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What is NGAV?
With the landscape of cyberattacks constantly evolving, conventional antivirus solutions no longer suffice. Ensuring an organization’s security now depends on next-generation antivirus (NGAV) solutions. NGAV solutions are cloud-based and combine artificial intelligence, machine learning, and behavioral analysis to detect and prevent threats quickly.
In this article, we’ll look at why enterprises adopt NGAV solutions and what you should consider when choosing an NGAV solution. Then, we’ll highlight several NGAV solutions on the market today.
Importance of NGAV for enterprises
Advanced cyber threats increase the likelihood of data breaches, financial losses, operational disruptions, litigation, and reputational damage for large-scale businesses. To combat these threats, NGAV solutions detect and prevent malware, ransomware, and Trojan horse attacks from compromising endpoints and stealing valuable data.
Organizations that use NGAV software protect against unauthorized access to sensitive information by proactively blocking or isolating malicious files in real time. The best NGAV solutions can be installed quickly, saving cost, time, and energy by offloading the concerns of software maintenance, infrastructure management, and signature database updates.
Compared to traditional antivirus solutions, NGAV solutions provide organizations with several critical benefits:
- NGAV solutions are cloud-based, so they can be deployed in hours instead of days or weeks. They don’t require software maintenance, infrastructure management, or manual updates to identify malware signatures.
- NGAV solutions detect and prevent both nascent and well-known threats, giving a holistic overview of vulnerabilities and providing superior protection.
- With behavioral analysis, NGAV solutions can protect your systems against sophisticated zero-day attacks. By recognizing unknown behaviors and threat signatures, NGAV solutions bring far more robust threat prevention.
- By allowing organizations to integrate multiple domains of security telemetry in a single, centralized command console, an NGAV solution makes it easy to monitor your environment, complementing endpoint detection and response (EDR) functionalities.
Considerations when choosing an NGAV solution
When choosing an enterprise NGAV solution, consider the following important factors to ensure that it is compatible with your organization’s needs.
Detection and prevention capabilities
- Pinpoints and protects against a broad range of familiar and unfamiliar threats, including complex malware, zero-day exploits, and targeted attacks.
- Offers robust detection mechanisms, including behavior-based analysis, machine learning, and integrated threat intelligence.
Endpoint coverage and scalability
- Covers all endpoints within your enterprise environment, from PCs and servers to mobile devices and internet of things (IoT)/OT devices. Organizations should also consider the consistency of protection coverage across endpoint operating systems (OS).
- Saves your organization time and effort by providing quick and easy installation and updates.
- Provides scalability to accommodate business expansion and seamless onboarding to new endpoints.
Integration and performance impact
- Provides seamless integration with your company’s existing security tools, such as security information and event management (SIEM) systems, EDR solutions, and other security tools.
- Balances strong security with minimal resource usage.
- Works effectively with or without a network connection.
Cost-effectiveness and return on investment (ROI)
- Provides an adjustable pricing model that fits your business’s budget and specifications.
- Offers a reasonable ROI based on its performance and long-term value.
Challenges to bear in mind
NGAV solutions enable businesses to prioritize security without compromising productivity or blowing up the budget. They’re designed to scale so that they can meet the evolving needs of enterprise businesses. However, keep in mind that NGAV solutions also introduce some challenges:
- NGAV solutions still utilize some system resources, potentially causing slowdowns in organizations with limited resources or requiring reboots to activate new protections.
- Implementing NGAV solutions may require initial configuration and customization to adapt to the organization’s environment. This may lead to an extended time of transition.
Best Enterprise NGAV Solutions
Below, we’ll explore some outstanding NGAV solutions suitable for enterprise use.
(in alphabetical order)
- Endpoint Security Enterprise by Broadcom
- Harmony Endpoint Protection by Check Point
- Falcon Prevent by CrowdStrike
- Cybereason NGAV by Cybereason
- Cynet Next-Gen Antivirus by Cynet
- Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection by Malwarebytes
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint by Microsoft
- Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks
- Singularity Core by Sentinel One
- Trellix Endpoint Security (ENS) Threat Prevention by Trellix
- Apex One by Trend Micro
- Carbon Black Cloud Endpoint Standard by VMWare
Endpoint Security Enterprise by Broadcom
San Jose, CA | 1991 | www.broadcom.com
Broadcom is a global technology organization that offers diverse, innovative solutions across multiple industries, empowering businesses with cutting-edge technologies for enhanced connectivity, infrastructure, and security.
Value propositions
- Robust endpoint security and management services.
- Advanced server security solutions for safeguarding and monitoring all cloud and non-cloud workflows.
- Cloud storage and services secured with efficient cloud workload protection.
Key differentiators
- Predictive, proactive detection and prevention mechanisms that safeguard businesses against mobile cyberattacks.
- Breach simulations that help identify attacks capable of compromising business operations.
Harmony Endpoint Protection by Check Point
Tel Aviv, Israel | 1993 | www.checkpoint.com
Check Point is an industry-leading cybersecurity firm offering various solutions to safeguard networks, data, and endpoints from multiple cyber threats.
Value propositions
- Holistic endpoint protection, including anti-malware, antivirus, and firewall capabilities.
- Sandboxing and threat emulation technologies.
- Zero-day threat protection.
Key differentiators
- Data loss prevention (DLP) mechanisms.
- Centralized management and reporting that allow users to configure security policies efficiently.
CrowdStrike Falcon® Prevent by CrowdStrike
Austin, TX | 2011 | www.crowdstrike.com
CrowdStrike is a cybersecurity company offering cloud-delivered incident response services, threat intelligence, and endpoint protection for businesses and individuals.
Value propositions
- Behavior-based detection.
- Rapid response and remediation.
- Cloud-native architecture offering scalability, flexibility, and easy deployment for organizations of all sizes.
Key differentiators
- Managed threat hunting services.
- Seamless integration with CrowdStrike threat intelligence.
- Additional native protection for cloud security, identity protection, vulnerability management, and more services, allowing you to consolidate security technology.
Cybereason NGAV by Cybereason
Boston, MA | 2012 | www.cybereason.com
Cybereason is a cyber defense company specializing in endpoint protection, detection, and response against high-level cybercriminals.
Value propositions
- Advanced endpoint protection.
- Incident response and investigation tools.
- Security risk assessment service that monitors all managed and unmanaged systems across an organization’s ecosystem.
Key differentiators
- Malware analysis that helps organizations examine suspicious files and identify possible risks.
- Dedicated client support services.
Cynet Next-Gen Antivirus by Cynet
Boston, MA | 2015 | www.cynet.com
Cynet is an innovative cybersecurity company that offers a comprehensive platform to safeguard businesses against advanced threats.
Value propositions
- Unified platform that combines various security tools into a single solution.
- Real-time advanced threat detection.
- Automated workflows and playbooks that help businesses reduce response times.
Key differentiators
- Deception technology that lures and tricks attackers.
- Ability to leverage user behavior analytics to mitigate insider threats.
Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection by Malwarebytes
Santa Clara, CA | 2004 | www.malwarebytes.com
Malwarebytes is a prominent cybersecurity company known for its advanced malware detection and removal solutions, delivering robust and comprehensive protection against diverse cyber threats.
Value propositions
- Instant, automated security reports based on user demand.
- A compact and unified agent that minimizes resource usage.
- Round-the-clock chat/email support and prioritized phone assistance.
Key differentiators
- Ability to prevent brute force attacks targeting Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
- Optional security available for Windows and Linux Server operating systems.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint by Microsoft
Redmond, WA | 1975 | www.microsoft.com
Microsoft offers a holistic approach to endpoint security, providing advanced threat protection, endpoint detection and response, and centralized security management.
Value propositions
- Real-time vulnerability discovery.
- Threat protection capabilities.
- Secure access control protocols that guarantee that only authorized users and devices have access to essential resources.
Key differentiators
- Endpoint firewall that monitors and controls inbound and outbound network traffic.
- Seamless integration with other Microsoft security products and services, providing a unified security ecosystem.
Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks
Santa Clara, CA | 2005 | www.paloaltonetworks.com
Palo Alto Networks is a prominent player in the cybersecurity industry, delivering a wide range of solutions that fortify networks, endpoints, and cloud environments against dynamic cyber threats with unwavering security.
Value propositions
- Advanced AI-powered security that adapts dynamically to combat emerging threats.
- Unified endpoint agent that defends against attacks and offers protection features.
- Automated security investigations and responses to adversaries.
Key differentiators
- Secure USB device management that helps mitigate USB-based threats.
- Host firewall and disk encryption designed to reduce security risks.
Singularity Core by SentinelOne
Mountain View, CA | 2013 | www.sentinelone.com
SentinelOne is an advanced cybersecurity company that combines AI-powered threat prevention, detection, and response capabilities to protect organizations from evolving cyber threats.
Value propositions
- Robust AI threat prevention.
- Protection and recovery measures against ransomware attacks.
- Cloud-first SaaS for easy installation, management, and maintenance.
Key differentiators
- Device control and application whitelisting that help organizations control device usage.
- Real-time behavioral AI that detects and stops nascent threats.
Trellix Endpoint Security (ENS) Threat Prevention by Trellix
Milpitas, CA | 2022 | www.trellix.com
Trellix is a private cybersecurity firm that offers multiple solutions to investigate cyberattacks, defend against malware, and analyze IT security risks.
Value propositions
- Focused malware scans on client systems.
- Robust malware prevention strategies.
- Web content filtering that limits access to malicious websites.
Key differentiators
- Security analytics and reporting that provide organizations with valuable insights regarding security events, threat trends, and compliance status.
- Protection against phishing through email filtering and link analysis.
Apex One by Trend Micro
Tokyo, Japan | 1988 | www.trendmicro.com
Trend Micro is a renowned cybersecurity company offering comprehensive solutions to safeguard businesses and individuals from cyber threats.
Value propositions
- Behavioral analysis for the detection and blocking of suspicious activities.
- Automated patch management procedures that help businesses minimize vulnerabilities and the risk of exploitation.
- Incident response.
Key differentiators
- Endpoint encryption that protects sensitive data stored on devices.
- Data loss prevention.
Carbon Black Cloud Endpoint Standard by VMWare
Palo Alto, CA | 1998 | www.vmware.com
VMware is a virtualization and cloud computing solutions provider that helps businesses optimize IT operations, boost flexibility, and unlock the full potential of their digital infrastructure.
Value propositions
- System tools designed to prevent malware, fileless threats, and ransomware.
- Tailored prevention policies and customizable options for seamless integration with the business environment.
- Complete attack chain visibility for simplified investigation.
Key differentiators
- Multiple protection layers — including file reputation, heuristics, AI, and behavior analysis — for comprehensive security.
- Combined EDR and NGAV features in a lightweight solution for quick installation and management.
