The Difference Between Antivirus and Endpoint Security

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Computers and software have changed the world. Who would believe that not too long ago we used to live and function without them. Today, the world seems unreal without them. The need to protect devices, users and data from malicious or unwanted software has increased tremendously with the accelerated inclusion of information technology, smart devices and the internet in our daily lives.

According to statistics, 61% of organizations have faced a cloud security incident this year, and 21% of these incidents have led to data breaches.

Data protection has been a topic of discussion in the world of IT for ages. But, today it has become essential as individuals and businesses become more dependent on the virtual world of the internet, and computers. In this blog, we will explore the difference between antivirus software and endpoint security. But, first, let’s understand what are these two and what features they offer.

What is antivirus software?

An antivirus is a security software used for the detection, prevention and removal of malware including Viruses, Trojans, Keyloggers, Ransomware, Worms etc. Malicious or unwanted software programs designed to harm a computer network or associated components are termed malware. Antivirus is the traditional security solution that is used as a standalone tool for the protection of devices such as a desktop, laptops, smartphones or servers. Antivirus software primarily runs the background and scans the devices regularly to detect malicious files or codes. Upon detection of an infected or suspicious file, it alerts the user of its presence.

Today, antivirus software provides 360-degree protection and is used on an individual or home computers. It offers a few additional key features –

  • Real-time plus manual scanning of the device
  • Data protection on the web while using the internet
  • Identification of numerous potential threats
  • Isolation plus removal of malicious files
  • Alerts and notifications upon scanning and updating the device
  • Regular automatic update

What is Endpoint security?

Also referred to as Endpoint Protection Software, Endpoint security is a security measure that detects, protects and removes malicious network activities and cyber-attacks. Endpoint security is primarily used by end-user to safeguard their endpoint devices including servers, desktops, laptops, smartphones, workstations and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

This security tool is used by businesses to ensure all-around protection of their endpoint devices. It offers a few additional key features –

  • Detection and removal of vulnerabilities on endpoint devices
  • Anti-malware data protection
  • Investigation of the cause of the security breach
  • Incident report and alert
  • Implementation of measures to control malware spread
  • Integration of numerous third-party security tools to enhance safety

The Difference

Similar yet poles apart are these two protection tools. Endpoint security can be referred to as the successor of its predecessor antivirus security software.

Let’s take a look at some key differences between the capabilities of an antivirus and endpoint security software.

Data Loss

Apart from protecting data on endpoint pathways, Endpoint security also safeguards data stored on endpoint devices. It monitors data on every corporate endpoint, blocks unwanted traffic and alerts the IT security team of potential threats. However, it is important to include devices on the network where sensitive data is stored or moved.

An antivirus can only protect the data of an individual or standalone computer system.

Sandboxing

One of the best features of an endpoint security tool is that it can analyse and evaluate malicious programs which antivirus can never do. Along with recognising, it prevents them from infecting the devices by removing and notification of the threat.

Sandboxing is a feature in which an endpoint security tool creates an isolated yet secure digital environment that works similarly to a traditional operating system. The sandbox can run codes and analyse results without hampering any function of endpoint databases or servers. It allows the tool to identify the true nature of the program without damaging the actual workflow.

An antivirus tool has no such capability.

Firewall Security

Endpoint security comes up with next-gen firewalls. Firewalls in endpoint protection software can monitor digital traffic flow, and analyse and block potential threats. It also works as a real-time monitoring security tool and can prevent data loss.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

EDR is another key feature of endpoint protection software. It allows users to monitor endpoint devices and databases internally for potential unwanted activities. It also notifies the security team of these threats.

An antivirus comes up with the threat blocking ability while endpoint security can find the potential threat and safeguard devices from them.

Integration

The endpoint security tool allows integration of other security tools such as active directory, network monitoring, and security information & event management (SIEM) system to enhance security barriers.

Antivirus software is an independent, standalone software that cannot be integrated with any other program.

Reporting

The endpoint security tool monitors all endpoint devices and catalogues an overall report of a potential threat on the network. It also can protect the endpoint network against several threats.

An antivirus tool also reports security threats but of a standalone device.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity and data protection is of utmost importance today. Endpoint security software can be the solution for enterprises looking to safeguard their business and data from security threats. While antivirus software can be a traditional digital security barrier for standalone systems.

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