightforward, with install options including Microsoft Software Installer or via an RMM. The admin console is intuitive, well designed, and easy to use. We think ThreatLocker Protect is a strong fit for SMBs, MSPs, and enterprises that want tight application control on their endpoints. The combination of allowlisting, Ringfencing, and Network Control delivers layered prevention that most traditional endpoint tools can’t match.

Strengths
Learning Mode builds policies from actual environment behavior, cutting deployment friction
Ringfencing controls what approved applications can access post-execution
Elevation Control grants app-level admin without broad local admin rights
Network Control dynamically manages port access for authorized devices
Straightforward deployment via MSI or RMM with an intuitive admin console
Cautions
Pricing requires a custom quote; no publicly listed plans
3.

Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security

Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security Logo
Bitdefender

Best for small businesses without dedicated security staff

Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security is an endpoint protection platform delivering both protection and automated threat detection and response. Bitdefender uses machine learning for behavioral monitoring and attack prevention, stopping threats that traditional endpoint protection technologies miss. The platform terminates malicious processes, quarantines threats, and recovers encrypted files without waiting for manual intervention, which matters when nobody is watching dashboards full time. Bitdefender can be delivered via the cloud or on-premises.

  • Machine learning layered with behavioral analysis catches malware, ransomware, and fileless attacks
  • Ransomware protection includes tamper-proof backups and blocks abnormal encryption behavior
  • Entire endpoint suite managed from one admin console with email event alerts
  • Patch management, web threat protection, and application and device controls included
  • Lightweight agents with minimal end-user performance impact
  • Modular add-ons let you expand coverage over time without switching platforms

Customers call out the balance between protection and performance. MSPs appreciate the RMM integrations and ability to customize policies per client. The centralized portal handles multi-device management well, and most find installation painless. Some users flag the dashboard as occasionally confusing, with specific settings like scan exclusions taking digging to find. Customers also note that initial setup feels complex for non-technical users.

We think GravityZone fits small businesses without dedicated security staff that need automated protection with room to grow. Bitdefender’s large R&D team helps keep it on top of new and emerging threats, and the modular approach means you’re not paying for features you don’t need yet. If you need a polished admin interface or the simplest possible onboarding, factor in the dashboard learning curve.

Strengths
Automated threat response quarantines malware without manual intervention
Ransomware mitigation with tamper-proof backups and encryption blocking
Lightweight agents with minimal endpoint performance impact
Modular add-ons scale capabilities without switching platforms
Cautions
Users report the dashboard is occasionally confusing for specific settings
Initial setup feels complex for non-technical users
4.

Check Point Harmony Endpoint

Check Point Harmony Endpoint Logo
Check Point

Best for consolidating endpoint security functions into a single agent

Check Point Harmony Endpoint consolidates antivirus, EDR, XDR, DLP, full disk encryption, and VPN into a single agent. We think this is a strong fit for enterprise organizations that want to reduce tool sprawl across endpoint protection functions, especially those already in the Check Point ecosystem where the broader Harmony suite adds SASE, SWG, and email security.

  • Over 60 AI engines analyze threats before execution, catching zero-day and behavioral threats
  • Covers Windows, macOS, Linux, servers, VDI, browsers, and mobile from one console
  • GenAI governance controls with real-time policy enforcement and shadow AI usage discovery
  • DLP recognizes over 700 predefined data types with OCR-based detection in images
  • Anti-ransomware includes rollback capabilities
  • Patch management, URL filtering, and anti-phishing included

Customers praise the centralized management and layered protection approach. The dashboards and reports are customizable, and deployment options are flexible. Teams appreciate not juggling separate tools for EPP, EDR, and XDR. Some users report the agent can be resource-heavy, with forensic scans impacting CPU on certain endpoints. Customers also note that the breadth of features creates a learning curve for teams new to the platform.

We think Harmony Endpoint fits mid-market and enterprise teams that want consolidated endpoint security with strong AI-driven detection. The GenAI governance controls address a risk most competitors haven’t caught up with yet. If agent performance on older hardware matters or you need a simpler solution, the resource footprint and complexity may be concerns.

Strengths
Over 60 AI engines provide strong zero-day and behavioral detection
Single agent covers antivirus, EDR, XDR, DLP, encryption, and VPN
GenAI governance controls address emerging data leakage risks
DLP recognizes 700+ data types with OCR-based image detection
Cautions
Users report the agent can be resource-heavy on some endpoints
Breadth of features creates a learning curve for new teams
5.

CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform

CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform Logo
CrowdStrike

Best for cloud-native detection with deep threat hunting

CrowdStrike Falcon is the cloud-native endpoint platform that set the standard for modern EDR. CrowdStrike provides a suite of endpoint protection options under the Falcon name, with different tiers for enterprise, small, and mid-sized customers, each with unique detection and response capabilities. The platform runs a single lightweight agent across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android that catches threats signature-based tools miss. CrowdStrike is one of the most rapidly growing vendors in the endpoint security market.

  • AI-powered detection handles malware, ransomware, and fileless attacks with automated remediation
  • Continuous deep endpoint visibility with real-time identification of unauthorized systems and applications
  • CrowdStrike Query Language makes complex investigations accessible without extensive training
  • Managed detection and response and managed threat hunting from experienced cybersecurity analysts
  • Modular add-ons for XDR, EDR, MDR, and Identity Threat Detection as your program matures
  • Fast deployment with a lightweight agent that runs without dragging down system performance

Customers consistently praise the centralized console and real-time detection. Support gets high marks for responsiveness and availability. The dashboard organization makes navigation straightforward, and detection pages provide detailed breakdowns in a single view. Some users note that onboarding and offboarding takes time, and the console synchronization could be faster. Customers also report that advanced features overwhelm new users initially, and air-gapped environments face challenges since the platform requires internet connectivity.

We think Falcon fits mid-market and enterprise teams with mature security operations that will use the visibility and hunting capabilities. As a cloud-based endpoint solution, CrowdStrike is a good option for organizations looking for powerful endpoint security delivered as a service, with flexible pricing options and fast deployment. The detection quality and cloud-native architecture justify the premium pricing for organizations that can absorb the cost. Budget carefully and verify your air-gapped requirements before committing.

Strengths
Lightweight cloud-native agent deploys fast with minimal performance impact
AI and behavioral detection catches threats signature-based tools miss
Deep endpoint visibility supports threat hunting and forensic investigation
CrowdStrike Query Language enables complex investigations without training
Cautions
Premium pricing may stretch smaller budgets
Reviews note advanced features overwhelm new users initially
6.

Trellix Endpoint Security Suite

Trellix Endpoint Security Suite Logo
Trellix

Best for enterprise SOC teams needing integrated EDR and telemetry

Trellix Endpoint Security Suite (formerly McAfee Enterprise) is enterprise-grade endpoint protection combining EDR, XDR, and MDR capabilities with AI-powered detection for large organizations managing hundreds or thousands of endpoints. McAfee’s enterprise security business merged with FireEye to form Trellix in 2022, carrying forward McAfee’s focus on automation and machine learning for endpoint defense. Trellix won the SE Labs ‘Top Product’ award for AV-Test Corporate Endpoint Protection in 2025.

  • Single agent integrates host firewall, USB device control, exploit protection, signature-based AV, static and dynamic analysis, behavioral detection, and EDR
  • Machine learning and generative AI assist investigations, reducing manual analyst workload
  • Endpoint telemetry feeds managed SOC teams with consistent file, process, and behavioral data
  • Real-time EDR and forensic investigation with automated correlation and MITRE ATT&CK mapping
  • Supports Windows, macOS, and a wide range of Linux distributions

Customers value the coverage and centralized management. Endpoint telemetry supports SOC operations well, and threat detection handles malware and phishing effectively. Independent testing scores reinforce the detection capabilities. Some users flag deployment as complex, with settings that can confuse even experienced administrators. Customers also note that the platform works alongside Trellix Agent and ePO, so you’re managing an ecosystem rather than a standalone product.

We think Trellix fits large enterprises with mature security operations and dedicated staff to manage the complexity. The telemetry depth and SOC integration deliver real operational value, with strong automated threat detection and response suited to organizations looking for a powerful EDR platform. Smaller teams should evaluate carefully, as the power comes with significant operational overhead.

Strengths
Single agent covers EDR, DLP, encryption, firewall, and device control
Strong endpoint telemetry supports managed SOC operations
AI-powered investigations reduce manual analyst workload
SE Labs 'Top Product' for corporate endpoint protection in 2025
Cautions
Reviews note deployment complexity and a steep learning curve
Manages as an ecosystem (Agent + ePO), not a standalone product
7.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Logo
Microsoft

Best for organizations already running Microsoft 365

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is the natural endpoint security choice for organizations already deep in the Microsoft ecosystem. The platform provides behavioral-based antivirus, post-breach detection, automated investigation and response, and a unified incident response console that correlates alerts across endpoints, Office 365, Azure, and Active Directory. We think it makes little sense to pay for a separate solution when this level of protection comes bundled with M365 E3 and E5 licensing. Defender for Endpoint works natively with Windows but is also available across macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

  • Next-gen antivirus with automated investigation that reduces manual triage burden
  • Vulnerability management, network protection, and EDR in one package
  • Incident response console provides centralized visibility across endpoints, email, cloud apps, and identities
  • Integration with Defender XDR and Microsoft Copilot for unified threat correlation
  • Deep telemetry across Windows environments supports complex threat hunting
  • Stable agents deploy smoothly with minimal friction

Customers praise the baseline protection and real-time threat detection. The single alert console simplifies management, and extensive documentation supports implementation. Agents deploy without the headaches common to enterprise security tools. Some users find the platform confusing to navigate, with live response limitations and user isolation requiring more clicks than it should. Customers also note that advanced EDR features require P2 licensing tied to M365 E5.

We think Defender for Endpoint delivers the most value when you’re already running M365 E3 or E5. The included licensing eliminates incremental security spend, making it a good option for Microsoft-heavy organizations that want to manage their endpoints without a third-party tool. If you need advanced EDR, confirm you’re on E5 or budget for the upgrade. For non-Microsoft environments, evaluate the platform gaps on macOS and Linux.

Strengths
Included with M365 E3 and E5, reducing incremental security spend
Native integration with Defender XDR, Cloud, and Copilot
Stable agents deploy smoothly with minimal ongoing management
Extensive telemetry supports advanced threat hunting scenarios
Cautions
Advanced EDR features require P2 licensing tied to M365 E5
Reviews note dashboard navigation is confusing in places
8.

Palo Alto Cortex XDR

Palo Alto Cortex XDR Logo
Palo Alto Networks

Best for correlating endpoint, network, and cloud telemetry

Palo Alto Cortex XDR correlates endpoint, network, and cloud telemetry to detect and respond to advanced threats from a single platform. We think the alert grouping and incident scoring are the genuine differentiators here. Instead of drowning analysts in individual alerts, Cortex XDR deduplicates and clusters related events into actionable incidents, which significantly reduces mean time to resolution.

  • Behavioral analytics and machine learning catch fileless attacks and zero-day exploits
  • MITRE ATT&CK mapping for faster root cause analysis
  • Unified console pulls telemetry from endpoints, network, and cloud into one view
  • Host isolation and SIEM/SOAR integrations support automation playbooks
  • 99% in both threat prevention and detection in the 2025 AV-Comparatives EPR evaluation

Customers highlight the investigation workflow as a strength. SIEM and SOAR integrations support automation playbooks well, and the platform scales for large enterprise environments. Detection handles sophisticated threats effectively. Some users struggle with UI complexity, noting that navigation takes time to master despite strong underlying capabilities. Customers also report that policy tuning and detection customization involve a learning curve.

We think Cortex XDR fits mid-sized and enterprise teams with dedicated security analysts who can use the deep investigation capabilities. If you’re already running Palo Alto firewalls or SASE, this extends that investment with tight integration. The UI complexity is the trade-off for the depth.

Strengths
Intelligent alert grouping reduces noise and accelerates incident response
99% prevention and detection in 2025 AV-Comparatives EPR evaluation
Unified telemetry across endpoint, network, and cloud in one console
MITRE ATT&CK mapping speeds root cause analysis
Cautions
UI is feature-dense but complex; navigation takes time to master
Reviews note policy tuning involves a steep learning curve
9.

SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint

SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint Logo
SentinelOne

Best for autonomous threat remediation with ransomware rollback

SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint delivers autonomous AI-driven protection across endpoints, servers, and mobile devices. We think the automated threat remediation with ransomware rollback is the headline capability. The platform detects, isolates, remediates, and rolls back changes without waiting for analyst intervention, which matters for teams without 24/7 SOC coverage.

  • Static and behavioral detection work together to catch threats in real time
  • Attack storylines connect alerts from different sources into clear narratives without manual correlation
  • Ransomware rollback recovers encrypted files without restoring from backup
  • Automatic discovery of unmanaged endpoints on your network closes visibility gaps
  • Device policy controls cover network, USB, and Bluetooth access from the same console
  • Integration with the broader Singularity suite adds identity and cloud risk management through Purple AI

Customers praise the unified visibility across endpoint, network, and cloud in one console. The intuitive interface and third-party tool integrations get high marks. Alert enrichment with threat intelligence helps prioritize real threats over noise, and ticketing system integrations enable fast response. Some users report VDI deployments have caused friction. Customers also note that administration can get complex at scale.

We think SentinelOne fits organizations wanting autonomous protection that scales from small deployments to hundreds of thousands of endpoints. The attack storylines and ransomware rollback are genuine differentiators. If you run significant VDI environments, test thoroughly before committing.

Strengths
Attack storylines connect related alerts into clear incident narratives
Ransomware rollback recovers encrypted files without backup restoration
Automatic discovery identifies unmanaged endpoints on your network
Scales from small deployments to hundreds of thousands of endpoints
Cautions
Users report VDI deployments have caused friction
Administration can get complex at scale
10.

Sophos Intercept X

Sophos Intercept X Logo
Sophos

Best for mid-market teams wanting prevention-first protection with optional MDR

Sophos Intercept X is a prevention-first endpoint platform powered by deep learning AI that focuses on stopping threats before they execute. The platform aims to simplify endpoint protection for organizations, making it easier to secure Windows, Mac, and Linux systems against malware and malicious web traffic, with admin controls over web content, applications, devices, and data. We think this is a strong fit for mid-market teams that want solid protection working out of the box with optional managed detection and response for teams that need expert backup without building a full SOC. The platform can be deployed as a cloud-based console or on-premises.

  • Deep learning models, behavioral analysis, and anti-exploit capabilities catch threats early
  • CryptoGuard blocks both local and remote ransomware encryption attempts and auto-restores affected files
  • Adaptive Attack Protection automatically hardens defenses when it detects hands-on-keyboard activity
  • Unified cloud console manages hybrid deployments, remote users, and cloud infrastructure
  • Strong default policies and click-to-fix health checks reduce configuration burden
  • MDR and incident response services available as add-ons

Customers praise the centralized management through Sophos Central. Adaptive Attack Protection and CryptoGuard get consistent positive mentions. The platform covers hybrid deployments, remote users, and cloud infrastructure from one place. Support has been helpful when needed. Some users flag that alert management and searchability across assets could be easier in the console. Customers also note that finding specific settings requires familiarity with the interface.

We think Intercept X fits mid-market and enterprise organizations that want prevention-first protection without heavy administrative overhead. The CryptoGuard ransomware defense and Adaptive Attack Protection are genuine differentiators. Sophos provides one single admin console from which all endpoints can be managed, making it a practical option for organizations that value simplicity alongside strong threat protection. If you need tight integration with non-Sophos tools or deep alert search capabilities, evaluate those gaps.

Strengths
CryptoGuard blocks local and remote ransomware with auto-restore
Adaptive Attack Protection hardens defenses during active attacks
Strong default policies reduce configuration burden on smaller teams
MDR add-on provides expert incident handling without SOC staff
Cautions
Reviews note alert searchability across assets could be easier
Finding specific settings requires familiarity with the interface

Other Endpoint Security Services

We researched lots of endpoint security solutions while we were making this guide. Here are a few other tools worth your consideration.

11
Datto Antivirus

A threat detection engine that identifies and blocks known and unknown threats in real-time.

12
Heimdal

A unified security platform that brings together prevention, detection, access control, and response.

13
Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security

ML, behavioral analysis, and app controls that remediate binary and scripted threats, phishing, and security incidents.

14
Norton Small Business

Ideal for SMBs, Norton offers protection against malware and zero-day exploits against PCs, Macs, iOS, and Android.

15
Webroot Endpoint Protection

Protects organizations against malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and zero-day exploits.

16
WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection

Powerful protection for Windows, macOS, and Linux devices with high detection rates against script-based exploits.

Endpoint Security Pricing

Endpoint security pricing varies based on endpoint count, feature tier, and contract length. Several platforms offer tiered licensing with different capability sets. The prices below reflect publicly available starting points where possible.

Product Starting Price Billing Link
ESET Endpoint Security
Contact for quote
Annual
ThreatLocker Protect
Contact for quote
Annual
Bitdefender GravityZone SBS
From $22.75/device/yr (10 devices)
Annual
Check Point Harmony Endpoint
Contact for quote
Annual
CrowdStrike Falcon EPP
From $59.99/device/yr (Falcon Go)
Annual
Trellix Endpoint Security Suite
Contact for quote
Annual
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
From $3/user/mo (Plan 1)
Annual
Palo Alto Cortex XDR
Contact for quote
Annual
SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint
From $69.99/endpoint/yr (Core)
Annual
Sophos Intercept X
Contact for quote
Annual

Endpoint Security Checklist

These are the configuration and operational steps we recommend when evaluating and deploying endpoint security platforms.

Modern attacks use fileless techniques and living-off-the-land binaries that signatures miss; verify your shortlisted platforms use behavioral analysis and machine learning.

Automated quarantine, process termination, and rollback handle threats at 3 AM when nobody is watching dashboards.

Your endpoints likely span Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile; confirm the platform protects all of them from a single console.

Native integrations with your SIEM, identity provider, or firewall vendor reduce operational overhead and improve investigation speed.

Lightweight agents matter; run a proof-of-concept to verify the agent doesn't slow down end-user devices or older hardware.

Enterprise platforms with deep investigation capabilities require skilled analysts; mid-market teams should consider solutions with strong defaults.

Cloud-only platforms require internet connectivity, which may not suit organizations with data residency or air-gap requirements.

Advanced EDR, XDR, and managed detection capabilities are often locked behind higher-tier licenses; budget for the tier that matches your requirements.

Most platforms require initial policy tuning to reduce false positives and align detection sensitivity with your environment.

If your team can't staff a full SOC, MDR services from the vendor or a third party provide expert monitoring and response.

The Bottom Line

The right endpoint security solution depends on your organization’s size, existing vendor stack, and the maturity of your security operations. Cloud-native platforms offer fast deployment and minimal infrastructure overhead, while on-premises options suit organizations with specific data residency or air-gap requirements. Prioritize detection quality, automated response capabilities, and management simplicity that matches your team’s capacity.

Everything You Need To Know About Endpoint Protection (FAQs)

Any physical device connected to your network is described as an ‘endpoint’ in cybersecurity. This can include PCs, laptops, cell devices, virtual machines, servers, and routers. Internet-of-things (IoT) devices are also endpoints – this includes cameras, smart speakers, lights, security hardware, smart refrigerators, toys, and even smart televisions.

Essentially, any device that can connect to your network and transfer or receive data is considered an endpoint device. Any of these devices has the potential to become compromised and pose a risk to the wider network. However, most security solutions for the enterprise focus on protecting endpoints and user devices, such as laptops, PCs, and smartphones, rather than IoT devices. This is because these web browsing workstations are the most targeted vectors in most organizations when it comes to malware and ransomware.

Endpoint protection (EPP) software is a cybersecurity solution that protects your endpoint devices (PCs, mobiles, laptops, tablets, routers, etc.,) against malware, phishing, harmful files, and suspicious activity.

EPP solutions are typically deployed via a software agent, which is installed directly onto the end user’s device and managed by admins from a central dashboard. From here the admins can configure policies, respond to incidents, and track endpoints connected to the network.

These solutions are deployed directly onto every individual endpoint on the network. This enables them to scan the device locally for malware, suspicious activity, and other cyber threats. They can also encrypt files and ensure that only approved applications are installed on the device.

Traditionally, endpoint security tools would use a signature-based system to detect malware and prevent it from being installed. Signature-based detection systems compare files and URLs with known malware examples to prevent users from downloading malicious documents or visiting harmful web pages. While this provides fast and effective protection against known risks, there is the risk that unknown and emerging malware strains can slip through, leaving you vulnerable to new security incidents.

For this reason, many leading endpoint security tools today use a heuristic system based on ML engines, alongside (or in place of) signature-based detection. Heuristic endpoint protection platforms use a confidence-based philosophy to assess files and judge whether it is likely to be malicious, even if the code has never been seen before. As many cybersecurity companies operate massive threat intelligence platforms with hundreds of millions of data points collected every day, week, or month, it does not take long for these AI systems to become effective at catching highly advanced malware strains, with very low false positive rates.

Many endpoint security vendors now combine endpoint security with endpoint detection and response (EDR) and extended detection and response (XDR) capabilities. These services provide greater remediation and investigation features, often utilizing machine learning to enable faster identification and resolution of detected threats. They also often integrate with third-party tools for more in-depth reporting across your security stack. You can view our guide to the top XDR solutions here.

EDR solutions are an evolution of endpoint security that continuously monitors end-user devices to detect and respond to advanced threats. While endpoint protection platforms traditionally scan user devices periodically (as well as scanning new files and web downloads), EDR solutions continuously scan for suspicious activity, recording, and analyzing endpoint behaviors at the system level. EDR solutions can automatically block malicious endpoint activity and provide high levels of contextual data and remediation actions for IT admins.

Many endpoint security vendors now offer EDR capabilities built into their core endpoint solutions, or offer these features as additional, tightly integrated products. We’ve put together a separate list of the top endpoint detection and response solutions here.

XDR tools are an evolution of EDR solutions. They are SaaS-based solutions that provide threat detection and incident response across the entire network, not just your endpoints. This improves your overall security posture.

We’ve put together a separate guide to choosing the best XDR solutions here.

MDR refers to EDR solutions that are managed by a security vendor directly on behalf of the organization. Tasks such as incident investigation, alert triaging, threat hunting, and remediation are outsourced to the vendor, saving valuable time for IT admins and SOC teams. This can make security more accessible to SMBs with a lack of internal resources, and can bolster the efforts of larger security teams with external expertise. You can read our guide to the top 10 managed detection and response solutions here.

Endpoint security is typically deployed as a software agent which is downloaded to end user-devices. These work on the device locally, so scanning and threat assessments can take place even when the device is offline.

A key component of endpoint security is the management console, which allows admins to monitor, control, and track all the endpoint devices with the software agent installed. This admin console can be deployed in the cloud, on-premises, or a hybrid approach, depending on your organization’s preferences.

There are many considerations to make when choosing a solution, such factors include price, features, and compatibility with the devices your workforce uses. Some important factors to consider when choosing the right solution include:

  • Features: How developed is the solution’s feature-set, and does it meet the challenges facing your organization?
  • Scalability: What is the cost for your organization, and can it scale with your teams’ growth?
  • Performance: Does the solution impact on the performance of machines? Is it easy to manage for end users?
  • Integrations: Does it integrate with the devices your workforce is already using? What about other security tools?
  • Support: Is the solution regularly updated? Does it have an in-depth knowledge base?

Planning out your organization’s requirements around these questions can be a strong way to identify the best endpoint protection solution for your organization.

To protect endpoint devices against malware, there are many key features enterprise that solutions should provide for teams. This includes:

  • Anti-virus and anti-malware detection engines to prevent harmful malware
  • Analysis of inbound and outbound traffic to prevent malicious downloads
  • Data loss prevention (DLP) features, such as data encryption and file upload prevention
  • Application and device control policies, to prevent users installing certain apps and services
  • Reporting and alerting so admins can quickly identify compromised devices
  • Tools to identifiy and detect suspicious activity such as zero day vulnerabilities
  • Automated and effective response capabilities to reduce the need for human led remediation
  • Robust incident response capabilities and the ability to identify complex attack patterns

The endpoint security market can be very complex, making it tricky to identify the best solution for your needs. This is made all the more difficult for small businesses who may not have the expertise to decide. For small businesses, there are several factors to be considered, not least your organizations budget, the type of endpoint devices you are running (Mac vs PC), your industry, the level of security you need, and the number of users.

There are a wealth of endpoint security providers that offer powerful, easy-to-install, and cost-effective endpoint security solutions for small-and-midsized organizations. ESET, Avast, and Bitdefender, for example, are all known for their small-business and consumer focused endpoint security solutions. There is more detail on each of these providers featured on our list of the top endpoint security solutions for business.

For more information from Expert Insights on the endpoint security market, read our guide to the Top 10 Antivirus Software For Small Businesses.

There has been an increase in devices needed for an employee to do their work in recent years. It was estimated by TechJury that by the end of 2021, there would be 46 billion IoT devices connected around the world. That’s a lot of devices. Each device connected to a company network is a gateway to said company network. Traditional security measures simply aren’t sufficient to defend organizations against these security threats.

With so many devices in circulation and so many of them potentially attached to your company network, it opens up a lot of unsecure gateways for threat actors to take advantage of. While endpoint security also serves for on-prem devices within the data center, it becomes especially important when these devices reside outside of it, which has become the norm since COVID-19 and the rapid rise of remote work and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). These devices are all endpoints and potential attack vectors which need to be secured.

Potential risk can come from all angles. Malware, ransomware, and security breaches can occur from an employee clicking a malicious link on their mobile device, or from someone downloading an attachment from a dubious source, as well as other avenues. A rise in hybrid and remote working has also seen end-users connecting to work networks at home or through public Wi-Fi networks. This, twinned with an increase in edge devices (devices that reside outside of a centralized data center) and BYOD, has led to an increasingly flexible network perimeter.

Comprehensive endpoint protection aims to eliminate these risks (cybersecurity threats, complex attack patterns, and advanced persistent threats) by securing an organization’s endpoints through playing a central role in a modern cybersecurity strategy. In practice, this involves defending against external threats through unifying security measures and integrating behavioral analysis, enabling security teams to gain full visibility.

Endpoint Security Resources

Further reading on endpoint security from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.

Written By Written By
Joel Witts
Joel Witts Content Director

Joel is the Director of Content and a co-founder at Expert Insights; a rapidly growing media company focussed on covering cybersecurity solutions.

He’s an experienced journalist and editor with 8 years’ experience covering the cybersecurity space. He’s reviewed hundreds of cybersecurity solutions, interviewed hundreds of industry experts and produced dozens of industry reports read by thousands of CISOs and security professionals in topics like IAM, MFA, zero trust, email security, DevSecOps and more.

He also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted. Joel is driven to share his team’s expertise with cybersecurity leaders to help them create more secure business foundations.

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Craig MacAlpine CEO and Founder

Craig MacAlpine is CEO and Founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA Cloud, an email security provider that rebranded as VIPRE Email Security following its acquisition by Ziff Davis, formerly J2Global (NASDAQ: ZD) in 2013.

Craig is a passionate security innovator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with cutting-edge information security and cybersecurity solutions.

Using his extensive experience in the email security industry, he founded Expert Insights with the singular goal of helping IT professionals and CISOs to cut through the noise and find the right cybersecurity solutions they need to protect their organizations.