Let’s say you’ve got teams working remotely, but you want them to be able to access your company network securely without compromising any corporate intel. Or maybe you just want to make sure your users or employees aren’t leaking information.

If any of this sounds relatable, then it’s time you started dipping into the wide realm of endpoint security vendors and the endpoint protection solutions they offer.

Compare Top Endpoint Security Software Vendors

Table of Contents

• Best Endpoint Security Vendors
  • Trend Micro Vision One
  • Sophos Intercept X Endpoint
  • Trellix XDR
  • Symantec Endpoint Protection
  • Bitdefender GravityZone
• Must-Have Features
• Establish a Set of Needs Versus Wants
• Questions To Ask During Demos
• Creating a Requirements List and Shortlist
• Establish Vendor Repertoire
• Next Steps

Like any software purchase, it isn’t easy to decide what vendor to go with. There’s a nearly limitless number of considerations and features out there for you to pick from, and that’s not even counting the services you want or need from your business.

In order to navigate the world of endpoint security vendors, we’ve put together this helpful guide and a few tools, like our requirement template, to make the process a little less painful.

Best Endpoint Security Vendors

Our analysts have carefully shortlisted the best endpoint security vendors for your reference. However, you must check your business-specific requirements thoroughly before making a decision.

Compare Top Endpoint Security Software Vendors

Trend Micro Vision One

Trend Micro Vision One is an endpoint security solution that offers consolidated endpoint, server and workload security. It offers multi-stage security protection across every stage of the attack chain. You can also predict malicious threats before they access your network.

Besides hunting, detecting, investigating, and responding to cyber threats, it also simplifies IT management with an all-in-one console. It’s ideal for businesses of all sizes.

Track all your security data from a single dashboard.

Highest Rated Modules According to Our Data

• Attack Surface Reduction — 100
• Endpoint Detection and Response — 100
• Managed Detection and Response — 100
• Compliance — 100
• Attack Prevention — 98

Top Benefits

• Consolidate Defense: Track incidents and actions across endpoints, networks, servers and cloud workload in a single view. Respond faster and increase overall efficiency with a consolidated security approach.
• Streamline Operations: Get centralized visibility and a management console to simplify management and boost productivity. Track inventory, take risk mitigation actions, check detections, and manage licenses and policies all in one place.
• Secure IT Environment: The platform supports and secures a broad range of operating systems, including Linux systems.
• Save Costs: Loss of digital assets or data breaches can be incredibly costly for any organization. You can mitigate expenses related to damage control and downtime by implementing proactive security measures.
• Ensure Compliance: Track and audit administrative activities such as login or logout, account lockout and policy changes to create audit trails. Meet key compliance requirements for GDPR, HIPAA, NIST and other regulations with one integrated platform.

Primary Features

• Endpoint Encryption: Encrypt crucial digital assets to prevent attackers from gaining unauthorized access to your files.
• EDR: You can get better visibility and context to detect, investigate and respond to threats. Investigate security incidents before alerting IT teams to minimize false alerts.
• XDR: Extend defense to the cloud, email, mobile and network security. Ensure OT and IOT security with a built-in XDR platform.
• Behavioral Analysis: Detect suspicious behavior and identify potential threat incidents from collected logs.
• Integrity Monitoring: You can detect unexpected changes in registry values, keys, services, processes, installed software, ports and files through regular scanning. The system uses a baseline secure state as a reference to identify any suspicious behavior during the scan.

Limitations

• The platform offers limited flexibility for highly customized configurations or security policies.
• Its real-time monitoring and analytics are often resource-intensive.
• Adapting to platform features involves an initial learning curve.

Features Not Fully Supported According to Our Data

• Endpoint Deception — Supported With Integrations
• Import Address Table Access Filtering — Not Supported
• Asset Discovery and Inventory — Supported With Custom Development
• Security Configuration Management — Not Supported

Pricing

Pricing starts at $1000 annually. It offers a free trial.

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Sophos Intercept X Endpoint

Sophos Intercept X Endpoint is a signature-free malware protection platform that offers cybersecurity solutions to businesses of all sizes. It also features an antivirus suite to offer a complete defense. The system provides both business and home-grade security products that include network, endpoint, cloud and email protection services.

You can keep track of active applications easily.

Highest Rated Modules According to Our Data

• Attack Surface Reduction — 100
• Exploit Prevention — 100
• Managed Detection and Response — 100
• Integrations and Extensibility — 100
• Compliance — 100

Top Benefits

• Discover Known and Unknown Threats: Use deep learning technology built into the EDR system to analyze intercepted threats and discover known and unknown ransomware without depending on their signatures.
• Prevent Advanced Threats: The platform expands the basic protection available in Windows by adding more than 60 pre-configured, proprietary and tuned exploit mitigations. It protects against zero-day exploits and fileless attacks by stopping techniques used across the cyber attack chain.
• Reduce False Positives: You can automatically detect and remove your previously used endpoint system to prevent false positives and overlaps.
• Optimize Performance: Minimize system resource consumption with efficient background operations, consolidated defense and a compact interface.
• Simplify Configuration: You can configure this software on top of other existing solutions without any hassle.

Primary Features

• EDR and XDR: An EDR system can automatically detect potential threats and focus on the parts they have impacted. The extended detection and response feature goes one step further to ensure system protection by incorporating several data sources.
• Threat Intelligence: Leverage real-time threat intelligence feed from SophosLabs to stay on top of the latest threat information. It helps you respond quickly to emerging threats.
• Anti-Ransomware: Detect and stop ransomware in its tracks, including new local and remote variants with CryptoGuard technology. It uses advanced mathematical analysis of file contents to detect malicious encryption.
• MDR Modules: The managed detection and response (MDR) security expert team takes care of complicated security attacks and neutralizes them to maintain a safe environment.
• Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Sophos ZTNA allows users to connect to your applications securely without using any VPN. This feature supports integrations with next-gen endpoint solutions like XDR and MDR.

Limitations

• It provides delayed email alerts and after-sales support.
• Users can’t add file path exceptions for Linux operating systems.
• Exclusion policies and role-based access control need improvement.

Features Not Fully Supported According to Our Data

• Camera Snapshots — Not Supported
• Offline Protection — Not Supported
• Local Vault — Not Supported

Pricing

The pricing starts from $28 per user per year based on required features. It has three subscription plans — $28, $48 and $79. The vendor also offers a free trial.

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Trellix XDR

Trellix XDR is a modern endpoint security solution that you can deploy on-premise or in the cloud. Its comprehensive AI-powered XDR platform helps increase cyber resilience and minimize risk and costs.

It also features an advanced AI-integrated threat intelligence platform and a research center. The platform is ideal for small, medium and large-sized enterprises.

Trellix generates a suspicious browser alert related to possible cookie theft. Source

Highest Rated Modules According to Our Data

• Endpoint Detection and Response — 100
• Compliance — 100
• Attack Prevention — 98
• MDR Services — 97
• Vulnerability Management — 92

Top Benefits

• Reduce Cost and Time: Minimize time from threat detection to remediation from days to minutes with advanced automation and efficient endpoint management. Consolidate modules, uplevel SOCs and accelerate decisions to save overall costs.
• Enforce Comprehensive Security: Get comprehensive cyber defense across your IT infrastructure with integrated XDR, threat intelligence modules and best-of-breed security controls.
• Ensure Seamless Integration: The platform supports seamless integrations with more than 1000+ third-party solutions with native security controls. This feature optimizes the platform to provide robust detection and prevention.
• Modernize SecOps: Streamline security operations (SecOps) with modern next-gen security operations centers (SOCs) and proactive user support.
• Customize Policies: Tailor security policies based on your organization’s unique requirements. Ensure flexibility in policies to align security measures with business objectives and broader security goals.

Primary Features

• XDR Engine: Ingest, correlate and contextualize data with insightful visibility and simplified analysis. Quickly detect and remediate threats with XDR’s multi-vector and multi-vendor correlation and prioritization of security threats.
• Automated Attack Mitigation: You can automate remediation with playbook remediation, threat prioritization and guided response. Built-in playbooks offer a better and more structured incident response mechanism.
• Regular Updates: Automated updates save you time and resources by avoiding manual implementation.
• Threat Intelligence: Access the threat intelligence feed with data on the latest cyber threats from more than 40,000 previous cases, along with findings from Trellix’s advanced research center.
• AI Integration: You can reduce false positives and alert noises with AI integration. It automatically analyzes suspicious incidents before generating alerts for the security team. Alleviate alert fatigue and allow security professionals to focus on critical situations.

Limitations

• The initial configuration may be complex for some organizations with complicated network environments.
• The system might face compatibility issues while integrating with existing security tools.
• The platform offers limited capabilities in offline environments due to dependency on continuous network connectivity.

Features Not Fully Supported According to Our Data

• Professional Services Automation Integration— Not Supported
• IT Monitoring and Documentation Integration — Not Supported
• Vulnerability Assessment — Supported with Integrations
• Bookmark Reports — Not Supported
• Local Vault — Not Supported

Pricing

Trellix XDR subscription prices start from $49 per month. It doesn’t offer any free trials.

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Symantec Endpoint Protection

Symantec Endpoint Protection is a security suite that includes intrusion prevention, an endpoint firewall and anti-malware modules. Its primary features include patch management, monitoring and alerting, endpoint management, and scripting and automation. The software offers all-around protection to medium-sized enterprises.

Symantec’s mobile security posture and risk distribution analysis.

Highest Rated Modules According to Our Data

• Attack Surface Reduction — 100
• Exploit Prevention — 100
• Compliance — 100
• Integration and Extensibility — 100
• Attack Prevention — 97

Top Benefits

• Streamline Operations: You can manage the entire system centrally with cloud-based controls and AI-machine learning recommendations.
• Mitigate Memory Exploits:: Get regular patch updates to neutralize zero-day attacks like SEHOP overwrite, Heap Spray and Java exploits. Create a robust defense against memory exploits with a predetermined exploit mitigation policy.
• Enhance Skills: Deliver learning materials on endpoint security to end users by integrating with Infosec IQ.
• Prevent Advanced Threats: Detect, respond and block advanced persistent threats and targeted attacks by prioritizing threat levels with integrated EDR. The built-in system doesn’t require you to deploy additional agents.
• Gain Comprehensive Insights: Get in-depth visibility with continuous endpoint monitoring and scanning for threats.

Primary Features

• USB Protection: Adaptive and customizable endpoint protection with USB security and better visibility.
• Application and Device Control: This capability allows the control of file and device access to dictate how processes should operate. It also restricts unauthorized devices from uploading or downloading any file.
• Email Security: Identify rogue Wifi networks and access Virtual Private Network (VPN) features.
• Sandboxing: It enables you to identify and analyze suspicious files by testing segregated parts of the code without influencing the rest of the environment.
• Forensics and Analytics: Advanced analytics and behavioral forensics help analyze zero-day attacks.

Limitations

• It offers limited dashboard capabilities.
• The platform uses too many system resources during scans.
• Installing the system locally makes it vulnerable to attacks.

Features Not Fully Supported According to Our Data

• Offline Protection — Not Supported
• Camera Snapshots — Not Supported

Pricing

Starting price is $34.99. It offers a free trial.

Compare Top Endpoint Security Software Vendors

Bitdefender GravityZone

Bitdefender GravityZone offers endpoint solutions for both consumers and enterprises. It provides multilayered protection against malware, zero-day threats and viruses at every phase of an attack. The solution’s full operational control and network attack defense are ideal for businesses of all sizes.

Get a summary of suspicious incidents with detailed insights on the dashboard.

Highest Rated Modules According to Our Data

• Vulnerability Management — 100
• Integrations and Extensibility — 100
• Attack Prevention — 96
• Endpoint Detection and Response — 96
• Exploit Prevention — 92

Top Benefits

• Identify Vulnerabilities: Discover and prioritize risky operating systems and software misconfigurations to reduce exposure and harden surface area. Optimize assessment and identification of endpoint weaknesses to mitigate organizational risks.
• Neutralize Threats: It lets you remediate infected modules quickly. Threat analytics helps easily track and prevent infected systems. Instantly neutralize threats through remediation techniques like quarantine, process terminations, and removal and rollback of malicious changes.
• Prevent Data Breaches: You can prevent data breaches more effectively by locking down threats and attack vectors. A memory scanner also helps detect potential threats occupying device memory.
• Simplify Configuration: Minimize time consumption by remotely configuring the solution on all unprotected endpoints through a simple yet comprehensive installation procedure.
• Get Consolidated Defense: You can use web protection and recovery features in one platform. This consolidated defense strategy mitigates the need for additional software for various modules.

Primary Features

• Centralized Console: You can manage all endpoint devices through a central GravityZone Control Center to simplify management operations
• Ransomware Protection: The platform prevents malicious ransomware attacks and other harmful programs from infiltrating your network. It also automatically recovers your local and network files using tamper-proof backups after an incident.
• Network Attack Defense: Extend protection against network vulnerabilities with advanced network attack defense mechanisms. Protect your systems against all common and uncommon threats like password stealers, brute force attacks and network exploits before they execute.
• Threat forensics: This feature easily identifies an infection and factors like its origin, duration and more.

Limitations

• Its risk reporting modules require improvement.
• The solution is memory-extensive, making the device slow.
• It often generates false alerts.

Features Not Fully Supported According to Our Data

• Breach Assessment— Not Supported
• Import Address Table Access Reporting — Not Supported
• Call-In Support — Not Supported
• Local Vault — Not Supported
• Uninstall Protection — Not Supported

Pricing

GravityZone’s yearly subscription starts at $77.69. A three-year plan costs $155.39 for up to three endpoint devices. It also offers free trials.

Compare Top Endpoint Security Software Vendors

Must-Have Features

When you look at the wide world of endpoint protection vendors, there’s a lot to take in and always a lot more coming down the pipe.

Maria Opre, Senior Analyst at EarthWeb, in an interview with SelectHub, highlighted some features to look for while selecting an endpoint security solution:

• The most fundamental capability is comprehensive threat protection. Look for advanced techniques like behavioral analysis to detect malicious activity and application control to prevent unwanted software from executing.
• Capabilities like antivirus, anti-malware, firewalls, web filtering and patch management are table stakes. Evaluate how rapidly vendors respond to new threats with updates and determine the level of burden on your security team for configuration.
• Equally important is centralized monitoring, logging and control of all endpoints. You should be able to set policies, distribute updates and view alerts from a unified dashboard. Granular controls over removable media, mobile devices and data loss prevention are key for protecting against data exfiltration.
• Integrations with existing security infrastructure like SIEMs and SOAR platforms extend visibility and allow coordinated responses.

When you’re picking your endpoint solution, just make sure you’ve noted your endpoint security requirements and that your vendor includes the primary functionalities of endpoint security.

1. System administration portals

Imagine a software component that lets you manage the devices that are running your endpoint security. Think of your system admin portal as your command center for your endpoint protection. This feature will allow you to see who is using what device, on top of other features like policy management, which go the extra mile when it comes to administration.

From your sysadmin portal, you can configure security in bulk for members of your business. Features such as remote configuration significantly cut down on the amount of time you’d have to spend doing them manually.

2. Policy management

With policy management, you set the standards for security across all of the devices connected to your endpoint security software. This powerful tool lets you not only establish a baseline for security but also set user hierarchies. For example, you can have some users who are privileged with access to certain remote network drives and some who aren’t.

Additionally, you can set up override policies, meaning you can give select access to certain directories based on your business needs. The access-configuration options are nearly limitless.

3. Patch Management

Patches are essential in endpoint software systems. They fix everything from meager, annoying bugs to critical vulnerabilities that might compromise your business data. Patch management is a feature that’s almost as crucial as the patches themselves.

When patches become available from software vendors, there’s a chance the vendors might not detail everything that gets patched — bugs, glitches and all — this is to prevent hackers from taking advantage of unpatched systems. Since they know from the patch notes what to exploit, their job becomes that much easier.

However, the power of patch management comes into play when sysadmins deploy patches to company-wide networks. Management features allow admins to schedule how and when said fixes are deployed, such as during non-business hours. No sense in risking any downtime when you can avoid it.

4. Threat Detection

Threat detection is one of the most basic features of endpoint security systems. It’s not unlikely for malware to bring down your company’s infrastructure. Malicious programs like ransomware encrypt systems without permission and demand high payouts.

This is why threat detection remains a primary feature for any half-decent endpoint security software. There’s a common saying that goes, “We are only as strong as our weakest link,” and, not to insult any of your employees, but your users are likely always going to be the weakest link (or, in IT terms, the primary attack vector).

According to IBM’s survey, it takes an average of 326 days for victims of a ransomware attack to identify and respond to an attack. And the average cost of a ransomware incident is $4.54 million. In 2024, it’s still possible that ransomware and viruses pose threats to your business.

5. Device Control

External devices like USBs, CDs and DVD drives can be potential entry points for malware, viruses and other malicious software into your system. You can constantly inspect them using device control. More importantly, you can create customizable policies for devices allowed in your network. Think of it as something that lets you use a USB mouse but blocks a USB portable hard drive.

This must-have feature encrypts the data being transmitted to external devices to prevent data breaches. It also protects offline endpoints or the ones disconnected from the corporate network.

6. Advanced Endpoint Protection

Your digital assets not only require protection from outside attacks but also from insider threats. Moreover, advanced threats like DDoS attacks, zero-day attacks and advanced persistent threats often bypass traditional security measures like antivirus and anti-malware tools. Best endpoint protection platforms must offer a robust defense against all known and unknown threats.

Ensure your endpoint system can block attacks from email, social media, P2P applications (like Skype and Dropbox) and websites. It must offer protection for your devices and employees at locations where they frequently use the internet.

7. Server Security

Servers are sensitive endpoints that can act as vulnerable getaways for threat actors to access your company’s assets. Choosing a system that secures your servers is just as crucial as securing your physical endpoints.

Look for solutions that can block threats to collaboration servers, data storage servers, internet gateways and email servers. Some vendors apply existing features to protect your servers, while others use specialized tools for each server type.

8. Data-Loss Prevention (DLP)

Remember that although top endpoint security software vendors offer comprehensive and robust defense solutions, none can claim 100% protection. With thousands of cyberattacks happening every day, attackers might target your company in the near future. This is why it’s vital to have proper data loss protection tools in place to minimize the chances of data leaks in case of an attack.

DLP works through encryption, customized rules, remote access and user authentication. Encryption tools prevent employees from sharing files through the internet via chat or email. Further, if system administrators detect a user attempting to share privileged information, they can remotely wipe the hard drive to prevent breaches.

Get our Endpoint Security Requirements Template

Establish a Set of Needs vs. Wants

At SelectHub, we have a bit of a saying that adorns our walls in royal purple ink: It reads, “Your business has unique needs!” And that’s not just a helpful reminder written for our short, short memories. That’s a code we live by and extrapolate on every opportunity we can.

So yes, your business does have unique needs. It’s tremendously important that you sit down with your managers and decision-makers to hash out a list of what you need from your endpoint security vendor and what you want. Don’t forget to include IT folks in this critical conversation. We highlighted a list of basic features above, but only you can decide for yourself what you really need and what features you really want.

Nazar Tymoshik, CEO and Founder of UnderDefense, said:

When picking the right endpoint security solution for your business, I would recommend starting with deciding what devices need protection and analyzing what kind of threats are out there that could hit you. And don’t forget about the laws and regulations your company needs to follow.”

We’ve put together a free requirements template to make that process a bit easier for your business. Click the link to get our helpful requirements guide, and start writing down that essentials list.

Questions To Ask During Demos

Demos are an important part of the endpoint security vendor selection process, as they give you a chance to evaluate the vendor’s offering before you buy. You should prepare a list of pointed questions to better understand the extent and scope of endpoint security.

Gary Huestis, Director at Powerhouse Forensics, when asked about questions for endpoint security software vendors, told us:

• Ask about customer support. If you have a problem or question, what are your options to get it resolved?
• Ask how the product handles zero-day threats and how it would detect a brand new undiscovered threat (behavioral analysis, sandboxing, etc.).
• Depending on your organization, you may want to ask additional questions like how to deploy to remote users, encryption if data is stored on local storage, and migrating to/from another endpoint security solution if you have an existing product.

If you’re struggling to come up with a list of questions, we have a few prepared for you, incorporating inputs from Opre:

• How frequently are updates pushed out as new threats emerge?
• What level of customization is available for detection rules and policies?
• How does the solution minimize false positives and negatives?
• What device(s) will be protected by the system? Servers? Workstations?
• What level of threat visibility will the system provide?
• Can you provide reporting transparency and logs for audits?
• What threats does your system protect against?
• How easy or complicated is the configuration process?

Compare Top Endpoint Security Software Vendors

Creating a Requirements List and Shortlist

Because of the sheer volume of endpoint security companies, you must get a solid requirements list down for your business. It’d be an understatement to say that requirements are going to be your defining factor in your selection.

Let’s be honest here. You’re probably going to be overwhelmed by the amount of choice there is in the endpoint security space. We’ve got a curated list of dozens of endpoint systems for you to pick from, but for this part, we’d recommend combing through our free comparison report and then picking out maybe three to five vendors that catch your eye to create your shortlist.

Compare Vendors

Like we mentioned earlier, comparing endpoint protection companies needs to be part of your decision process. When you’re comparing solutions, make sure you check in with the following key stakeholders so that you can eliminate some vendors right off the bat:

• Mid-level managers
• IT staff
• IT managers

The last two on the list will be your most important players, as they’re going to be the ones who deploy the software and then manage it. And because endpoint security is so tightly intertwined with IT, you need to absolutely ensure you can integrate it into your business’s architecture.

Tymoshyk told SelectHub:

I would recommend making sure the endpoint security solution fits well with what you already have. If everything’s in the cloud, you need something that works well with that. If you have your own servers, make sure the software can handle them.”

While emphasizing the significance of anticipating a company’s future growth, he added:

You might have 50 computers now, but what if you grow to 100 or even more next year or a couple of years? The software should be able to handle that. And check how easy it is to manage. If something goes wrong, you’ll want to fix it fast, not spend hours digging through settings.”

Establish Vendor Repertoire

There are plenty of endpoint software companies out there to pick from. Our curated list has taken care of the analysis for you if you choose to go that route. But after you’ve done all the technical work in finding the right vendor, you should consider researching the vendor’s reputation.

For example, Carbon Black is a well-regarded vendor that’s won numerous awards, but their solutions might not be right for your business.

It helps to look for customer testimonials that the vendor doesn’t provide. The value in this is you can see real-world use cases for the vendor you’ve picked out. Maybe on paper, it responds well to ransomware attacks, but according to John Doe from MegaCorp, their whole week was ruined by a ransomware attack that X software solution couldn’t stop. These are the kinds of things you shouldn’t ignore when looking into a vendor’s reputation.

Also, consider contacting the vendor directly and ask them about their product.

Tymoshyk suggests:

When you have a conversation with representatives of security software companies, ask them how their products deal with viruses and attacks. Their software should stop infections and help quickly recover if something goes wrong. Ask about how their software keeps an eye on what’s happening on your network and how it reacts to suspicious things. Last but not least, ask for a trial version. A free trial will let you understand if it’s the right endpoint security solution for you.”

Seeing how endpoint security behaves in a live, high-stakes environment is also crucial to picking the right vendor. We also recommend finding users who are happy to laud the vendor for their achievements and will speak candidly and openly. Hearing raw, honest feedback from experienced professionals is where you’ll get the most valuable information.

And finally, you should take vendor awards and accolades into consideration. The truth is, vendors don’t win awards for nothing, so there is some value in selecting a vendor that’s received their fair share of awards. Again, Carbon Black is a leader in the endpoint security field, with a bevy of awards to back up their claims.

Compare Top Endpoint Security Software Vendors

Next Steps

Picking the right endpoint security vendor can be tricky when there are a million tiny moving parts you have to account for. There are your deployment options, coverage needs, pre-existing system architecture, budget, company size and so much more. But, selecting a vendor is an essential part of the process. Remember: It’s not always about what the software can do, but if the software is right for you.

If you need further help, our free comparison report makes it easy to compare solutions against your requirements so you end up with the best match.

What are your tips for endpoint security vendor selection? Leave a comment below to let us know!

SME Contributors