Solution providers have always looked to deliver the most stringent endpoint security offerings to protect their clients, but a solution that simply detects threats isn’t enough in a fast-paced, 24/7 economy. To be truly effective, today’s security platforms must also be designed for modern business needs, which means accommodating the move toward cloud-based and mobile accessibility so that threat detection goes hand in hand with immediate response. And that means avoiding overly complex implementations that are often too cumbersome to manage—and, in some cases, can lead to errors that inadvertently create security vulnerabilities instead of correcting them. Read on this article to learn the 8 must-have features to look for in an effective modern endpoint security solution.
VIPRE Endpoint Security
Content Summary
Remote Access
Mobile UI
Reliable Endpoint Protection
Deep View of Security Environment
Advanced Threat Coverage
Easy Installation & Management
Comprehensive Reporting
Automated Updates
Remote Access
Today’s businesses aren’t static entities. Many solution providers work on the go, logging into their vital applications from multiple devices at any time of day (or night). Your endpoint security platform should provide the same kind of remote accessibility, so administrators are able to immediately detect and prevent threats from anywhere, at any time. Look for a solution that’s cloud-based, and—just as important—that delivers complete functionality from mobile devices, so you can respond rapidly to sudden threats. After all, cybercriminals don’t wait for business hours to strike.
Mobile UI
Anytime/anywhere access is meaningless without a modern user interface optimized for mobile use. Too often, vendors simply shrink web interfaces to the smaller screens of smartphones and tablets, which makes drilling down to critical functionality a tedious chore. Research endpoint security tools with a native mobile UI—one designed to enable fast, easy detection, analysis and threat response on mobile devices, without any awkward scrolling or zooming.
Reliable Endpoint Protection
When selecting a security platform, solution providers should verify a vendor’s industry rating and performance in threat detection and mitigation. Comparison tests by independent third-party organizations such as AV-Test and AV-Comparatives provide valuable, unbiased insight. Avoid solutions with a poor track record of detection or that return too many false positives. Not only are they unlikely to provide adequate protection, but they can actually create more work for those in charge of security.
Deep View of Security Environment
The better the visibility, the more effective solution providers are in protecting client environments. That’s why today’s modern security platforms should include a dynamic dashboard with a clear view of the entire endpoint environment—including details such as infected vs. uninfected scans, threats found, the severity of threats, and threat categories.
Advanced Threat Coverage
Malware changes constantly. As soon as one threat is thwarted, a new one appears—so be certain your security offering can keep customers current on their protection. Look for software that offers advanced tools with enterprise-class device control features, machine learning, behavior analysis and large threat intelligence clouds. Other must-haves include intelligent anti-phishing and anti-spam defenses such as DNS, URL and network packet inspection, as well as browser and application exploit defenses.
Easy Installation & Management
Modern channel partners can’t afford long implementations and learning curves. They need a platform that deploys without hassle, simplifies migrations from a server-based solution to the cloud, and—if necessary—removes any existing anti-malware platform. Moreover, they want a solution that lets them set rules and complete tasks in just a few clicks. Their best bet? A cloud-based option with dynamic dashboards, no servers to manage, and deep visibility across the network.
Comprehensive Reporting
Solution providers need as much information as possible about the environments they protect—along with the ability to share that information with clients to promote safe computing habits. That’s why reporting is such a valuable asset in a security solution. Look for an offering that lets users schedule reports anytime, from any device, to organize and visualize threat data. And remember: The more granular the report breakdown, the more useful it is. For instance, reports that can drill down into the types of threats seen or the top 10 infected machines can provide critical insight into which defense is best suited to the potential risk or specific computing environment.
Automated Updates
SMBs don’t have time to worry about whether their security platforms are up to date and actively protecting their endpoints. They need a simple way to stay protected without manual intervention. By providing a modern, cloud-based security solution that deploys updates automatically, there’s never a concern about missed patches or unknown threats—and attention can remain focused where it’s needed most: protecting companies from cyberattacks.
Source: VIPRE: 8 Modern Essentials for Endpoint Security Solutions in 2018
