Heimdal Security Blog

[2024] 12 Best Endpoint Security Software Solutions and Tools

  • Madalina Popovici

    • Choosing the right endpoint security software can feel overwhelming, especially in a market valued at 13.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2024 and expected to grow to 29 billion U.S. dollars by 2027 (Statista).

    That’s why we’ve listed the 12 best endpoint tools on the market, looking at the features, pros, cons, pricing and more.

    How can you benefit from endpoint security software?

    A reliable endpoint security software solution provides various benefits that make it an attractive investment for a business.

    Perhaps most importantly, this type of solution helps you protect your devices from potential threats, including ransomware, malware, viruses, and other malicious software that can wreak havoc on your operations, saving you time and money in the long run.

    Secondly, it improves our organization’s ability to detect and respond to potential data breaches. By constantly keeping an eye on device behavior and network traffic, it quickly finds any suspicious activities or attempts to break in. This empowers you to take action right away and stop unauthorized access and data breaches.

    Another perk is that it helps you achieve compliance. With endpoint security software in place, you can protect the devices connected to your network, prevent data leakage, and stay compliant with industry regulations.

    What are the top endpoint security solutions in 2024?

    To help you decide which one is best for your needs, I’ve carefully curated a list of the best 12 endpoint security solutions you should consider for your company.

    1. Heimdal® EDR

    When it comes to choosing the best endpoint security tools, Heimdal® stands out as number 1, a trusted industry leader with a track record dating back to 2014. For almost a decade, Heimdal has been dedicated to helping customers worldwide secure their domain name systems, earning a reputation for excellence along the way.

    A key differentiator that sets Heimdal apart is its unique feature within the Threat Prevention Endpoint product – Predictive DNS.

    This cutting-edge technology combines artificial intelligence and machine learning to continuously analyze user traffic in real-time. By proactively identifying and blocking infected domains, this tool can achieve an impressive 97% accuracy rate in predicting threats.

    With a demonstrated track record, having successfully blocked over 170 million DNS, HTTP, and HTTPS attacks in the past year alone, Heimdal’s effectiveness in protecting DNS infrastructure speaks volumes about its commitment to providing robust endpoint security.

    In recent years, however, Heimdal went all the way and developed an entire suite of products to accommodate their customers’ needs and extended their endpoint security offering with 5 more products:

    a cybersecurity “survival kit” that includes multiple layers, decreasing the chances of a cyberattack.

    These six products work together to stop malware in its tracks, as well as other attacks that leverage the domain name system (DNS), prevent man-in-the-middle (MiTM) attacks, advanced persistent threats (APTs), exploits, and protect against viruses and brute force attacks.

    These products also block any unauthorized encryption attempts (by ransomware), automate the patching process to close vulnerabilities, manage permissions and de-escalate on, threat detection, whitelist, and blacklist application and prevent data breaches before sensitive info is exposed, making it the perfect combo for your organization.

    Another great addition is that all six products are managed from the same dashboard, simplifying the work of your security team.

    Heimdal®’s Top Endpoint Security Features

    A six-in-one cybersecurity suite, essential to any business with multiple endpoints to protect:

     DNS Security – Endpoint:

    Heimdal’s DNS Security stands out with its Predictive DNS feature, employing AI and ML to scan user traffic on the go. By proactively blocking infected domains and stopping communication with malicious infrastructures, it ensures robust protection. Its remarkable compatibility with any system and quick deployment (less than an hour) make it an indispensable asset for any cybersecurity framework.

    Ransomware Encryption Protection:

    Heimdal’s Ransomware Encryption Protection acts as a vigilant sentinel. It meticulously scans disk structures, swiftly detecting and isolating ransomware initiations. Moreover, it aids in tracing back to attacker origins and understanding the nexus of file connections.

    Next-Gen Antivirus, Firewall & MDM:

    Heimdal® offers a sophisticated fusion of traditional and next-gen antivirus capabilities. This ensures robust protection against viruses, APTs, financial frauds, and ransomware. With the power of the XTP engine, it dives deep into threat insights, aligning defense strategies with the MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques.

     Patch and Asset Management:

    With automated updates, you can save considerable time and effort while ensuring that your systems stay up-to-date. The ability to remotely schedule updates offers flexibility and control over update deployment. Moreover, the comprehensive inventory feature provides a clear picture of all your software assets.

    Privilege Access Management:

    Heimdal’s PAM solution simplifies user privilege management. It automatically elevates admin rights, streamlining operations. One-click escalation control balances user freedom and security. An audit trail offers clear insight into user actions. Plus, smart auto-de-escalation boosts security when infections are detected.

    Application Control:

    Heimdal’s Application Control enhances your security by granting application access only when necessary. With a complete audit trail of application executions, you gain valuable insights and maintain control over your software environment.

    Heimdal® Endpoint Security Pros

    Heimdal uses advanced technologies, powered by AI & ML to proactively detect both known and novel threats. This minimizes the window of opportunity for malicious activities to cause damage, as automated processes can detect, analyze, and respond to threats in real-time, often faster than a human analyst.

    Heimdal intercepts malware by monitoring all points of ingress, and ensures it’s intercepted before it gains a foothold, providing a robust line of defense.

    Heimdal goes beyond traditional security measures by harnessing the power of Machine Learning and AI-driven intelligence. It offers protection against a broad spectrum of threats, from Advanced Ransomware and Insider Threats to DNS Vulnerabilities and even unknown threats.

    Heimdal’s EDR system packs six next-gen security solutions into a single lightweight agent. This ensures streamlined deployment, efficient system performance, and comprehensive coverage against all potential attack vectors.

    Heimdal® Endpoint Security Cons

    Heimdal’s endpoint security offering covers DNS security, next-gen antivirus, firewall, mobile device management, ransomware encryption protection, vulnerability management, privileged access management, and application control.

    If your organization has a more complex IT infrastructure, you can opt for the extended protection module, Heimdal XDR, that combines 10+ fully integrated security solutions to deliver next-level cybersecurity protection (and allows you to consolidate up to 7 disparate providers in a single platform).

    New features are also in the works, as we love to innovate, so stay tuned!

    Heimdal® Pricing

    Our pricing model is regarded as competitive, providing good value while offering a comprehensive set of security features.

    2. Cisco Secure Endpoint

    Cisco Secure Endpoint, formerly known as Cisco AMP for Endpoints, is designed to provide advanced threat protection before, during, and after a cyberattack. It’s a known fact that Cisco has a long history in the world of networking technology, dating back to 1984.

    But while Cisco is a veteran in networking and cybersecurity, Heimdal’s offering includes more products essential for endpoint security, such as Patch and Asset Management, Ransomware Encryption Protection, and Privileged Access Management, all managed from the same unified dashboard.

    Cisco Secure Endpoint main features:

    Cisco Secure Endpoint Pros

    Cisco Secure Endpoint Cons

    Cisco Secure Endpoint Pricing

    Cisco’s Secure Endpoint pricing is not public but is perceived as reasonable. A free 30-day trial is available for companies with more than 50 employees.

    3. VMware Carbon Black EDR

    Carbon Black EDR is a security solution designed to provide comprehensive threat detection, incident response, and a range of other security services to protect endpoints.

    But while Carbon Black is great for forensics, Heimdal has a significantly wider offering that also covers DNS security, automated patch management, ransomware encryption protection, and privilege access management.

    VMware Carbon Black EDR’s main features

    VMware Carbon Black EDR Pros

    VMware Carbon Black EDR Cons

    VMware Carbon Black EDR Pricing

    Carbon Black products are sold through partners. Costs vary based on the number of protected endpoints and subscription duration, with longer terms offering more savings. For instance, a partner might charge $52.99 per endpoint for a one-year subscription, which reduces to $38.40 for five years.

    Though higher priced than many competitors, VMware Carbon Black offers EDR features that others might not. However, VMware’s indirect pricing approach contrasts with the more transparent practices of some modern security SaaS competitors.

    4. Cybereason Defense Platform

    The Cybereason Defense Platform is an integrated cybersecurity solution offering endpoint detection and response (EDR), advanced antivirus, and threat hunting. Using a behavior-based approach, it provides in-depth insights into complex cyber threats, focusing on the broader context of attacks rather than isolated alerts.

    However, if you’re looking for a solution that could also help you with vulnerability and privileged access management and a friendlier interface, Heimdal is the better choice.

    Cybereason Defense’s main features

    Cybereason Defense Pros

    Cybereason Defense Cons

    Cybereason Defense Pricing

    Pricing for Cybereason’s Cyber Defense Platform begins at $50 per endpoint, with discounts available for bulk purchases. A free trial is available.

    5. ESET Enterprise Inspector

    ESET Enterprise Inspector is ESET’s EDR solution designed to detect unusual activities, identify breaches, assess risks, and conduct in-depth forensic analyses. It also includes features to address and neutralize identified threats.

    The Heimdal solution stands out by providing a broader perspective on the threat landscape by mixing prevention and detection capabilities (DNS filtering, patching, privilege access management, ransomware encryption protection), whereas ESET is focused on a traditional, reactive approach.

    ESET Inspect main features

    ESET Inspect Pros

    ESET Inspect Cons

    ESET Inspect Pricing

    The pricing for ESET Enterprise Inspector depends on the number of users. For a 1-year subscription, the price per endpoint is around:

    6. Harmony Endpoint (Check Point Software)

    Harmony Endpoint is a comprehensive endpoint security solution designed to protect remote workers from complex threats, combining advanced EPP, EDR, and XDR capabilities in a single client.

    Both Harmony Endpoint and Heimdal offer solid endpoint security solutions, but Heimdal stands out in terms of architectural considerations, and investigation capabilities and it has a wider business offering that includes automated patching, privilege access management, and ransomware encryption protection.

    Harmony Endpoint’s main features

    Harmony Endpoint Pros

    Harmony Endpoint Cons

    Harmony Endpoint Pricing

    The pricing is available per request and varies depending on company size and security demands, but is generally seen as competitive. A free trial is available.

    7. Malwarebytes EDR

    Malwarebytes EDR is a business-focused security solution that provides real-time threat detection, investigation, and response capabilities across an organization’s network, along with comprehensive reporting and analytics.

    But Heimdal EDR stands out with a wider lineup of security features, including patching, exploit mitigation, DNS/HTTP/HTTPS filtering, antivirus, ransomware encryption protection, data leakage protection, and a firewall. It also includes privilege access management and application control.

    Malwarebytes EDR’s main features

    Malwarebytes EDR Pros

    Malwarebytes EDR Cons

    Malware Bytes EDR Pricing

    The price for Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection for 10-99 devices starts at $4.96 per device per month. A free trial is available.

    8. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

    Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an enterprise-grade security platform that safeguards endpoints from advanced threats, providing tools for prevention, detection, investigation, and response.

    Heimdal stands out with a more comprehensive offering that also includes automated patching for Linux OS, 3rd party and proprietary software, privilege access management, ransomware encryption protection, and application control.

    Microsoft Defender for Endpoint main features

     Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Pros

    Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Cons

     Limited Customization: Microsoft Defender’s user interface, while streamlined and uncluttered, offers limited customization options and granular control over policy settings compared to some competitors.

    Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Pricing

    Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides a free trial and a variety of pricing options ranging from $10 to $57 per user per month.

    9. Sophos Intercept X

    Sophos Intercept X is a cloud-based endpoint protection solution that builds upon the features of Sophos Endpoint Protection, an on-premise solution. It offers anti-malware, application control, data loss prevention (DLP), intrusion prevention system (IPS), and mobile device management (MDM) features.

    But while Sophos is focused on remediation, Heimdal is more focused on prevention. Heimdal has a stronger patching product that offers full Windows and 3rd party patching and customization, HTTP/HTTPS/DNS traffic filtering solution, and a privilege access management module.

    Sophos Intercept X’s main features

    Sophos Intercept X Pros

    Sophos Intercept X Cons

    Sophos Intercept X Pricing

    Sophos Intercept X offers three pricing tiers, ranging from $28 to $79. The pricing options are available by request on their website. A free trial is not available.

    10. Symantec Advanced Threat Protection

    Symantec Advanced Threat Protection is a unified security solution that combines intelligence from endpoint, network, and email control points with Symantec’s global sensor network to detect, prioritize, and remediate advanced threats without requiring the deployment of new agents.

    Heimdal covers a bigger attack surface than Symantec, delivering DNS security, patching for both MS and 3rd party, ransomware encryption protection, a next-gen AV, and privilege access management.

    Symantec Advanced Threat Protection main features

    Symantec Advanced Threat Protection Pros

    Symantec Advanced Threat Protection Cons

    Symantec Advanced Threat Protection Pricing

    Symantec does not have a free trial version. The pricing is only available via request, but according to one of their partner websites, the costs start at $39.00 per endpoint per year.

    11. Trend Micro

    Trend Micro is a global cybersecurity company offering a range of solutions to protect against cyber threats such as malware, ransomware, and phishing for individuals, businesses, and enterprises.

    Heimdal stands out with a more comprehensive offer that includes DNS security, automated patching, ransomware encryption protection, privilege access management, and more, all managed from the same unified dashboard.

    Trend Micro’s main features

     Trend Micro Pros

    Trend Micro Cons

    Trend Micro Pricing

    Trend Micro offers a range of security products with varying prices, starting from around $40 per year for individual users, while enterprise solutions like Trend Micro Deep Security have higher costs.

    Pricing is available via a customized quote on Trend Micro’s website. They offer a free trial.

    12. WatchGuard EDR (Panda 360)

    WatchGuard EDR is a security solution from WatchGuard Technologies that offers advanced threat detection, automated response actions, and continuous monitoring of endpoint activity to protect devices connected to a network from cyber threats.

    But while WatchGuard is an excellent product for detection, Heimdal is more focused on preventing attacks through a wider security offering that covers DNS protection, patch management, ransomware encryption protection, privilege access management, and application control.

    WatchGuard EDR’s main features

    WatchGuard EDR Pros

    WatchGuard EDR Cons

    WatchGuard EDR Pricing

    WatchGuard EDR offers tiered pricing for a 1-year term, ranging from $53.50 per license for 1-50 licenses to $24.10 per license for 5001+ licenses, with discounts applied as the quantity increases. The pricing is tiered for a 3-year term as well. A free trial is available.

    How to choose the right endpoint security platform for you

    Here are a few factors that you should keep in mind when you choose the best endpoint security platform to fit your organization’s needs:

    Detection

    Evaluate the platform’s ability to detect a wide range of threats, including known and unknown malware, zero-day exploits, and advanced persistent threats. Check if it uses advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, or behavior analysis for more accurate and proactive threat detection.

    Containment and Remediation

    Assess the platform’s capabilities to isolate infected endpoints, prevent the spread of threats, and automatically or manually remove malicious software. It should also be able to roll back changes made by malware to restore the system to a clean state.

    Architectural Considerations

    Determine whether the platform’s architecture fits your organization’s needs. It could be cloud-based, on-premise, or hybrid. A cloud-based solution is more scalable and easier to manage, while an on-premise solution may offer more control over data and infrastructure.

    Investigation

    Consider the platform’s forensic capabilities. It should provide comprehensive logs, alerts, and reports that allow your security team to investigate incidents, understand attack vectors, and improve future defenses.

    Infrastructure

    Ensure that the platform supports your existing infrastructure, including operating systems, devices (desktops, laptops, mobile devices), and network architecture. It should be compatible with your organization’s hardware and software requirements.

    Integration & Deployment

    Evaluate the ease of deployment and integration with your existing security stack, IT management tools, and network infrastructure. The platform should complement your current security solutions and be able to work seamlessly with other tools.

    Pricing flexibility

    Consider the platform’s pricing model, including any licensing, subscription, or additional fees. Make sure the cost aligns with your budget and offers flexibility for future growth or changes in your organization’s needs.

    The definitive list of endpoint security software features

    Considering a purchase? While every endpoint security solution offers distinct features and functionalities, we advise you to focus on a platform that includes the following features:

     Efficient Threat Tracking & Analysis – an endpoint security solution should offer complete visibility into endpoint activity, correlating data with actionable Threat Intelligence. It should include proactive Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) and enhanced Indicators of Attack (IOAs), allowing you to mitigate even concealed malware.

    Advanced Attack Prevention – an endpoint security software should go beyond traditional security solutions, leveraging machine learning and AI-driven intelligence to help you stay ahead of threats such as advanced ransomware, APTs, software exploits, admin rights abuse, brute force attacks, DNS and DoH vulnerabilities, phishing and more. The more automated an endpoint security solution is, the faster it will detect and respond to threats.

    Unified Platform – an endpoint security solution should have a user-friendly interface and all of its components should be managed from the same dashboard, bringing greater visibility into your endpoints and helping your security team achieve faster response times when threats arise.

    Elevate Your Company’s Endpoint Security with Heimdal®

    Selecting the best EDR for a business is crucial as it helps prevent data breaches, protect sensitive information, and mitigate financial and reputational risks.

    An effective endpoint security solution should detect and respond to advanced threats that bypass traditional security measures. Heimdal’s EDR offering goes beyond traditional, reactive security and delivers real-time, proactive security for your company’s endpoints.

    Our unified platform combines DNS filtering, proactive behavioral detection, automated patch management, next-generation antivirus, ransomware encryption protection, and an automated module for managing admin rights escalation and de-escalation, ensuring that your organization’s endpoints stay protected at all times.

    Simple standalone security solutions are no longer enough.

    HEIMDAL® ENDPOINT DETECTION AND RESPONSE SOFTWARE

    Is an innovative and enhanced multi-layered EDR security approach to organizational defense.
    • Next-gen Antivirus & Firewall which stops known threats;
    • DNS traffic filter which stops unknown threats;
    • Automatic patches for your software and apps with no interruptions;
    • Privileged Access Management and Application Control, all in one unified dashboard
    Try it for FREE today 30-day Free Trial. Offer valid only for companies.

    FAQs

    What is endpoint security?

    Endpoint security is the process of protecting the access points of end-user devices like desktops, laptops, and mobile devices from malicious threats and unauthorized intrusions. It is aimed at safeguarding these devices against cyberattacks and preventing data breaches.

    What is considered an endpoint?

    An endpoint refers to any remote computing device that communicates back and forth with a network to which it is connected. Examples of endpoints include desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, servers, routers, and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. Essentially, any device that can connect to a network and transmit or receive data is considered an endpoint.

    What are endpoint security solutions?

    Endpoint security solutions protect network endpoints like computers and mobile devices from cyberattacks. They quickly detect common threats like malware and also offer endpoint monitoring, detection, and response. This enables businesses to identify advanced threats such as file-less malware, polymorphic attacks, and zero-day exploits.

    What are examples of endpoint security?

    Examples of endpoint security solutions include Antivirus software, Firewalls, Intrusion prevention systems (IPS), Endpoint detection and response (EDR), Data encryption, Application Control, Mobile device management (MDM), Virtual private networks (VPNs), and more.

    What are the three main types of endpoint security?

    The three primary categories of endpoint security are Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and Extended Detection and Response (XDR).

    What is the difference between EPP and EDR?

    Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP) are proactive, focusing on prevention by blocking known and unknown malware on endpoint devices. In contrast, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions are reactive, designed to detect and respond to threats that have already infiltrated the network or bypassed the EPP defenses.

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