Endpoint Security as a Service

Endpoint security is the practice of protecting endpoints — computers, mobile devices, servers, etc. — against cyber threats. Historically, this has been accomplished using solutions deployed on-prem within an organization’s network. Endpoint security software deployed on endpoints may be standalone or acts as agents connected to an on-prem endpoint security management solution.

Endpoint Security as a Service (ESaaS) moves endpoint security from on-prem to the cloud. Like other service-based solutions, ESaaS involves a service provider offering access to a cloud-based solution. In this case, this includes hosting and operating an endpoint security management solution.

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The Need for Cloud-Based Endpoint Security

Endpoint security has always been a vital component of a corporate cybersecurity program, but the rise of remote work has made it even more important. Endpoints are where data is stored, where malware is targeted, and where cybercriminals create and expand footholds to carry out their attacks.

Endpoint security is vital to protecting these endpoints and preventing these threats. This is especially true when remote work moves corporate endpoints, applications, and data off of the corporate network and outside of its perimeter-based defenses. Cloud-based endpoint security is essential to protecting these remote devices, which may not be accessible to on-prem endpoint management solutions.

Key Features of Endpoint Security as a Service

ESaaS should provide comprehensive protection for an endpoint against a wide range of cyber threats. Some of the key capabilities that it must include to accomplish this include the following:

- Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV): NGAV solutions are capable of identifying and protecting against zero-day and fileless attacks as well as traditional malware threats.
- Application and Browser Control: Application and browser control enables an organization to limit the applications that can be installed on a device and block access to unapproved websites.
- Behavioral Analytics: Behavioral analysis can identify anomalous or malicious behavior that may indicate an attack and take action to mitigate the threat, such as isolating or locking down an endpoint.

Ransomware Prevention: Ransomware is a leading malware threat, and ESaaS solutions should be able to identify ransomware-like behavior and prevent the malware from encrypting files.

Real-Time Threat Intelligence: Real-time access to threat intelligence, both internal and external (threat intelligence feeds, other users of the service, etc.), enables an endpoint security solution to rapidly detect and prevent attacks.
Regulatory Compliance: An endpoint security solution should enforce the required security controls mandated by data protection laws.
Reporting Capabilities: An ESaaS solution should gather the data required to support regulatory reporting, forensic investigations, and internal reporting.
Sandbox Analysis: Sandbox analysis enables potential malware to be detonated and analyzed in an isolated environment to learn how it works without placing the endpoint at risk.

Endpoint Security as a Service Benefits

ESaaS moves endpoint security management from on-prem to a cloud-based service provider. This relocation can provide significant benefits to an organization, including the following:

Data Sharing: An ESaaS solution has the ability to learn about potential threats from all of the environments and systems that it protects. This enables it to more rapidly identify and respond to attacks against an organization’s systems.
Support for Remote Work: Traditionally, endpoint security solutions and management consoles were deployed inside the corporate perimeter, which limited their ability to protect remote devices and BYOD systems. ESaaS can protect endpoints wherever they are, enhancing the security of remote workers.
Off-Device Protection: Endpoint security solutions installed only locally on a device can be turned off, and attackers can test them offline to develop new attacks and means of bypassing them. A cloud-based solution will detect if an attacker attempts to disable it, and attackers can’t try new techniques against the solution without being detected.
Simplified Management: Like other service-based solutions, ESaaS is managed by the service provider. This reduces the time, budget, and resources that an organization needs to devote to managing its endpoint security.
Increased Scalability: ESaaS solutions have the bulk of their functionality hosted in the cloud. This enables them to scale rapidly to meet increased demand.

Endpoint Security as a Service with Check Point

Endpoint security is a vital capability for every organization. However, not all companies have the ability or the desire to deploy and operate an enterprise-grade endpoint security solution in-house. Also, these in-house solutions may lack the ability to protect a growing remote workforce.

Endpoint Security as a Service is the solution to both of these issues. A service-based endpoint security offering reduces the burden on the organization and can protect workers who are both remote and in the office. Learn more about what to look for in an endpoint security solution in this buyer’s guide.

Check Point’s Harmony Endpoint offers a single solution for all of an organization’s endpoint security needs. Combining the features of an endpoint protection platform (EPP) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution, it provides coverage for all of an organization’s endpoints and can be managed from a single location. Harmony Endpoint is available as both an on-prem solution and a cloud-based ESaaS offering. Find out which offering is right for your organization with a free demo.