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Signature based vs AI based end-point protection

Signature Based vs. AI Based Endpoint Protection

Next-gen describes cyber security measures that use machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and behavioral analysis to assess and prevent threats more efficiently. This method is more predictive than traditional file scanning, because it can recognise a threat before it becomes a problem.

As security measures become more advanced, cyber attackers try and find loopholes within them. That’s where next-gen endpoint protection comes in. This protects every process on every device to stop threats before they multiply.

Next-gen endpoint protection thwarts even the most complex, multi-level attacks. To do this, it relies on security features like automated detection and response (ADR), and endpoint detection and response (EDR). Next-gen endpoint protection also uses behavioral analysis, ransom ware protection, and anti-script/anti-exploit capabilities to shut down cyber-threats in their tracks.

Next-gen endpoint protection works in four steps: predict, protect, detect, and remediate.

  • During the predict stage, the system uses ML to evaluate devices’ security standings.
  • The protect stage keeps devices safe using real-time anti-phishing protection, rootkit script/exploit shields, web threat identity shields, and behavioral heuristics.
  • During the detect stage, the system continuously monitors, analyzes, and records behaviors in order to better recognize when an abnormality occurs.
  • Finally, the system performs automatic threat remediation, produces a detailed report about the threat, and sends data about the threat to a threat intelligence platform.

Together, these four stages enable next-gen endpoint protection to provide a cloud based, real-time threat assessment, and safely contain data, systems, and communications.

Legacy Antivirus Systems

Traditional antivirus systems are based on signatures. This means that files are scanned and compared to a list of viruses. If a file is found, it is blocked.

This legacy method of endpoint protection poses a few problems. For one, not all malware is known, so the list of dangerous files may be incomplete. Secondly, creating signatures and scanning them is costly, time consuming, and impacts system performance.

When antivirus software manufacturers realised that these legacy systems were lacking advanced protections, they added AI and ML features to take the complexity out of scanning for viruses.

Using Artificial Intelligence

New, or next-gen, endpoint protection systems solve the security problems that legacy systems couldn’t. Instead of using signatures, these new tools use AI and ML to predict and stop malware before it attacks the system.

In addition to security, next-gen endpoint protection systems are ideal for the modern workforce, because they’re hosted in the cloud. This means that a provider is responsible for system maintenance and updates, so organisations themselves can dedicate fewer resources to the system.

Finally, next-gen endpoint protection systems are beneficial to the end-users too. When organisations were using legacy signature-based systems to detect malware, it would impact the speed and functionality of their operations. Next-gen systems are always on in the background for preventative measures; so organisations never have to set aside time to scan a large list of signatures.

AI has made endpoint protection a worthy investment for organisations looking to protect their systems without sacrificing customer experience. For more information about finding the best solution for your organisation, contact IT Connexion today.

We can help you!

In case you’re still unsure about the process or if you need further assistance, feel free to give us a call or drop us an email. Our team of experts will be sure to offer a helping hand.