3 Reasons to Consider Next-Generation Endpoint Protection

Even before the coronavirus pandemic, mobile devices and cloud computing were changing the landscape of IT. In the “new normal,” with widespread remote work and distributed IT environments, CISOs and other technology leaders are more interested than ever in next-generation endpoint protection solutions. IT leaders who haven’t already deployed NGEP technology are hearing about it from their peers and are eager to put solutions in place. Those who have already made investments in NGEP platforms want to make sure that they’re getting the most value out of their investments.

To learn how next-generation solutions can boost your organization’s security, read CDW’s white paper “Security Threats Demand Next-Generation Endpoint Protection.”

These are reasonable concerns, because the threats facing endpoints continue to grow. Many organizations first deploy NGEP solutions only after experiencing a serious security incident that originates on an endpoint, while others want to do everything they can to avoid that fate. CDW recently published a white paper that delves deeply into this technology. Let’s take a look at the main themes from that white paper: three reasons that organizations are considering the use of this technology.

Protect Your Organization Against Ransomware

The specter of ransomware drives most endpoint protection deployments. Many technology leaders have either experienced the devastating effects of a ransomware compromise firsthand or know colleagues in other organizations that have suffered a serious breach. The main issue with these attacks it that there’s not much you can do about them after they’ve occurred. You’re stuck either reimaging all of your machines or paying an exorbitant ransom to restore access to systems and data.

NGEP solutions include ransomware prevention modules that protect systems against these risks, but those modules need to be activated and properly managed. Organizations should consider bringing in experts to conduct an endpoint protection health check and verify that they’re well prepared to defend against ransomware threats.

Gain Visibility Into Endpoints

Resources are limited on every IT team. Engineers simply don’t have the time to carefully review endpoint protection logs and react appropriately. Fortunately, modern NGEP platforms arrive with enhanced analytics and machine learning capabilities that reduce the need to carefully monitor these systems. Through the use of artificial intelligence, NGEP platforms can alert administrators to endpoint situations that require immediate attention and may even recommend remediation activities to address a specific security vulnerability before an adversary can take advantage of the weakness.

Defend Your Network Against Malicious Code Outbreaks

While organizations are justifiably concerned about the risks of a ransomware outbreak, it’s important to remember that ransomware isn’t the only kind of malware. NGEP platforms also protect against even more insidious threats that may lurk on your systems, silently stealing information or waiting to spring into action. Behavioral analysis capabilities allow endpoint protection solutions to watch for signs of unusual activity and either block it automatically or notify administrators that something is amiss. With this information, IT leaders can shore up vulnerabilities and protect their valuable data.