What traditional antivirus does
Classic antivirus compares files against a list of known malicious signatures and blocks matches. It still catches plenty of everyday malware, but it has two weaknesses: it struggles with anything new or disguised, and it does little about attacks that use legitimate tools already on the computer, such as PowerShell or remote-access software.
What endpoint protection adds
Modern endpoint protection platforms build on antivirus with:
- Behaviour monitoring, which spots actions such as mass file encryption or password theft, whatever program is doing them;
- Exploit and ransomware protection that blocks common attack techniques;
- Web and device control, such as blocking known-bad websites or unapproved USB storage;
- Detection and response features that record activity and let an administrator isolate a device remotely (see MDR vs EDR);
- Central management, so every device's status is visible in one console and nothing quietly falls out of date.
Why it matters for island businesses
Most Manx businesses now have staff working from home, client sites and the office, often on laptops that rarely sit behind the office firewall. Endpoint protection travels with the device. It is also one of the five controls required for Cyber Essentials, and insurers and clients increasingly ask how devices are protected.
Common options
Microsoft Defender for Business
Included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Defender for Business gives small and medium businesses endpoint protection with detection and response features, managed alongside Intune. If you already have Business Premium, you may already own it.
Specialist vendors
Products from vendors such as Sophos and others offer their own management consoles and features, and can be a good fit if you want a particular vendor's approach or already use their tools.
The right choice depends on your licences, your other security tools and whether the protection will be monitored by a managed detection and response service.
Moving from antivirus to endpoint protection
- List every device, including servers and the odd laptop that rarely comes into the office.
- Choose the platform and agree policies before rollout.
- Remove the old antivirus cleanly, because two products fighting each other cause problems.
- Deploy in stages, starting with a small group.
- Check that every device reports in, and set up alerts for any that stop.
Common questions
Is the free antivirus built into Windows enough?
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a reasonable baseline on a single PC, but businesses need central management, reporting and response features, which come with Defender for Business or a comparable platform.
Do Macs and phones need protection too?
Yes. Macs can run endpoint protection, and phones and tablets are best protected through mobile device management.
Get your endpoints protected
Omega IT deploys and manages endpoint protection for businesses across the Isle of Man. See our cyber security services or contact us.