Antivirus, Antimalware and Endpoint Protection.

Antivirus software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove viruses and other types of malicious software from your computer or device. It works by scanning your system for known threats and monitoring your computer’s behavior for any suspicious activity. If a threat is detected, the antivirus software will either block it or remove it from your system.

Antimalware software, on the other hand, is specifically designed to protect against more advanced forms of malware such as spyware, adware, and ransomware. These types of malware can be particularly harmful as they can steal sensitive information, display unwanted ads, or even lock you out of your own files.

Endpoint protection software takes things a step further by providing a comprehensive security solution for all devices connected to a network. This includes not only computers but also smartphones, tablets, and other devices. Endpoint protection software typically includes features such as firewall protection, intrusion detection, and data encryption to provide an extra layer of security.

Here we will present you with 3 options. First, is the free and built in protection from Microsoft. Second, popular polls winner Bitdefender. Third, CrowdStrike, Gartner magic quadrant winner for Endpoint Protection solutions.

Windows Security provides the latest antivirus protection for Windows 10 and 11 users. Your device will be actively protected from the moment you start Windows. Windows Security continually scans for malware, viruses, and security threats. In addition to this real-time protection, updates are downloaded automatically to help keep your device safe and protect it from threats. Microsoft Windows Security is the free default option that is built in to Windows 10 and 11, and comes with Virus & Threat Protection, Account Protection, Firewall & Network Protection, App & Browser Control, Device Security, Device Performance & Health, and Family Options. 

Bitdefender delivers best-in-class threat prevention, detection, and response solutions worldwide, and provides cybersecurity solutions with leading security efficacy, performance, and ease of use to small and medium businesses, mid-market enterprises, and consumers. Bitdefender offers a range of products and services for home and business users. For home users, it provides protection for PCs, Macs, mobile devices, and smart homes. For businesses, Bitdefender offers a security platform or managed service to help companies become more cyber-resilient. In addition to its core antivirus and antimalware products, Bitdefender also offers a range of additional services such as VPN, identity theft protection, password manager, and more. Bitdefender Central is the one-stop security center for subscription management, product installation, device security monitoring, and 24/7 support. 

Bitdefender offers a range of products and services for home and business users, with varying prices. For home users, Bitdefender offers all-in-one plans such as Bitdefender Ultimate Security Plus, which provides complete protection through Total Security, unlimited Premium VPN, Password Manager, and Identity Theft Protection Premium for up to 10 devices. For business users, pricing for Bitdefender’s entry-level security plan starts at $129.49 per year with protection for up to five devices and two file servers. The cost can vary depending on the package and add-ons you choose. It’s always a good idea to check their website for the most up-to-date pricing information.

CrowdStrike now offers comprehensive and effective cybersecurity solutions also for small businesses. Their Falcon platform provides real-time protection, threat intelligence, and incident response services. It is easy to deploy and manage, and can be scaled as your business grows. CrowdStrike offers several bundles designed to help small businesses prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats at an affordable price. The Falcon Go bundle, for example, provides next-generation antivirus protection and device control for an annual price of $299.95 (price includes the minimum of 5 devices required). The Falcon Pro bundle offers superior protection from cyber attacks, detects malicious activity, and offers immediate response capabilities for your small business at an annual price of $499.95 (price includes the minimum of 5 devices required). The Falcon Enterprise bundle provides increased data visibility and threat response from automated detections and real experts so you can detect and stop breaches faster at an annual price of $924.95 (price includes the minimum of 5 devices required).

Microsoft Windows Security, Bitdefender, and CrowdStrike are all reputable cybersecurity solutions that offer comprehensive protection against cyber threats. The choice between them may depend on factors such as the specific needs of your business or personal use case, the level of protection you require, and your budget. It’s always a good idea to do your own research and compare the features and pricing of each solution to determine which one is the best fit for you. 

Keep in mind that Endpoint Security platforms often come with a pre-configured setup that offers a basic level of protection upon installation. However, it's generally advised to tailor the platform's configuration to align with your organization's unique needs and demands. Not all default settings across platforms are created equal, and certain features might require manual configuration to become operational. When you integrate an Endpoint Security solution, you're granted the power to dictate its setup according to your preferences. For instance, if your solution includes a Device Management option, you hold the reins on deciding whether cameras and microphones should be active or disabled on your network. The software won't decide this for you. Maybe you wish to deactivate them across the board, except for a select few devices, or perhaps the reverse? The same principle applies to encryption, app blocking, and a range of advanced features that, by default, may not impose any restrictions unless explicitly instructed. Have you ever wanted to block access to Facebook within your company network, but not for the Marketing department? With the right configuration, you can achieve precisely that level of granularity.

Here are some common features you can expect to find in an Endpoint Solution, depending on brand and package:

1. Antivirus and Antimalware: These features scan files, programs, and downloads for known viruses, malware, and other malicious code. They help prevent malicious software from infecting your devices.
2. Firewall: A firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic, controlling what data is allowed to enter or leave a device or network. It helps block unauthorized access and potential threats.
3. Intrusion Detection and Prevention (IDS/IPS): These features monitor network traffic for suspicious activities and unauthorized access attempts. IDS alerts you to potential threats, while IPS takes action to prevent them from compromising your system.
4. Device Control: Device control enables you to manage and restrict the use of peripherals such as USB drives, external hard drives, and other removable devices. This prevents data leakage and the introduction of malware via unauthorized devices.
5. Data Loss Prevention (DLP): DLP features help identify and prevent the unauthorized transfer or sharing of sensitive data, such as confidential documents, intellectual property, or personal information.
6. Application Control: This feature allows you to manage which applications are allowed to run on endpoints. It helps prevent the execution of malicious or unauthorized applications that could compromise security.
7. Web Content Filtering: Web filtering allows you to control the websites and online content that users can access from their devices. It helps protect against web-based threats and ensures compliance with company policies.
8. Email Security: Email security features scan incoming and outgoing emails for malicious attachments, links, and content. They help prevent phishing attacks, malware distribution, and spam.
9. Behavioral Analysis: This feature analyzes the behavior of files and programs to detect potential threats based on their actions, even if they are not yet identified as known malware.
10. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): EDR features provide advanced threat detection and response capabilities. They monitor endpoint activities in real-time, allowing rapid response to potential security incidents.
11. Patch Management: Patch management helps ensure that operating systems and software applications are up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited.
12. Encryption: Endpoint encryption secures sensitive data by encoding it so that unauthorized parties cannot access it even if the device is lost or stolen.
13. Remote Wipe: This feature allows administrators to remotely erase data from a lost or stolen device to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
14. Vulnerability Assessment: Vulnerability assessment scans endpoints for known vulnerabilities and weak points that could be exploited by attackers.
15. Reporting and Analytics: Comprehensive reporting and analytics provide insights into security events, threats, and the overall health of your endpoint security environment.

We trust that this information has been enlightening and beneficial. Feel free to drop a comment if you have any queries, and most importantly, prioritize your online safety. Below, you can find links to the products, polls, and additional information for your reference.

CNET: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-antivirus/

PCmag: https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-antivirus-protection 

Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/best-antivirus-software/

Microsoft: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/stay-protected-with-windows-security-2ae0363d-0ada-c064-8b56-6a39afb6a963 

Microsoft 365 Defender: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/microsoft-defender-for-individuals  

BitDefender: https://www.bitdefender.com/ 

Crowdstrike: https://www.crowdstrike.com/