What is the Difference Between Endpoint Protection and Traditional Antivirus?

Endpoint protection and traditional antivirus are two distinct security solutions that protect computers, networks, and other devices from malicious threats. Endpoint protection is a more comprehensive security solution compared to traditional antivirus software because it includes features such as device control, application control, patch management, user identity monitoring, and data loss prevention. In contrast, traditional antivirus software focuses primarily on protecting against known malware threats.

The five main differences between endpoint protection and traditional antivirus are as follows:

1. Device Control

Endpoint protection provides device control, which allows IT administrators to set policies for the types of devices that can access the network and the actions that can be performed on those devices. Traditional antivirus does not offer device control.

2. Application Control

Endpoint protection provides application control, which allows IT admins to set policies for the types of applications that can be installed and run on endpoints connected to the network. Traditional antivirus does not provide application control.

3. Patch Management

Endpoint protection includes patch management, which allows IT admins to automatically deploy security updates to endpoints connected to the network. Traditional antivirus does not offer patch management capabilities.

4. User Identity Monitoring

Endpoint protection provides user identity monitoring, which allows IT admins to monitor and track users’ activities on the network. Traditional antivirus does not offer user identity monitoring. There are additional features such as data loss prevention and threat intelligence that are exclusive to endpoint protection.

5. Data Loss Prevention

Endpoint protection includes data loss prevention (DLP), which helps organizations detect and prevent the unauthorized transfer of confidential information from endpoints connected to the network. Traditional antivirus does not have DLP capabilities. For these reasons endpoint protection is more comprehensive than traditional antivirus and provides additional layers of security.

Overall, endpoint protection offers a unique set of features and capabilities that traditional antivirus software does not have. Endpoint protection provides organizations with greater control over their networks, applications, users, and data. Additionally, endpoint protection provides an extra layer of security against malicious threats that traditional antivirus software is unable to defend against. Therefore, it is important for organizations to consider the advantages of endpoint protection when evaluating their security needs.