• Bitdefender: Better overall for AV and endpoint security solution ($4+ per month per 5 devices for Total Security)
• McAfee: Better choice for lighter system performance impact ($3+ per month per 5 devices for Essential plan)

Bitdefender vs McAfee at a Glance

Monthly Introductory Pricing (Billed Annually)	• Antivirus Plus: $2.50 for 3 PCs • Total Security: $4+ for 5 devices • GravityZone Business Security: $10.8 for 5 devices	• Basic: $2.50 per device • Essential: $3+ for 5 devices • Advanced: Starts at $7.50 (unlimited device)
Free Trial	30 days	30 days
Free Tools	Bitdefender Antivirus Free	Free Antivirus & Threat Protection
Supported OS	Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux	Android, Windows, macOS, iOS
	Visit Bitdefender	Visit McAfee

Bitdefender and McAfee earned excellent scores for simplicity of use, antivirus protection and detection, and customer service. Bitdefender outperforms in terms of overall capabilities, particularly business pricing, but McAfee ranked better in terms of lighter impact on system performance. Explore my full comparison of these endpoint security vendors, or skip down to see my evaluation process.

Bitdefender Overview

Better Overall for AV & Endpoint Security Solutions

Overall Rating: 4.1/5

• Core features: 4.5/5
• Pricing and transparency: 4.8/5
• Ease of use and implementation: 3.9/5
• Advanced Features: 4.2/5
• Customer support: 3.5/5
• External security assessments: 3/5

Bitdefender delivers complete cybersecurity solutions, including endpoint protection, cloud security, and antivirus software. GravityZone provides multilayered protection through system hardening, threat prevention, machine learning, and behavioral analysis. Internet Security features firewall and spam filtering, while Total Security offers cross-platform security on different OS. Bitdefender Central manages these plans to ensure scalability and visibility.

Pros & Cons

Key Features

• Advanced anti-exploit: Uses machine learning to prevent zero-day attacks in popular applications by proactively blocking evasive exploits that target memory corruption.
• Firewall: Controls network access for apps, prevents port scanning, limits ICS functionality, and notifies of new Wi-Fi nodes.
• Blocklist: Restricts access to potentially dangerous files and connections by blocking threats discovered during incident investigations to avoid malware proliferation.
• Integrity monitoring: Assesses and validates changes on Windows and Linux endpoints to ensure the integrity of files, directories, and system components.
• Security for storage: Upgrades system and threat detection algorithms automatically and transparently to protect networks’ storage and file-sharing systems.

McAfee Overview

Better Choice for Lighter System Performance Impact

Overall Rating: 3.7/5

• Core features: 3.7/5
• Pricing and transparency: 4.5/5
• Ease of use and implementation: 2.8/5
• Advanced Features: 3.8/5
• Customer support: 3.4/5
• External security assessments: 3.9/5

McAfee provides antivirus software and internet security solutions that guard against viruses, malware, phishing, and ransomware. McAfee Antivirus features real-time virus and malware protection. Endpoint Security offers comprehensive endpoint protection through a unified architecture with a single agent for enhanced efficiency and integrated threat defenses. This platform provides improved threat analysis and future-proof, scalable defense.

Pros & Cons

Key Features

• Threat prevention: Uses advanced malware scanning to defend against new and targeted assaults, replacing VirusScan Enterprise for improved protection.
• Web security: Serves as a strong substitute for SiteAdvisor Enterprise, blocking access to harmful or unauthorized websites.
• Firewall: Stops harmful network traffic, replacing the McAfee Host IPS firewall capability to provide full inbound and outbound security.
• Rollback remediation: Automatically reverses malware-induced alterations, returning systems to their pre-attack state.
• Application containment: Prevents harmful programs and processes from running on endpoints, maintaining security even while the devices are offline.

Better for Pricing: Bitdefender

Individual/ Teams Monthly Pricing	• Total Security: $4 for 5 devices • Internet Security: $3.5 for 3 PCs • Antivirus Plus: $2.5 for 3 PCs	• Basic: $2.50 per device • Essential: $3+ for 5 devices
Business Monthly Pricing	• GravityZone Small Business Security: $8.7 for 5 devices • Business Security: $10.8 for 5 devices • Business Security Premium: $24 for 5 devices	• Advanced: Starts at $7.50 for unlimited devices
Enterprise Pricing	Contact sales	Contact sales
Free Trial for Business	30 days	30 days
Money-back guarantee	Yes	Yes
Free Tool Offerings	Bitdefender Antivirus Free	Antivirus & Threat Protection
	Visit Bitdefender	Visit McAfee

Winner: Bitdefender is the more economical antivirus and endpoint solution, providing low-cost plans without compromising its endpoint security features.

Bitdefender is one of the most cost-effective endpoint protection solutions, with low-cost options for five or more devices and a free plan for both Windows and macOS. The free version includes basic virus detection, while subscription plans include more comprehensive protection capabilities. GravityZone pricing varies by device count and includes a 30-day free trial and a money-back guarantee.

McAfee’s lowest-cost package is almost comparable to Bitdefender’s most expensive plan. McAfee has several subscription levels, including Basic, Essential, Plus, McAfee+ Premium, and Advanced. The McAfee+ Advanced subscription is regarded as having the greatest value, including unlimited device coverage, credit monitoring, and $1 million identity theft protection. McAfee also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Better for Core Features: Bitdefender

Behavioral analytics
Endpoint & App Visibility
Automated Response to Security Incidents
Attack Isolation
Automatic Quarantined File Recovery
Zero-day Attack Protection
ML Threat Detection/Protection
Sandboxing
Automatic Blocking
Email Protection
Browser & Webcam Protection
	Visit Bitdefender	Visit McAfee

=Yes =Add-On/Limited

Winner: Bitdefender and McAfee both offer traditional antivirus functions such as scans, phishing protection, ransomware defense, and a firewall, but Bitdefender has stronger core endpoint security capabilities.

Bitdefender provides top-tier protection, including advanced malware detection, machine learning, and behavioral analysis. It combines a centralized administration panel, a risk dashboard, an ad blocker, a device optimizer (in Total Security), and advanced threat mitigation into a single console. Bitdefender’s Total Security plan covers anti-phishing, ransomware protection, network threat prevention, and online traffic regulation.

McAfee offers strong antivirus capabilities such as anti-phishing, ransomware protection, and WebAdvisor to safeguard against harmful websites. However, it lacks an ad blocker. McAfee’s features, including Personal Data Cleanup and device optimization tools, are only available on higher-tier plans like McAfee+. They also provide optional credit score monitoring and 24/7 AI-powered protection via premium plans.

Better for Ease of Use & Implementation: Bitdefender

Central Management Console
Automatic Onboarding
Extensive User Documentation
Quick Installation	Requires longer setup time	Quick
	Visit Bitdefender	Visit McAfee

=Yes =Add-On/Limited

Winner: Both Bitdefender and McAfee have user-friendly interfaces with certain macOS constraints, but Bitdefender stands out with a simpler management console and more thorough, up-to-date documentation.

Bitdefender’s central administration platform makes installation easier with a user-friendly interface, although setup might be difficult with bad connectivity. Security Lite prevents system overload by scanning less frequently. The UI is simple and scans are done quickly, even with many browser tabs open. However, compared to Windows, macOS users have access to fewer capabilities.

McAfee offers an easy-to-use UI with a visible security status signal, letting users know their device is secure. Scanning is rapid, and real-time protection works effortlessly in the background without affecting workflows. While the UI is smooth, several identity theft security features are also unavailable on macOS, restricting access to key tools.

Better for Advanced Features: Bitdefender

ZTNA
Firewall
Ransomware Detection Protection
Automatic Backups
Additional Endpoint Protection Services/ Tools	Parental controls, device optimization, ad blocker, patch management, mobile security	Social privacy manager, Personal data cleanup. Identity protection
	Visit Bitdefender	Visit McAfee

=Yes =No/Unclear =Add-On/Limited

Winner: Bitdefender wins this category. It comes with extras like parental controls, device optimization, and an ad blocker, which McAfee either lacks or only includes at its most premium tiers.

Bitdefender goes beyond traditional protection with AI-powered malware and ransomware prevention, continuous monitoring, and GravityZone for scalable security management. It has extensive features such as scam and fraud prevention, VPN, email protection, patch management, mobile security, and full disk encryption. Their Total Security plan includes an integrated ad blocker.

McAfee also includes Social Privacy Manager, a VPN, Personal Data Cleanup, and tools for cleaning up internet accounts. Higher-tier services like McAfee+ Advanced feature identity protection, password management, and optional credit score monitoring. McAfee, unlike Bitdefender, lacks an ad blocker but offers additional identity protection and privacy measures.

Better for Customer Support: Bitdefender

Live Chat
Phone Support
Email Support
Live Demo or Training
Community Help
	Visit Bitdefender	Visit McAfee

=Yes =No/Unclear =Add-On/Limited

Winner: Both vendors offer good customer support, but Bitdefender outperforms McAfee by providing more thorough documentation and email assistance.

Bitdefender offers great support at all subscription levels, including live chat with professional operators and a comprehensive help website with FAQs and recommendations. Bitdefender Central enables direct communication with the support team, assuring rapid and complete assistance. Users can get extensive information and troubleshooting tips, improving support efficacy and customer satisfaction.

McAfee provides 24/7 help via numerous channels, including live chat and phone. It does not offer email assistance but gives online troubleshooting tips, tutorials, and support forums. These resources help users fix technical and account issues independently, while community answers provide extra assistance.

Better for System Performance: McAfee

System Optimizer	Add-on	Yes
Silent Mode	Yes	No
Estimated CPU Utilization	50%	30%
AV-Test Malware Protection Score	6/6	6/6
AV-Test Performance Score	5.5/6	6/6
	Visit Bitdefender	Visit McAfee

Winner: McAfee beats Bitdefender in this category, scoring a perfect 6 over 6 for protection and performance, plus a relatively lower CPU resource utilization during scanning tests.

Bitdefender performs admirably in AV-Test, earning a 6/6 for malware protection and a 5.5/6 for performance, indicating good overall efficacy. The software has little impact on system performance, using just roughly 50% of CPU resources during scans. Bitdefender also offers auto-system optimization as an add-on, which improves performance without causing substantial resource drain.

McAfee receives flawless marks in AV-Test for malware prevention and performance. It normally consumes about 30% of CPU resources, with occasional spikes up to 80%. McAfee includes a free PC Optimizer feature that improves system performance. This tool keeps the system running smoothly and efficiently, striking a balance between protection and performance.

Who Shouldn’t Use Bitdefender or McAfee

Although Bitdefender and McAfee provide excellent endpoint security and antivirus solutions, they may not meet the specific demands of every enterprise or security team. Each has limits that may render it unsuitable for some individuals or enterprises.

Who Shouldn’t Use Bitdefender

If you fall into one of these groups, you might want to look into other solutions:

• Users looking for extensive Mac features: Bitdefender’s macOS capabilities are less comprehensive than Windows and may not suit all of the customers’ protection needs on Apple devices.
• Businesses needing unlimited VPN: Bitdefender’s VPN is limited to 200 MB per day, which may not be enough for organizations that require unlimited data for secure operations.
• Teams requiring lower CPU usage: Bitdefender’s scans consume approximately 50% of CPU resources, which can be excessive for teams demanding low-impact, high-performance systems.

Who Shouldn’t Use McAfee

Look for alternatives if you belong to these groups:

• Organizations that require full identity protection: McAfee’s advanced identity protection services are only available in higher-tier subscriptions.
• Teams requiring email assistance: McAfee does not provide email support, which may be a disadvantage for teams that rely on this communication route to resolve difficulties.
• Customers looking for a free VPN and ad blocker: McAfee lacks a free ad blocker and only offers a VPN in premium plans.

3 Best Alternatives to Bitdefender & McAfee

If you find another product better suited to your needs, consider Sophos, Trend Micro, or Malwarebytes ThreatDown. They may offer you more suitable endpoint and antivirus protection solutions and features tailored to your specific needs.

Monthly Pricing	Contact sales	Contact sales	• Core: $5+/endpoint • Advanced: $6+/ endpoint • Elite: $8+/endpoint • Ultimate: $10/endpoint
Free Trial	30 days	30 days	14 days
Machine Learning
Threat Remediation
Platform Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, iOS, Android
	Visit Sophos	Visit Trend Micro	Visit Malwarebytes

=Yes =No/Unclear =Add-On/Limited

Sophos Intercept X

Sophos Intercept X provides powerful endpoint protection through advanced antivirus features, enterprise-level security, and zero-trust network access. It uses machine learning to discover deep threats and block them automatically. Sophos’ MDR service provides 24-hour monitoring for enterprises without a dedicated security team. You may contact sales for pricing, but a 30-day free trial and demo are also available.

Trend Micro Vision One

Trend Micro Vision One is a cloud-native, unified security system that provides sophisticated threat defense, XDR, and automated protection. It excels in detecting threats, responding quickly, and using few resources. The solution includes lightweight agents for seamless third-party connections and manages XDR services. Contact Trend Micro for pricing information; a 30-day free trial is available.

Malwarebytes ThreatDown

Malwarebytes ThreatDown provides specialist endpoint security with over a decade of malware detection experience. It isolates hazards, detects them accurately, and assures full remediation. Ransomware protection, centralized management, and hacker avoidance are all essential characteristics. The core plan starts at $69 per endpoint/year, with higher tiers reaching $119 per endpoint per year. They also offer a 14-day free trial.

Explore our comprehensive reviews of the top antivirus software and top EDR solutions to get optimal protection for your endpoint security requirements. Learn more about these solutions’ key features, pricing, pros, cons, and more.

How I Evaluated Bitdefender vs McAfee

To evaluate Bitdefender and McAfee, I developed a rubric with six criteria: core functionality, cost and transparency, ease of use, advanced features, customer support, and impact on system performance. Each criterion has a sub-criteria or particular features provided by the vendor. I rated both providers on a five-point scale. Based on their scores, I determined the leading provider in each category and overall, as well as their use cases.

Core Features – 25%

I compared both antivirus and endpoint protection vendors based on fundamental features such as email protection, security for collaborative software, behavioral analytics, and attack isolation. I also explored features like automated response, zero-day protection, and machine learning detection, along with support for several platforms such as Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Pricing & Transparency – 20%

In this criterion, I considered free trials, free tiers, and plan fees across multiple user types, including both individuals and businesses. Transparent pricing, annual discounts, and free add-ons are critical for understanding cost structures, evaluating options, and making informed budgetary and need-based decisions.

Ease of Use & Implementation – 20%

I evaluated ease of use and implementation based on features such as a single administration console, automatic onboarding, and current documentation. I also assessed overall usability through user reviews and ratings from platforms like Gartner and Capterra.

Advanced Features – 15%

Advanced features include scalable solutions for home and business users, cloud or on-premises management, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and eradicating point-and-click threats. It also includes ransomware detection and prevention, enhanced endpoint services, and unified solutions with automatic backups and extensive protection capabilities.

Customer Support – 10%

I explored various support methods, such as live chat, phone, and email, as well as live demos and trainings. I also assessed support quality and customer service using Gartner and Capterra user reviews. This research assesses the breadth and efficacy of assistance provided, providing dependable support and high user satisfaction.

System Performance Impact – 10%

System Performance Impact assesses a device’s resource utilization. Key criteria include the Malware Protection and Performance scores from AV-Test and features such as silent mode for a little disruption. It considers the minimal impact on performance (0–6), threat prevention, auto-optimization, efficient resource management, and footprint. 

Bottom Line: Bitdefender vs McAfee

Bitdefender and McAfee provide comprehensive endpoint protection, including advanced features and regular updates. Overall, Bitdefender is the best pick due to its extensive core and advanced enterprise security features. Still, McAfee stands out for its user-friendliness, identity protection, and lighter system impact. Both offer free tools and trials; use these to assess each solution’s suitability with your requirements effectively.

Learn how EDR, EPP, and antivirus differ in the scope of protection. Read our comparative guide to explore the tools that can enhance your endpoint security.

Surajdeep Singh contributed to this article.

The post Bitdefender vs. McAfee: Comparing Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons appeared first on eSecurity Planet.

Does Your Business Need EDR, EPP, or Antivirus Software?

EDR, EPP, and AVs are endpoint security tools that address different scopes of protection. EDR is most suitable for large companies, EPP is most ideal for medium-sized companies, and antivirus software works best for individual users and smaller teams. Large enterprises tend to combine these solutions to get fully-enhanced endpoint protection capabilities.

• EDR provides advanced, comprehensive protection, making it appropriate for large companies with high security requirements.
• EPP offers comprehensive security, combining antivirus with advanced capabilities such as behavioral analysis, and is appropriate for medium-sized to big companies.
• Antivirus software gives basic, cost-effective protection against known threats, making it ideal for small enterprises and home users with modest security requirements.

To choose the best option, examine the features and benefits of EDR, EPP, and antivirus software. Be familiar with the top market solutions, as these standalone tools can be integrated for comprehensive protection, offering strong security for your endpoints. Here’s an overview of EDR, EPP, and AV, including their scope, function, techniques, and more.

Who Should Use EDR Solutions

EDR is best suited for enterprises that require advanced, real-time threat detection and response. If you fall into the following categories, you may wish to consider employing EDR:

• Large organizations: EDR secures multiple devices, providing protection for all endpoints inside the company and maintaining unified security coverage.
• Organizations with higher budgets: EDR requires significant investment in implementation, maintenance, and personnel to effectively function.
• Companies looking for complete endpoint protection: EDR can be used with EPP to provide a thorough and well-rounded security approach.
• Businesses that require advanced threat detection: EDR provides sophisticated tools for recognizing and responding to complex, developing threats effectively.
• Enterprises with specialized IT security teams: EDR requires a staff to administer, update, and maintain the system to ensure peak performance and security efficacy.
• Industries with high security requirements: EDR is critical for sectors requiring advanced security measures to safeguard sensitive data.

However, EDR may not be appropriate for:

• Small firms with limited IT resources: Implementation and maintenance take a substantial amount of time and manpower, which may be too much for smaller teams to handle.
• Organizations with limited budgets: The higher costs associated with EDR systems can be financially burdensome, especially for organizations with restricted budgets for endpoint protection.
• Companies without dedicated IT security teams: EDR requires continuous monitoring, management, and personnel experience, which may be unavailable in smaller or non-technical organizations.
• Businesses wanting simple security solutions: EDR solutions can be complex and this might outweigh the demands of smaller organizations just seeking basic endpoint protection.

Who Should Use EPP

EPP is the ideal choice for enterprises needing comprehensive protection with advanced features. Consider employing an EPP if you fit within the following categories:

• Mid-sized enterprises: EPP is ideal for businesses that require strong protection without the complexity and expense of complete EDR solutions.
• Companies managing sensitive data: EPP is essential for those working with sensitive information to avoid breaches and data loss.
• Organizations seeking preventative protection: EPP is intended to keep attackers from compromising endpoints, making it appropriate for proactive security measures.
• Businesses with small IT security teams: EPP is easier to establish and administer than EDR; ideal for enterprises with tiny security teams.
• Industries with moderate security requirements: EPP offers adequate protection for industries requiring dependable but not excessively complex security solutions.
• Companies seeking cost-effective security solutions: EPP is generally less expensive than EDR, providing the right combination of cost and protection.

EPP may not be well-suited to the demands of those who fall into these categories:

• Enterprises with advanced security requirements: EPP may not provide the comprehensive protection required by large organizations with high risk profiles.
• Businesses in need of post-compromise security: EPP lacks the advanced threat detection and response that handle threats that have already breached the system.
• Organizations with complex IT environments: It may not be adequate for businesses with complex and diversified IT infrastructures that require more advanced security.
• Industries with high security requirements: EPP isn’t suited for sectors that require EDR’s full capabilities for high-risk security.

Who Should Use Antivirus Software

AV is ideal for consumers who require basic, low-cost protection against known malware. AV is best suited for:

• Small businesses: Ideal for enterprises with a limited number of devices and a tight budget looking for basic protection.
• Individuals and home users: Recommended for personal devices that require basic security against typical threats.
• Companies with simple security requirements: Suitable for enterprises that require minimal protection and do not handle highly sensitive data.
• Organizations with built-in OS security: Useful as an extra layer of security for systems that already include antivirus.
• Consumers looking for simple solutions: AV is typically easy to install and manage — an excellent alternative for consumers with less technical knowledge.
• Businesses in need of periodic scanning: AV offers periodic scans to detect known malware, making it ideal for settings where continuous monitoring is not required.

However, explore alternatives if you fall into these specific categories, as AV may not be the best choice for you:

• Large corporations with advanced security requirements: AV may be insufficient for firms that require complete, real-time threat detection and mitigation.
• Companies handling sensitive data: AV lacks advanced features required to protect highly sensitive or confidential information.
• Organizations facing advanced threats: AV lacks protection against complex, fileless, or zero-day assaults, which necessitate more modern security measures.
• Users requiring continuous monitoring: AV performs periodic scanning rather than continuous monitoring, which might contribute to delays in threat responses.

What Is Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)?

Endpoint detection and response (EDR) is an advanced security solution that detects security incidents, isolates them at endpoints, investigates them, and restores endpoints to their pre-infection state by remotely managing network traffic and process execution. It uses AI, machine learning, threat intelligence, and behavioral analysis to neutralize attacks while tracing their origins to prevent future recurrences.

EDR serves as a centralized hub for network-wide endpoint management, detecting and halting assaults before they require human involvement. EDR enhances EPP by delivering complete, proactive defense and response capabilities throughout an organization’s network, resulting in fast notifications, visibility, and remediation. EDR supplements EPP by addressing its shortcomings in preventing and monitoring harmful activity.

Benefits of Using EDR Solutions

EDR tools improve threat hunting by detecting hidden threats, restoring ransomware to its pre-infection form, increasing visibility through continuous analysis, reducing dwell time by immediately neutralizing threats, and streamlining incident response. Here are EDR’s benefits:

• Improves threat hunting: Actively searches for and eradicates hidden threats with improved detection capabilities to ensure full protection across all endpoints.
• Performs rollback ransomware: After a ransomware attack, restore systems to their pre-infection state to reduce damage and recovery time.
• Enhances visibility: Continuous data collection and analysis provide deeper insights into endpoint security, allowing for more effective detection and response.
• Reduces dwell time: Quickly identify and neutralize threats to reduce the amount of time attackers spend undetected in the system, hence decreasing possible damage.
• Streamlines incident response: Respond to security breaches quickly, efficiently, and seamlessly, reducing the need to transfer between different cybersecurity solutions.

Top Features Offered by EDR Solutions

EDR solutions include data collection and analysis, real-time threat hunting, incident support and forensic analysis, a variety of reaction choices (isolation, quarantine, and eradication), and interaction with other security tools to enhance protection. These are the key features of EDR solutions:

• Data collection and analysis: Gather and process endpoint data to gain valuable insights into threats and patterns, allowing you to forecast and avoid future attacks.
• Real-time threat hunting: Identify and respond to attacks that evade standard antivirus, ensuring quick response against developing dangers.
• Incident support and forensic analysis: Assist with incident response and forensic analysis to better understand and reduce the effects of security breaches.
• Multiple real-time reaction methods: Include isolation, quarantine, eradication, and sandboxing, which are customized to distinct sorts of threats.
• Security tools integration: Work seamlessly with other security applications to improve the overall efficacy of your cybersecurity architecture.

Recommended Top EDR Solutions

Microsoft Defender XDR, which connects with Microsoft’s security ecosystem; Trend Micro Vision One, noted for its comprehensive threat intelligence; and Cybereason Defense Platform, which provides powerful behavioral analytics and response capabilities, are among the top EDR solutions available today.

• Microsoft Defender XDR: Best overall for a mix of features and usability, Defender XDR is an EDR solution that also includes cloud apps, collaboration tools, and identity management capabilities. It offers good security performance according to MITRE rankings and integrates effectively with other Microsoft products. They provide a 30-day free trial, and custom pricing is accessible by contacting their sales staff.
• Trend Micro Vision One: Best for supporting junior cybersecurity teams, Vision One platform, commonly known as Trend Micro XDR, is an XDR and attack surface management solution that is ideal for enterprises that have several security solutions and want to create a coherent infrastructure. They provide a free demo and trial for 30 days. To get specific pricing, reach out to their sales team.
• Cybereason Defense Platform: Best for security visualization functionality, Cybereason provides a robust feature set, as well as extensive documentation and training materials. It employs a comprehensive approach to attacks, known as malicious operations (MalOps). Cybereason offers Enterprise, Enterprise Advanced, and Enterprise Complete bundles, but you must contact them for pricing information.

To explore more of these solutions’ features, pros, cons, and alternatives, read our complete review of the top endpoint and detection response solutions.

What Is an Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)?

EPP secures endpoints such as PCs and mobile devices from known and unknown threats by analyzing behavioral patterns using machine learning. It also looks for abnormal patterns in memory and confirms symptoms of compromise. An EPP outperforms basic antivirus by managing multiple endpoints and preventing threats in large organizations, but it cannot detect all advanced attacks. Thus, it’s combined with EDR to provide multi-layered security.

EPP works by distributing software agents on endpoints and connecting them to central management systems. It combines antivirus capabilities with advanced features such as behavioral analysis using machine learning to detect both known and new threats. EPP verifies indicators of compromise, scans memory for unusual patterns, and forecasts probable harmful behaviors, including zero-day vulnerabilities.

Benefits of Using EPP

EPP provides strong security by identifying and blocking known malware using signature-based approaches, eliminating fileless attacks using dynamic analysis, and utilizing machine learning for unknown threats. It includes tools for evaluating security alarms and interfaces with other security solutions to ensure complete endpoint protection and efficient security management. Here are the advantages of EPPs:

• Detect harmful static files: Using signature-based detection approaches, you can identify and block known malware, offering essential protection against common threats.
• Analyze and avoid fileless attacks: Utilizes dynamic analysis to detect and prevent complex fileless malware, which improves security beyond typical antivirus capabilities.
• Use behavioral analysis: Employ machine learning to monitor behaviors and detect unknown threats, hence boosting defense against zero-day vulnerabilities.
• Investigate security alerts: Provide tools for investigating and responding to security alerts, allowing you to better identify and mitigate potential dangers.
• Integrate seamlessly: Work with other security solutions to provide a complete approach to endpoint protection while simplifying security management.

Top Features of EPP

EPP’s main capabilities include threat signature detection, threat intelligence integration, static file analysis, behavioral analysis with machine learning, and vulnerability management to improve overall endpoint protection. Here’s how each feature works:

• Threat signature detection: Detects and disables known malware utilizing up-to-date viral signature databases, providing protection against common threats.
• Threat intelligence integration: Uses external threat intelligence feeds to keep current on developing threats and improve detection capabilities.
• Static analysis: Analyzes suspicious binary files before they’re executed to discover potential threats and improve preemptive security measures.
• Behavioral analysis: Machine learning is used to monitor and analyze endpoint activities in order to detect and prevent unknown or zero-day attacks.
• Vulnerability management: Involves scanning and identifying endpoint vulnerabilities and offers tools for proactive remediation and strengthening of the security posture.

Recommended Endpoint Protection Platforms

Some of the top-rated EPP tools include Sophos Intercept X, which provides EDR, XDR, and MDR Complete; SentinelOne, which combines EPP and EDR with AI-driven security; and CrowdStrike, which employs Threat Graph AI for real-time prevention.

• Sophos Intercept X Endpoint: Offers strong security by intercepting sophisticated threats before they reach systems. It includes EDR and XDR tools for threat detection, investigation, and response. Advanced (with threat protection), Advanced with XDR, and Advanced with MDR Complete offer 24/7 controlled detection. Sophos provides a 30-day free trial.
• SentinelOne Singularity: An enterprise platform that combines EPP and EDR in a single package. It provides unified prevention, detection, and response by leveraging AI for static and behavioral analysis. The platform provides machine-speed decision-making and self-protection for endpoints, clouds, and identities. Contact their sales team for a free demo and price details.
• CrowdStrike Falcon: A cloud-native EPP solution that uses Threat Graph AI to detect and prevent threats in real time. It connects endpoints via a lightweight agent and combines with a variety of security features. The platform is ready to use in minutes, and annual pricing starts at $99.99 per device.

What Is Antivirus Software?

Antivirus (AV) is the foundational layer of endpoint security that detects and removes dangerous software such as worms, trojans, adware, and ransomware. It employs three main techniques: signature comparison, which identifies security threats by comparing files to a database of malware; heuristic analysis, which detects suspicious behavior by comparing new programs to known viruses; and integrity checking, which checks system files for signs of corruption.

To address new threats that traditional antivirus (AV) solutions may overlook, modern next-generation AV solutions incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to provide more sophisticated threat detection and prevention by adapting to new and evolving malware threats, resulting in a more comprehensive defense. These developments enable antivirus software to detect and mitigate sophisticated and zero-day infections.

Benefits of Using Antivirus Software

Antivirus software provides real-time protection, scans for vulnerabilities, updates automatically, guards against phishing, and is cost-effective. It continuously checks for threats, closes security gaps, and protects your device from malware.

• Offers real-time protection: Continuously monitors your device for threats, instantly identifying and stopping assaults to protect your data and the device.
• Scans for vulnerabilities: Identifies potential weak points on your device, assisting in addressing security gaps that hackers could exploit.
• Updates automatically: Regularly updates the virus database to detect and eliminate the most recent viruses and malware, offering up-to-date security.
• Protects against phishing: Anti-phishing capabilities are included to prevent websites from stealing sensitive information such as login credentials and credit card information.
• Provides cost-effective security: When compared to the possible costs of cyberattacks or replacing compromised devices, AV is a cheaper security solution.

Top Features of Antivirus Software

The key features offered by AV include: signature-based threat detection, heuristic detection of new malware, integrity scans for file manipulation, rootkit identification, and real-time scanning for ongoing protection against harmful code.

• Threat detection: Identifies threats using signatures such as file hashes, domain names, and IP addresses to efficiently stop known malware.
• Heuristic detection: Analyzes unique or malicious functionality in programs to discover new or unknown malware using behavior patterns.
• Integrity scans: Check files for manipulation or corruption to detect and treat suspected malware infections.
• Rootkit detection: Detects and handles malware that attempts to obtain administrative access, employing rootkit detection techniques to ensure system integrity.
• Real-time scanning: Continuously monitors and analyzes recently accessed files to detect and respond to dangerous code as soon as it occurs.

Recommended Antivirus Software

Top antivirus software includes Trend Micro, Microsoft Defender, and Bitdefender GravityZone, all of which provide powerful free virus-scanning technologies for excellent malware detection and protection.

• Trend Micro: A cloud-based endpoint security solution that provides sophisticated threat defense and XDR. It offers advanced detection, automatic protection, lightweight agents, and simple third-party integration. It offers a 30-day free trial; basic home AV plans start at $1.30 per device per month, with additional prices available upon request.
• Microsoft Defender: A user-friendly endpoint solution for a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, and mobile. It installs automatically on Windows 8+ and includes AI-powered security for real-time threat detection. A 30-day free trial is offered. Microsoft Defender for Business is priced at $3 per user each month, while Microsoft 365 Business Premium costs $22.
• Bitdefender GravityZone: A multilayered endpoint security with straightforward pricing and extensive features. It provides cloud and on-premises management options. Plans include Small Business Security ($199.49/year for 10 devices), Business Security ($258.99/year), and Business Security Premium ($570.49/year), plus a 30-day free trial.

Explore our extensive review of the top business antivirus software solutions to learn about their features, cost, pros, and use cases. Discover alternative business antivirus solutions to find the best fit for your requirements.

Bottom Line: Choose the Right Endpoint Security Strategy

Antivirus software is essential for basic internet security, but it should be supplemented with other security tools for maximum safety. While antivirus provides critical defense, endpoint detection and response solutions enable advanced security through data collection and analysis, which improves threat insights and early detection. Combine EPP and EDR to develop a more complete cybersecurity approach for overall protection.

Integrate your endpoint security with network security solutions to improve protection and provide unified administration for full coverage against multiple threats.

Kaiti Norton contributed to this article.

The post EDR vs EPP vs Antivirus: Comparing Endpoint Protection Solutions appeared first on eSecurity Planet.

• Malwarebytes: Better for ease of use and implementation ($5.75 per endpoint per month for ThreatDown Core plan)
• Bitdefender: Better overall for endpoint protection and pricing ($10.8 per month per 5 devices for GravityZone Business Security plan)

Malwarebytes vs Bitdefender at a Glance

Monthly Pricing (Billed Annually)	• Teams: $10 for 3 devices • ThreatDown Core: $5.75/endpoint	• Antivirus Plus: $2.50 for 3 PCs • Total Security: $4+ for 5 devices • GravityZone Business Security: $10.8 for 5 devices
Free Trial	14 days	30 days
Free Tools	Virus scanner, free antivirus for windows, ios, android, ad blocker	Bitdefender Antivirus Free
Supported OS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux
Supported Platforms	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari
	Visit Malwarebytes	Visit Bitdefender

Malwarebytes and Bitdefender deliver comparable offerings for malware detection, endpoint support, and incident response. However, Bitdefender stands out for its cheaper cost, broader functionality, and strong performance in independent security testing and MITRE evaluations. See more of how these two endpoint protection vendors compare or skip down to see how I evaluated them. 

Malwarebytes Overview

Better for Ease of Use & Implementation

Overall Rating: 3.9/5

• Core features: 4.4/5
• Pricing and transparency: 4.2/5
• Ease of use and implementation: 4/5
• Endpoint security solutions: 3.9/5
• Customer support: 3.2/5
• External security assessments: 2.3/5

Malwarebytes is well-known for providing user-friendly antivirus and endpoint protection software. Malwarebytes’ ThreatDown also expands its user-friendly approach to endpoint security by combining detection, cleanup, and a simple interface in a scalable, single-agent platform that successfully protects individuals, devices, and data. Their free tools, including a virus scanner and malware removal, make it ideal for budget-conscious consumers.

Pros & Cons

Key Features

• Malwarebytes EDR: Reduces infection spread by leveraging expedited investigation workflows to securely explode malware in a sandbox environment.
• Multi-layered security: Provides protection against a range of malware types, including viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware attacks, and phishing attempts.
• Security advisor: Utilizes AI so users can rapidly uncover vulnerabilities, update security measures, and optimize defenses through natural language interaction.
• Browser guard: Protects against pop-up advertising, phishing sites, and online trackers via a free browser plug-in.
• Detection history: Displays a complete scanning history, including threats detected and recent software updates, for improved transparency and security management.

Bitdefender Overview

Better Overall for Endpoint Protection & Pricing

Overall Rating: 4.3/5

• Core features: 4.7/5
• Pricing and transparency: 4.8/5
• Ease of use and implementation: 3.8/5
• Endpoint security solutions: 4.7/5
• Customer support: 3.5/5
• External security assessments: 3.7/5

Bitdefender provides complete cybersecurity solutions, such as endpoint protection, cloud security, and antivirus software. GravityZone plans offer tiered protection that includes system hardening, threat prevention, machine learning, and behavioral analysis. Internet Security features firewall protection, and spam filtering, while Total Security provides cross-platform security for Windows, macOS, and more — all managed through Bitdefender Central.

Pros & Cons

Key Features

• Advanced threat control: Continuously monitors active processes and examines suspicious actions, such as code execution in another process’s memory area, to improve security.
• HyperDetect: Uses powerful machine learning and stealth attack detection to protect against zero-day attacks, advanced persistent threats, fileless attacks, and ransomware.
• Network attack defense: Detects network attacks on endpoints, such as brute-force attacks, network exploits, password stealers, and Trojan infections.
• Sandbox analyzer: Automatically submits potentially dangerous files from endpoints in order to detect hidden threats that bypass signature-based antimalware protection.
• Endpoint risk analytics: Identifies and corrects Windows endpoint flaws using security risk scans, resulting in a full network risk status overview.

Better for Pricing: Bitdefender

Consumer/Teams Monthly Pricing	• Malwarebytes Teams: $10 for 3 devices	• Total Security: $4 for 5 devices • Internet Security: $3.5 for 3 PCs • Antivirus Plus: $2.5 for 3 PCs
Business Monthly Pricing	• ThreatDown Core: $5.75/endpoint • ThreatDown Advanced: $7/endpoint • ThreatDown Elite: $8+/endpoint • ThreatDown Ultimate: $10/endpoint	• GravityZone Small Business Security: $8.7 for 5 devices • Business Security: $10.8 for 5 devices • Business Security Premium: $24 for 5 devices
Enterprise Pricing	Contact sales	Contact sales
Free Trial for Business	14 days	30 days
Free Tool Offerings	Virus scanner, free antivirus for windows, ios, android, ad blocker	Bitdefender Antivirus Free
	Visit Malwarebytes	Visit Bitdefender

Winner: Malwarebytes and Bitdefender both provide economical endpoint protection, but Bitdefender is a more cost-effective option for full endpoint security solutions.

Malwarebytes offers both a premium plan and a popular free AV tool, although it lacks full coverage. For more comprehensive endpoint protection needs, they offer ThreatDown, which costs $69 per endpoint per year. It includes next-generation antivirus, incident response, and vulnerability assessment. Though initially more expensive than Bitdefender, it offers long-term savings if you decide to stick with them. They also offer a 14-day free trial for business testing.

Bitdefender is one of the most affordable endpoint protection solutions on the market, offering low-cost plans for five devices and above, plus a free plan for both Windows and macOS. The free version provides minimal protection, which includes malware scanning, while the paid plans offer more advanced security features. GravityZone’s pricing varies according to device count, and it includes a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Better for Core Features: Bitdefender

Real-Time Protection	Yes	Yes
Built-in VPN	Privacy VPN add-on	Yes; limited to 200 MB/day
Machine Learning/AI Detection	Yes	Yes
Customizable Scans	Yes	Yes
Device Optimization	Add-on cleaner	One-click optimizer
	Visit Malwarebytes	Visit Bitdefender

Winner: Malwarebytes offers good security for your endpoint, but Bitdefender stands out for its improved core features, which include a built-in VPN, device optimization tools, and extra functionalities for full protection.

Malwarebytes features a free version that performs basic on-demand virus scanning. Their premium plan enhances security with real-time threat defense, including ransomware protection. The software is simple to use, with automatic scans for viruses, Trojans, and other threats, and it also offers active ransomware protection. This simplified technique ensures that your system’s security is resilient and steady.

Bitdefender offers top-tier protection, including powerful ransomware and threat detection. Its main features include a centralized management panel and an easy-to-use risk dashboard. GravityZone improves security through machine learning, behavioral analysis, and constant monitoring. It responds quickly to threats, mitigates ransomware, prevents network threats, and regulates online traffic, all from a single integrated console.

Better for Ease of Use & Implementation: Malwarebytes

Central Management Console	No	Bitdefender Central
Automatic Onboarding	Yes	Limited
Extensive User Documentation	Yes	Yes
Quick Installation	Yes	Requires longer setup time
	Visit Malwarebytes	Visit Bitdefender

Winner: While both vendors are user-friendly, Malwarebytes outperforms Bitdefender in terms of ease of use and implementation, thanks to its faster installation process and higher user satisfaction ratings for simplicity and configuration.

Malwarebytes has an intuitive, constantly updated user interface that makes it much easier to use. It successfully communicates release notes and updates to users, keeping them informed. After installation, ThreatDown provides immediate protection. The user-friendly interface makes monitoring security status and managing alarms easier, providing seamless threat management and robust system protection with little user effort.

Bitdefender’s central management platform simplifies product installation, but poor connections can make your setup challenging. Despite having a larger installation size than Malwarebytes, Bitdefender strikes an effective mix between ease of use and multi-app integration through their single console. To avoid the issue of conflicting security software, Bitdefender also offers Security Lite, which scans less frequently to avoid system overload.

Better for Endpoint Security Solutions: Bitdefender

Endpoint Detection & Response	Available for Advanced to Ultimate plans	Yes
Antivirus	Yes	Yes
Incident Response	Yes	Yes
Firewall	Integrated with Windows Firewall Control	Yes
Endpoint Protection Platform	Yes	Yes
	Visit Malwarebytes	Visit Bitdefender

Winner: Bitdefender outperforms Malwarebytes in endpoint security, delivering complete solutions that include EDR across all plans, as well as antivirus, firewall, and more capabilities to provide comprehensive protection for a wide range of endpoint demands.

Malwarebytes provides a variety of endpoint solutions, including Malwarebytes Privacy VPN, which protects online privacy using strong encryption and global servers. Its antivirus and anti-malware software offer strong protection. They also offer mobile security, free scans for viruses, spyware, Trojans, rootkits, and ransomware protection. Other tools and solutions include an ad blocker, Adw Cleaner, a secure browser, and full internet security.

Bitdefender offers AI-powered malware and ransomware prevention with continuous monitoring. GravityZone provides unified and scalable security management that ensures compliance with standards. Their solutions include scam and fraud prevention, limitless VPN traffic, email protection, and a complete package solution for business assets. Other extra tools and solutions include patch management, mobile security, and full disk encryption.

Better for Customer Support: Bitdefender

Live Chat
Phone Support
Email Support
Live Demo or Training
Community Help
	Visit Malwarebytes	Visit Bitdefender

=Yes =No/Unclear =Add-On/Limited

Winner: Bitdefender surpasses Malwarebytes in customer service, with live chat available to all users and higher satisfaction ratings, guaranteeing rapid and effective assistance.

Malwarebytes offers customer support via an AI chatbot, which can be accessed through your account or the Help Center website. You can open a support issue with the chatbot and receive responses via email. Their Help Center is well-structured, with substantial resources arranged by topic, ranging from subscription management to security solutions assistance.

Bitdefender offers assistance to all users, regardless of your subscription level. You can get support through live chat, which connects you immediately to dependable operators. Additionally, Bitdefender offers a complete help website with FAQs, tips, and other resources. Bitdefender Central also provides direct contact to the support team, which ensures comprehensive and rapid assistance.

Better for Security Assessments: Bitdefender

MITRE Evaluation for Stopped Tests	7/13	12/13
MITRE Detection Visibility Score	82.52%	91.61%
MITRE Evaluation for Missed Steps	38 missed steps	14 missed steps
AV-Test Malware Protection Score	5.5/6	6/6
AV-Test Performance Score	5.5/6	5.5/6
	Visit Malwarebytes	Visit Bitdefender

Winner: Last year’s MITRE ATT&CK testing revealed that Bitdefender excelled in telemetry detections, with a higher overall detection rate than Malwarebytes. However, Malwarebytes also scored well in protection tests.

Malwarebytes still performs well in independent security tests, despite it not leading in all categories. In MITRE evaluations, it successfully halted 7 of 13 tests, getting an 82.52% detection visibility score while missing 38 steps. Its AV-Test scores are also impressive, with 5.5/6 for malware protection and performance. These results demonstrate Malwarebytes’ reliable endpoint protection capabilities.

Bitdefender scores remarkably strong in independent security tests. In MITRE evaluations, it stopped 12 of 13 tests, with a detection visibility score of 91.61% and only 14 missing steps. Its AV-Test scores confirm its AV solution’s quality, with a 6/6 for malware protection and a 5.5/6 for performance, displaying exceptional overall performance and effectiveness.

Who Shouldn’t Use Malwarebytes or Bitdefender

Malwarebytes and Bitdefender provide excellent endpoint security, but they may not be suitable for every organization or security team’s unique needs and requirements.

Who Shouldn’t Use Malwarebytes

If you fall into any of the following categories, you should look for an alternative:

• Businesses using multiple devices but with restricted budgets: Malwarebytes may be too expensive for larger installations with several devices.
• Users that require a built-in firewall: It lacks a built-in firewall, although it integrates with Windows Firewall.
• Admins who need device optimization: Malwarebytes does not have extensive device optimization features.

Who Shouldn’t Use Bitdefender

If you fit into these categories, you may want to consider other options:

• MacOS and iOS users: Some Bitdefender features may be inaccessible or limited on these platforms.
• Small businesses seeking unlimited VPN: Bitdefender’s VPN service is restricted to 200 MB per day, which may not be sufficient for those who require unlimited data.
• Teams largely relying on password manager security: Bitdefender’s password manager may lack some of the advanced security features found in dedicated password management products.

3 Best Alternatives to Malwarebytes & Bitdefender

If you believe another product might be a better fit for your business, then look into Microsoft Defender, Trend Micro, or Cybereason for potentially more suitable security solutions and features.

Monthly Pricing	Contact sales	Contact sales	Contact sales
Free Trial	30 days	30 days
Threat Hunting Features
Threat Remediation
	Visit Microsoft Defender	Visit Trend Micro	Visit Cybereason

=Yes =No/Unclear =Add-On/Limited

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint offers AI-powered protection for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and IoT devices. As part of Microsoft Defender XDR, it provides next-generation antivirus, detection, and response. Other key capabilities include anti malware, cyberattack surface reduction, device control, endpoint firewall, and web control. They provide a 30-day trial and you can request the pricing details through their sales team.

Trend Micro Vision One

Trend Vision One specializes in managing hybrid IT environments by automating procedures and offering skilled cybersecurity services. It provides detailed insights into cyber dangers by leveraging artificial intelligence, significant research, and 250 million sensors. This ecosystem improves control over attack surface risks by offering prioritized mitigation recommendations. Trend Vision One provides a 30-day free trial; contact Trend Micro for details on pricing.

Cybereason

Cybereason provides powerful visualization and digital forensics tools, with integrations for Google, AWS, and Microsoft Azure. Its XDR defends container environments, while MalOps centralizes threat data to provide complete views. The Defense Platform analyzes threat data to offer context for hostile activities. Contact them for pricing on Enterprise, Enterprise Advanced, and Enterprise Complete bundles.

How I Evaluated Malwarebytes vs Bitdefender

To examine Malwarebytes and Bitdefender, I created a rubric with six criteria, including core features, cost and transparency, ease of use, endpoint solutions offered, customer support, and external security assessments. Each criterion has a sub-criteria or specific features offered by the vendor. I scored both providers on a five-point scale. Based on their scores, I identified the leading provider per category and overall, plus determined their use cases.

Core Features – 25%

I considered core features as the most significant criterion for evaluating endpoint protection vendors. This category covers platform support, malware detection, web protection, behavior-based blocking, zero-day protection, AI/machine learning, customizable scans, and sandbox analysis. I also considered additional features such as VPN, remote access protection, ad blockers, real-time protection, phishing protection, device optimization, and more.

Pricing & Transparency – 20%

In this criterion, I included free trials, free tiers, and varying plan costs for different user categories, including SMBs and businesses. It also includes transparent pricing information and annual membership discounts. This is essential for consumers because it allows you to better understand the cost structure, compare possibilities, and make informed selections based on your budget and requirements.

Ease of Use & Implementation – 20%

This consists of features such as a single management panel, automated onboarding, up-to-date documentation, and easy installation. Gartner and Capterra ratings for integration, deployment, and simplicity of use also helped me provide additional insight into how efficiently the solution can be installed and managed, showing its usability and operational efficiency.

Endpoint Security Solutions – 15%

This category covers critical components such as the endpoint protection platform, antivirus, incident response, and endpoint detection and response. It also has firewall protection, personal anti-malware coverage, and Active Directory connectivity. These components offer strong security management, threat protection, and quick incident handling for complete endpoint security.

Customer Support – 10%

I also looked into the availability of live chat, phone, and email support, as well as live demonstrations and training. My evaluation took into account user reviews from platforms like Gartner and Capterra about support quality and customer service. These criteria assess the breadth and efficacy of the help supplied, providing dependable assistance and user satisfaction.

External Security Assessments – 10%

I reviewed external security assessments by studying the outcomes of MITRE evaluations and AV-Test. Key data were MITRE’s stopped tests, detection visibility score, and missing steps. I also considered AV-Test’s malware protection and performance results. These evaluations, conducted independently, provide a thorough view of the effectiveness and reliability of security solutions.

Bottom Line: Malwarebytes vs Bitdefender

Malwarebytes and Bitdefender both offer comprehensive endpoint protection, securing IT systems with comparable coverage. To remain competitive, they continuously enhance their features and solutions to keep up with the different industry needs. Both vendors provide basic free tools and trials to help you evaluate their products. Utilize these trials to discover which choice is best for your needs.

Widen the scope of your protection from endpoints to your entire network infrastructure. Learn the most common types of network security solutions, and explore the different ways to secure your network.

Sam Ingalls contributed to this article.

The post Malwarebytes vs Bitdefender: Best Cybersecurity Software of 2024 appeared first on eSecurity Planet.

Every organization stores sensitive data. Sensitive data can include personally identifiable information (PII) that can impact user privacy. Sensitive data also includes payment and financial information that could lead to identity theft and fraud if the data is lost or stolen and winds up in the wrong hands. Intellectual property is another type of sensitive data that DLP tools typically monitor and protect.

DLP tools automate data classification and protection, typically after an initial assessment of an organization’s data types and where that data is located. DLP tools then monitor that data to look for potential exposure or leaks.

Below are our top picks for data loss prevention solutions, their features, use cases, functionality and customer support, followed by considerations for buyers in the market for DLP solutions.

• Forcepoint DLP: Best overall
• Digital Guardian Endpoint DLP: Best for small or inexperienced security teams
• Symantec DLP: Best for protecting large networks
• Clumio Protect and Discover: Best for AWS business environments
• Proofpoint Enterprise DLP: Best for standalone email protection
• Trellix DLP: Best for distributed enterprises
• Key Features of DLP Solutions
• How to Choose the Best DLP Solution for Your Business
• How We Evaluated DLP Solutions
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Bottom Line: Use DLP Tools to Protect Sensitive Data

Top DLP Solutions Compared

This table provides a brief overview of our top products and their feature availability. Read our full product reviews below for more detail on each.

	Support for regulatory compliance	Encryption	Network monitoring	Free trial
Forcepoint DLP			?
Digital Guardian Endpoint DLP				?
Symantec DLP				?
Clumio Protect and Discover			?
Proofpoint Enterprise DLP	?		?
Trellix DLP				?

= yes; ?= unclear; ?= no

Forcepoint DLP

Best overall

Forcepoint DLP offers tools to manage global policies across every major channel, including endpoint, network, cloud, web, or email. Predefined templates, policies, and streamlined incident management enable organizations to address risk by adding visibility and control where people work and data resides.

Forcepoint’s compliance features are a particular highlight — they help teams meet standards with more than 1,500 predefined templates, policies, and classifiers applicable to the regulatory demands of 83 countries. If you’re a large enterprise with significant regulatory demands, consider Forcepoint. We rated it best overall for its comprehensive feature coverage.

Pricing

• Forcepoint offers a 30-day free trial of DLP.
• Contact Forcepoint’s sales team for detailed pricing information specific to your organization’s needs.

Features

• Employee security coaching through messages that guide user actions, educate employees on policy, and validate user intent when interacting with critical data
• Automated data labeling and classification through integrations with third-party data classification tools
• Risk-based policy enforcement
• Intellectual property protection

Digital Guardian Endpoint DLP 

Best for small or inexperienced security teams

Digital Guardian Data Loss Prevention, offered by Fortra, performs DLP on traditional endpoints, across the corporate network, and on cloud applications. Our analysis focuses on Endpoint DLP, but Digital Guardian also has a Network DLP product for teams focused on network traffic monitoring and security. Your enterprise can combine both if needed.

Digital Guardian receives its high rating from us particularly for its functionality and management features like training videos and support for multiple operating systems. Additionally, Digital Guardian DLP is available either as software-as-a-service (SaaS) or a managed service deployment. While Digital Guardian DLP is a strong choice for large enterprises, SMBs should consider it too for ease of use through the managed service.

Pricing

• Contact Digital Guardian for a pricing quote request.

Features

• Automated blocking and encryption of sensitive data in emails and files on removable drives
• Dashboards
• Classification and tagging of intellectual property and regulated data
• Data-centric events collected are reported up to Digital Guardian’s Analytics & Reporting Cloud, part of the vendor’s overall data protection platform

Symantec DLP

Best for protecting large networks

Symantec Data Loss Prevention, now owned by Broadcom, is a two-product protective platform for enterprises. We mainly looked at Symantec DLP Core, but DLP Cloud is also available and offers cloud connectors to web gateways and cloud access security broker (CASB) controls.

DLP Core offers features like encryption and network monitoring; consider it for sprawling business networks, especially storage area networks that pool data from multiple storage systems. And if your team is looking for data protection for cloud environments, DLP Cloud can help monitor cloud-based applications and storage systems.

Pricing

• For pricing information, you can contact Broadcom’s sales team, or you can contact a reseller like CDW or SHI for pricing. Depending on the reseller, you may still need to request a quote. SHI reports a starting list price of $96 a year per license with support, with volume discounts.

Features

• One pane of glass for policy management
• Microsoft Information Protection integration for encryption and rights management
• Network monitoring
• Information Centric Analytics, a form of UEBA

Clumio Protect and Discover

Best for AWS business environments

While designed more as a backup solution, Clumio has enough DLP features to earn it a place on this list. The Protect and Discover products offer backup and recovery for AWS and Microsoft 365. It simplifies and automates AWS data protection for Amazon S3, EC2, EBS, and RDS; SQL Server on EC2; and other products.

Don’t count Clumio out if you’re a Microsoft customer, either: it helps teams develop policies for all their 365 products and stores data in an immutable environment to protect it from ransomware.

Pricing

• Clumio has a pay-per-use structure, with pricing specified for different AWS products and backup type and frequency. Check out the pricing page for a complete list of backup costs. For S3, Clumio offers SecureVault Standard and SecureVault Archive, so you can back up your less frequently accessed data, too.

Features

• Air-gapped backups for SQL Server data, stored outside user accounts
• Search, recovery, and restoration for EC2 files, volumes, and instances
• Encryption for data in motion and at rest
• Policy creation for AWS, including specified backup frequency and retention

Proofpoint Enterprise DLP

Best standalone email protection

Proofpoint’s broader Enterprise DLP platform provides both Endpoint DLP and Email DLP products. Proofpoint Endpoint DLP takes a people-centric approach to protecting data. It provides integrated content awareness in addition to behavioral and threat awareness, which gives granular visibility into user interactions with sensitive data. Proofpoint Endpoint DLP also offers the ability to detect, prevent, and respond to data loss incidents in real time.

Email DLP helps identify when sensitive data is being leaked through an email. It allows teams to create dictionaries with data formats specific to their organization for exact data matching. If your team is particularly interested in a comprehensive endpoint and email protection solution, consider Proofpoint.

Pricing

• Proofpoint doesn’t give public pricing information for its DLP products. Contact the sales team for pricing specific to your business.

Features

• Encryption for email data with Email DLP
• Custom dictionaries for specific data formats and exact data matching with Email DLP
• Out-of-the-box detection and prevention engine to halt data exfiltration with Endpoint DLP
• Access policies based on your team’s security goals with Endpoint DLP

Read more about email security:

• How to Improve Email Security for Enterprises & Businesses
• Best Email Security Software & Tools

Trellix DLP

Best for distributed enterprises

Trellix — an XDR-focused security company formed from the merger of McAfee Enterprise and FireEye — remains tightly coupled with its former cloud business, Skyhigh Security, in DLP. Composed of DLP Discover, DLP Endpoint, DLP Monitor, and DLP Prevent, Trellix’s data loss prevention platform is a good choice for both on-premises and hybrid environments, particularly combined with the Skyhigh’s SASE capabilities. Of course, that also makes Skyhigh a good choice for organizations looking for a cloud DLP option.

We focused on DLP Discover in our review; this product inventories data, searches for sensitive information, and helps develop data protection rules through fingerprinting. But the entire Trellix suite is a good choice for teams focused on threat monitoring and prevention. The one downside is it requires four DLP products to get all the DLP capabilities that Trellix offers, but for enterprises seeking a feature-rich DLP platform, Trellix is a strong contender.

Pricing

• Trellix doesn’t provide public pricing details. Contact Trellix to speak with a salesperson about products and pricing information. Some pricing can be found online in places like AWS and Connection.

Features

• Network monitoring through DLP Monitor
• Encryption and quarantining after a policy violation through DLP Prevent
• Statistical analysis for data pattern matches within documents and files
• Rule construction engine that helps your team create data protection rules for simple and complex data

Key Features of DLP Solutions

Data loss prevention helps storage, data, and security teams wrangle large volumes of information that might be scattered throughout multiple systems and locations. Look for the following features in the products you consider — while they will vary between solutions, you’ll at least want the majority in any DLP solution.

Data Discovery

DLP tools should enable users to identify what types of data should be protected. It’s easy to lose track of data in enterprise storage systems and applications, but your team should keep tabs on all that information. You can only protect it if you know it’s there. Data discovery is one of the core building blocks of DLP.

Data Classification

DLP tools should enable users to identify what types of data should be protected. Some data is more sensitive, and if it were stolen or exposed it would be a critical risk. Data should not only be grouped into appropriate categories but also prioritized according to its sensitivity.

Compliance Assistance

DLP has become a useful tool for helping organizations protect customer privacy and comply with privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA. Many DLP products have built-in functionality for identifying whether data protection practices are actually compliant with regulatory standards.

Policy Creation

Many DLP tools offer a policy creation feature that allows you to develop data protection rules specific to your business. Some businesses may want more sophisticated policy-making tools, so if you’re a larger enterprise with experienced data or security teams, look for highly customizable policies. Conversely, if you want out-of-the-box policies, ask for a demo when shopping for a DLP product.

Network Monitoring

Not all DLP products offer network monitoring, but we particularly recommend it for teams that have a lot of sensitive data traveling across their network. Monitoring is also useful for businesses with large storage area networks, as data from multiple systems could be compromised if the network is breached.

How to Choose the Best DLP Solution for Your Business

When choosing a DLP technology or service, there are several key considerations organizations must take into account, including budget and team size but not limited to those. Also consider where your business data resides and any compliance assistance you’ll need.

Scope

Where is the data that needs to be protected? Have you inventoried every storage system or database containing sensitive data? And does the solution you’re looking at have full visibility into those deployments? These are the questions you should ask before choosing a data loss prevention product so you know whether it supports all the file types, unstructured data, or other information your team needs to protect.

Compliance

If the DLP service is being used to help enable regulatory compliance, look for integration with governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) tools. Not all DLP products will have the GRC capabilities you’re looking for, and a smooth integration could be critical for facilitating your team’s regulatory compliance operations.

Reporting

It’s important for many organizations to have visibility and reporting into what data is protected and how it is being accessed, particularly for compliance purposes. Businesses in the healthcare, financial services, and government sectors will especially benefit from strong built-in reporting tools.

Team expertise and business size

You’ll need to weigh a product’s interface and capabilities against the skills of your security, IT, and data teams. While you shouldn’t choose a product only for ease of use, it’s important to consider how long it’ll take for your teams to learn and how complex it is. Additionally, smaller businesses will need a product appropriate for their size; likewise for large enterprises.

Budget

While budget certainly isn’t an unimportant consideration, it shouldn’t be the only one. Your business should invest in a product that will last you many years, and if that requires spending some money for a platform with the right features, see if your team can afford a suitable product that will serve you well.

How We Evaluated DLP Solutions

We evaluated these DLP solutions using a product scoring rubric. In our rubric, we weighted criteria and features according to the percentages listed for each below, and that weighting factors into the total score for each product. The six products that scored highest in the rubric made our list. However, that doesn’t mean that one of these is automatically the best pick for you, nor that a good option can’t be found outside this list.

A note on ratings: The scores are not a reflection of the product’s overall quality but rather a representation of how the product met the criteria in our evaluation rubric. All these products are successful in this category, and their score here is not an overall measure of their value. Rather, it analyzes how well they met our specific criteria.

Pricing Transparency & Trials | 10 Percent

We evaluated whether the vendor was transparent about pricing and whether the product had a free trial, including how long the trial lasted.

Core Features | 35 Percent

We evaluated the most important DLP features, like data discovery, data classification, and policy creation.

Additional Features | 20 Percent

We considered some nice-to-have features, including digital rights management, behavioral analytics, and risk-based policy enforcement.

Functionality & Management | 20 Percent

We evaluated availability of knowledge bases and training videos, as well as the option to buy the product as a managed service.

Customer Support | 15 Percent

We looked at technical support phone and email availability, as well as whether the vendor offers a demo and a 24/7 support plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

People frequently ask the following questions about data loss prevention and its role in enterprises and security systems.

What Is an Example of a DLP Policy?

Data loss prevention policies can either be pre-made or customized specifically for your organization. For example, your IT team might set a DLP policy that permits only encrypted files to be sent from the Chief Information Officer’s email account. DLP policies specify what can happen to what data.

What Triggers a DLP Incident?

Your business’s set policies trigger a DLP incident. When someone goes against a policy — for example, when the aforementioned CIO attempts to email an unencrypted file — the DLP product triggers an alert, flagging the incident. Some DLP products have prevention features that will block the unencrypted file from sending.

Is There a Difference Between DLP and EDR?

DLP and endpoint detection and response (EDR) differ in intent, but they do serve similar purposes. DLP is focused on data, on its safety at rest and in motion. EDR is focused on endpoints and protecting systems starting at the endpoint, detecting and halting attacks on laptops and servers. While they may perform some of the same tasks, businesses will likely implement them for different reasons.

Bottom Line: Use DLP Tools to Protect Sensitive Data

DLP technology provides a mechanism to help protect against sensitive data loss and thus can also help mitigate interactions with compliance agencies in the wake of a data breach.

By classifying data and users and identifying or blocking anomalous behavior, DLP tools give enterprises the visibility and reporting needed to protect sensitive data and satisfy compliance reporting requirements. It’s likely that your DLP product won’t function in a vacuum — you’ll probably need other tools, too. But data loss prevention focuses on one of your business’s most important assets: its sensitive, secret and regulated information. The stakes for securing data continue to rise, and DLP is one strategy to help achieve your team’s data protection goals.

Read our tips to prevent data breaches next

The post Top 6 Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Solutions (Full Comparison) appeared first on eSecurity Planet.

They each have their own security challenges and require their own security controls, but understanding the distinctions between VPNs, VDI, and RDP can help you choose the best way for your remote employees to connect to company resources. Note that remote access can also refer to software used to deliver IT support services, but here we’re concerned simply with connecting remote employees as securely as possible.

We’ll go into more detail below, but here’s a high-level overview of each approach and its best use case:

• VPN: Best for organizations that value direct control over local hardware and need to connect to local resources, or for individual users valuing privacy and security
• VDI: Best for standardized, scalable remote access
• RDP: No longer considered a secure or safe connection method

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide an extra degree of protection for your apps and internet connections, whether you use a personal VPN or one hosted on a server within your organization. A VPN protects your internet connection and data from prying eyes, hackers, and other dangerous actions. It does so by establishing a secure tunnel between the user and the corporate network and encrypting data in transit. This encryption helps ensure that sensitive information stays private and secure while traveling across the internet.

VPNs are a good choice for organizations that place a high priority on encryption capabilities — provided they use additional security measures such as proper access control and monitoring.

Also read:

• Best Enterprise VPN Solutions
• What Is Secure Remote Access?
• 16 Remote Access Security Best Practices to Implement

How VPN Works

A VPN redirects your internet traffic through a distant server managed by the VPN provider, or perhaps through a server within your own organization. When you use a VPN to connect to the internet, your data is sent through an encrypted tunnel, making it difficult for third parties to intercept or decode your online activity or even your location.

• Your data is encrypted before it leaves your device when you begin a connection to a website or service. This encryption assures that even if your data is intercepted, it can’t be read without the decryption keys.
• The encrypted data is then sent to the VPN server. This server might be in a different city or even a different country than your current location.
• Once the data arrives at the VPN server, it is decrypted and transferred to its intended destination. The website or service you’re visiting sees the IP address of the VPN server rather than your own, preserving your privacy.

Pros of VPN

• When using a VPN, you may transfer files with confidence since you know that your data is secure throughout transmission.
• VPNs let you access the internet without being tracked. Your online activity is routed through a VPN server, which hides your IP address and makes it challenging for websites and online services to monitor your surfing patterns or location.
• VPN services protect your IP address, passwords, location, and other identifying information from hackers and organizations collecting data, protecting you from potential online risks and ensuring that your personal information is kept private and secure.
• VPN offers a strong defense against corporate monitoring and profiling activities if you’re concerned about their methods of data collection and wish to keep your information private.
• When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, which are frequently targets of cyber attacks, VPNs provide an additional layer of security. Your critical data, including passwords and financial information, are protected from possible hackers thanks to the encryption offered by a VPN.
• VPN services are reasonably priced, with minimal monthly subscription fees available. This makes the security and privacy benefits of a VPN available to a broader group of users.
• VPNs are user-friendly. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the whole idea of internet privacy and security, VPN programs are often simple to use.
• VPNs are versatile since they can be used on a variety of devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and even routers. This adaptability helps you secure your online activity across several platforms and devices.
• VPNs enable you to access resources and services that may be restricted or prohibited in your region by concealing your IP address and enabling you to pick the location of the VPN server you connect to.
• VPNs can help you reduce the amount of targeted ads you see online. Your true IP address is concealed, making it more difficult for marketers to follow and target you based on your online activity.

Cons

• The encryption technique that VPNs use to protect your data might result in slower internet connections. This encryption adds a layer of processing, resulting in data transmission delays and, on occasion, failed connections.
• While most devices are typically compatible with popular VPNs, older or less prevalent operating systems may have difficulty setting VPNs. This problem could affect earlier versions of macOS, iOS, Linux, Android, and Windows.
• VPNs aim to improve online privacy, but in some circumstances may still reveal your identity. DNS leaks or sudden VPN disconnections, for example, might possibly disclose your real IP address, jeopardizing your privacy. Even with features like DNS leak prevention and kill switches, your data might be compromised.
• Although VPNs can be advantageous and scalable for some firms, they may not be suitable in all situations. Many VPNs aren’t designed to handle the massive and constant network traffic that enterprises rely on. This can lead to bottlenecks, when concurrent or parallel traffic becomes crowded at specific spots. Addressing this issue may need large investments, which may not be possible for every firm.
• As with any remote access, if a user endpoint is hacked, those remote connections become vulnerable too, so endpoint security, zero trust controls and behavioral monitoring are important for preventing and limiting breaches.

Who Should Use VPN?

VPNs are versatile tools that cater to a wide range of users, offering benefits for both individuals and organizations:

• Remote workers
• Privacy-conscious individuals
• Public Wi-Fi users
• Users who need access to geographically restricted content
• Businesses and enterprises providing remote and hybrid work setup
• Individuals living in regions with heavy censorship or surveillance to access the open internet

Also read: NSA, CISA Release Guidance for Choosing and Hardening VPNs

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

VDI enables enterprises to develop and manage virtualized desktop environments within a centralized server architecture or in the cloud. VDI allows users to remotely view their individual desktops from a variety of devices, including laptops, tablets, and thin clients, while the real computation and data storage takes place on a server. This method lets users receive desktop computing experiences in a flexible and secure manner without being bound to a single physical device or location. VDIs are ideal for organizations that value adaptability and standardized environments for their remote workforce.

Virtual desktop infrastructures offer greater security features. For example, hacking a virtual desktop doesn’t put you inside the firewall or give you network access, and there’s no hardware sitting around for hackers to ping. However, VDI implementations are typically managed by third parties because self-managed instances are expensive and difficult.

How VDI works

The VDI process involves several key components:

• A powerful server contains a number of virtual machines (VMs), each of which represents a single user’s desktop experience. These virtual machines are segregated from one another, protecting user privacy and data security.
• The hypervisor is a software layer that handles the server’s virtual machine creation, allocation, and operation. It guarantees that each VM has optimal resource consumption and performance.
• Each user is given a virtual desktop that is modeled like a standard physical desktop environment. The operating system, apps, settings, and data are all included.
• Users can access their virtual desktops via remote access protocols from client devices such as laptops or mobile devices. These protocols communicate between the client and the virtual desktop by sending screen changes, keyboard inputs, and mouse movements.
• Centrally controlled and managed virtual desktops allow IT managers to deploy new workstations, update software, and enforce security controls.

Pros of VDI

While careful preparation and early investment are required, the benefits of VDI make it a viable choice for businesses looking for safe and customizable remote computing options.

• IT departments may handle software upgrades, security patches, and user profiles more efficiently from a centralized place, minimizing administrative cost.
• Data is kept at the data center or in the cloud, lowering the risk of data loss due to device theft or local hardware failure. Data can also be more safely protected with strong security measures.
• Users may access their virtual desktops from a variety of devices, allowing for greater flexibility in remote working circumstances.
• VDI optimizes hardware resources by distributing server capacity over several virtual desktops, resulting in higher resource usage and cost savings.
• Companies may simply scale up or down by adding or removing virtual desktops as needed to meet changing workforce demands.

Cons

• VDI implementation requires careful planning, hardware investment, and knowledge of virtualization methods, or outsourcing the work to a VDI provider.
• While VDI can result in long-term cost reductions, initial expenses might be substantial.
• VDI is heavily dependent on a stable and fast network connection. Slow or unstable connections can affect user experience and performance.
• Server load and the resource needs of various apps and users might have an impact on performance.

Who Should Use VDI?

VDI is particularly beneficial for:

• Organizations with a need for standardized desktop environments, enhanced security, and centralized management and control.
• Companies with remote or distributed teams that require secure access to desktop resources from various locations and devices.
• Sectors such as healthcare, finance, and legal, where data security and regulatory compliance are critical.
• Temporary or contract staff who need access to controlled environments without compromising data integrity.
• Organizations looking for robust disaster recovery solutions to keep operations running amid unforeseen disasters.

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a Microsoft-developed proprietary protocol that allows users to remotely access and operate a computer or server from a different location as if they were physically there at that place, resulting in a smooth and familiar user experience. RDP allows users to communicate with a remote system as if they were sitting in front of it, giving them access to the distant machine’s programs, files, and resources.

For businesses that want direct control over remote computer systems, RDP is a low-cost option, but it’s now generally regarded as insecure.

RDP Security Issues

In its default configurations, older versions of RDP do not use encryption to pass through credentials and session keys. This makes the protocol vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks where an attacker can intercept and see all information packets. Administrators can enable transport layer encryption to mitigate this issue, but this is just the start of the problems.

A main weakness is credentials. RDP sessions often store credentials in memory, where they can be stolen by an attacker who gains access. However, even without access, attackers often gain success using credential stuffing, which is when attackers use stolen credentials on other sites where users might have reused passwords. Administrators do not typically manage RDP and therefore users may pick their own credentials.

Additionally, many users don’t keep their RDP software updated. A year and a half after Microsoft released patches for the BlueKeep RDP bug, researchers detected hundreds of thousands of RDP devices unpatched and vulnerable. Attackers frequently target open firewall ports commonly used for RDP to take advantage of exposed vulnerabilities and gain access to both the endpoint and the network.

However, these security weaknesses can be countered. Admins can use multi-factor authentication (MFA) or single sign-on (SSO) to reduce issues from weak credentials or RDP desktop passwords, and can be managed to improve user authentication security.

To limit attacks on the firewall, IP address ranges can be limited to approved locations. However, this approach is labor intensive. For every employee on the road, each hotel, airport, and coffee shop require a new IP address to be whitelisted and then later removed when the employee moves on. It is just easier to run RDP through a secure tunnel instead.

Related: Addressing Remote Desktop Attacks and Security

How RDP works

RDP operates on a client-server model:

• Client: This is the user’s device that starts a connection to a distant system using an RDP client application. The client sends keyboard and mouse inputs, as well as screen changes, to the remote server.
• Server: The remote computer, referred to as the server, receives the incoming RDP connection. It processes the client’s inputs and refreshes the screen accordingly, providing the user with a unified experience.
• User Interaction: The user may interact with the remote system by doing activities, accessing apps, and working with files as if they were physically there at that place.

RDP Pros

• RDP allows users to remotely access and use powerful computers or servers, even from less capable client devices.
• IT administrators may oversee and manage distant systems from a single place, streamlining maintenance and upgrades.
• Users can utilize the computational capacity of remote systems without investing in high-end hardware.
• RDP offers a consistent and familiar computing environment, allowing users to remotely access their chosen apps and settings.

Cons

While RDP offers benefits like efficient resource use and centralized control, possible security threats and network dependencies must be properly examined and managed:

• Without strict controls and configuration settings, RDP might expose systems to security vulnerabilities. Unauthorized RDP session access can result in data breaches and other cyber dangers.
• RDP is dependent on a steady and high-speed network connection. Slow or inconsistent connections can cause latency and a subpar user experience.
• While RDP clients are available for a variety of operating systems, some devices may not be entirely compatible with certain protocol capabilities.

Who Should Use RDP?

RDP offers lower cost and convenience, but with greater security risks. For those who remain interested, there are possible use cases.

• RDP allows IT administrators to manage servers and troubleshoot technical issues from anywhere.
• Teams that need to provide remote assistance and troubleshoot problems for end-users or clients can benefit from RDP.
• Collaborative work on remote systems, such as teams required to work together on projects that require direct access to specific software or resources.
• Developers who need to access development environments or servers for testing and coding purposes. Again, tight security controls are cautioned.
• Organizations that rely on software applications that are resource-intensive or require specialized configurations.

Who Shouldn’t Use Any of These Solutions?

While VPNs, VDI, and RDP are useful remote access solutions, they may not be appropriate for many organizations with some specific considerations, such as significant compliance requirements, sophisticated cybersecurity threats, limited budgets, technological complexity, or particular access demands. If these technologies are incompatible with their goals or limitations, organizations must examine their particular circumstances and explore alternate options.

VPN

• Organizations in highly regulated industries, such as healthcare and finance, may be required to conform to stringent compliance rules governing data management and privacy. While VPNs offer encryption, certain restrictions necessitate stricter security measures.
• Government agencies and major organizations that are prime targets for advanced cyber attacks may require more complex security solutions such as zero-trust architectures or specialist cybersecurity tools.
• For organizations frequently dealing with a high number of remote users at the same time, VPNs might cause a bottleneck in network traffic. When an organization’s network resources are constrained, performance suffers.

VDI

• VDI implementation demands a substantial initial investment in hardware, software, infrastructure or services. This initial expense may be costly for smaller enterprises with limited funds.
• VDI setup and administration may be complicated, necessitating IT experience as well as committed resources. Organizations that lack the required technical capabilities may struggle with setup and maintenance.
• VDI may be excessive for businesses with occasional remote access demands, since it is better suited for circumstances where remote access is a continual necessity.

RDP

• Cybercriminals have targeted RDP to exploit vulnerabilities and launch attacks. When employing RDP, organizations with weak security measures might encounter higher risks.
• Without suitable security measures, exposing RDP to the public internet might result in brute-force attacks and illegal access attempts.
• RDP users may not have the same amount of control over the remote system as they would with physical access. This constraint may limit their ability to install specific applications or perform specific activities.

Choosing the Right Secure Remote Access for You

Consider factors such as the amount of security necessary, the nature of the remote duties, and the devices your users will be using. Consultation with IT specialists and consideration of any scalability issues might aid in making your selection. Ultimately, the best choice is determined by your organization’s specific circumstances, demands, and goals. Here are some recommendations and considerations in choosing the appropriate secure remote access for your organization.

• Assess the sensitivity of the data being accessed remotely, as well as the level of protection necessary.
• Compare expenses of deploying and maintaining VPN, VDI, or RDP solutions.
• Consider both the initial expenses (hardware, software, and licensing) and the continuous operational costs.
• Consider doing pilot tests or proofs of concept with a smaller user group to evaluate the performance and user experience of the chosen solution.
• Consider how effectively each solution connects with collaboration and communication tools if they are important.
• Consider if your consumers require resources to be accessible from several places and devices or primarily from a single site.
• Determine which resources (applications, files, databases) remote users require access to.
• Consider the user experience. Evaluate if the users require entire desktop environments or only specialized application access.
• Consider your organization’s projected expansion and how effectively the chosen solution can expand to meet rising remote access demands.
• Determine if you require outside support or if your IT team can manage the installation.
• Determine if your IT environment is capable of handling the needs of VPN, VDI, or RDP, taking into account issues like server capacity and network bandwidth.
• Determine the number of remote users and their organizational responsibilities.
• Examine the credibility and trustworthiness of suppliers providing VPN, VDI, or RDP solutions.
• Examine the risk factors associated with each solution. Consider issues like data disclosure, security flaws, and the possible impact of downtime.
• Examine your remote users’ locations. Due to network slowness or connection limitations, some solutions may perform better for users in specific locations.
• Examine your organization’s technical skills for deploying, managing, and supporting the chosen solution.
• Understand any industry-specific compliance rules that your company must follow.

Finally, consider a mix of these solutions to satisfy the needs of your organization’s various use cases. For instance, VPN for secure file and application access, VDI for standardized desktop environments, and RDP for technical assistance.

Bottom Line: Tailor Secure Remote Access Solutions To Your Needs

Finding the best remote access solution is a critical first step toward fulfilling your organization’s full potential. Whether you prioritize encrypted connections with a VPN, want flexible and standardized environments with Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), or opt for direct management with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), adapting your solution to your organization’s specific needs is critical. Regardless of which option you choose, strict security controls and best practices are essential.

Read next: Remote Work Security: Priorities & Projects

This updates a Nov. 2021 article by Chad Kime

The post VDI vs VPN vs RDP: Choosing a Secure Remote Access Solution appeared first on eSecurity Planet.

Remote access plays an important role for businesses with remote workforces, geographically disparate branch offices, and limited technical resources. Because it creates connections between a client device and a host device, remote access must be secured.

Internal vulnerabilities and external threats can expose remote access and remote control connections, and they can allow attackers to intercept data and application credentials. To protect your team’s remote communications, your security team must understand the weaknesses of remote access protocols and why securing them is so important.

Jump to:

• How Secure Remote Access Works
• Why Is Securing Remote Access for Workers So Important?
• When Should You Use Secure Remote Access Solutions?
• Implementing Secure Remote Access for Your Organization
• 4 Benefits of Secure Remote Access
• 4 Challenges of Secure Remote Access
• Bottom Line: Secure Remote Access to Protect Data and Networks

How Secure Remote Access Works

Remote access technology uses protocols to make one computer’s content available to another one. These protocols interface the two devices so the client computer can view files and web pages on the host computer.

Popular remote access venues include:

• Remote desktop protocol (RDP), a highly popular protocol in previous decades for remote desktop access.
• Virtual private networks (VPNs), a virtual tunnel between networks intended to hide communications from third parties.
• Virtual desktop interface (VDI), which is a virtually hosted desktop that users can access remotely from their own computers.

Note that not all of these venues are inherently or perfectly secure — they have vulnerabilities and require additional protective measures. Even VPN, while marketed as a security tool, has weaknesses of its own.

Read more about the different types of remote access.

Why Is Securing Access for Remote Workers So Important?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a slew of workers had to use remote access protocols because they weren’t able to access the office computers that housed the applications and files they needed. But most businesses and IT teams weren’t prepared for the barrage of cyberattacks and sophisticated techniques employed by threat actors. Remote access technologies like RDP were highly exploited. IT teams had their hands full trying to bring their newly remote workforces online, and some cybersecurity measures fell through the cracks.

Many remote access protocols are easy to exploit. They have backdoors and are vulnerable because of weak credentials, weak network security, and weak access controls. Attackers’ strategies have ramped up over the past decade, and many businesses have fallen behind in prevention efforts.

Securing remote access is critical because of the control it gives the person on the managing computer. Once a threat actor has access to a host computer, they could access applications on that computer and move laterally through the network if the enterprise hasn’t implemented sufficient barriers. Controlling an entire computer or server gives an attacker an untenable amount of power. This is one of the main reasons remote access must be secured — it’s a huge vulnerability.

When Should You Use Secure Remote Access Solutions?

If you’re wondering whether your business should employ security controls for your remote access programs, the answer is probably yes. But there are some cases in which securing remote access and remote control tools are particularly critical:

• You have multiple computers and servers at your main office that employees regularly need to access. If remote access is your company’s everyday routine, you don’t want to skimp on security.
• Your IT team makes frequent updates to users’ computers using remote control software. IT adjustments should certainly be secure and not leave an open door for attackers to spy on a help desk intervention.
• Your employees regularly access a computer with highly sensitive data and applications. Even if it’s just one employee and one computer, be sure that you’re prioritizing your business’s most important information.

Implementing Secure Remote Access for Your Organization

Taking the following steps will improve your business’s remote access security and reduce attackers’ chances of intercepting a remote session.

Oversee admin credentials for systems

Limit who has administrative access to VPN in your organization. Only those who absolutely need it to do their job should have an admin account. Everyone else’s permissions should be severely restricted.

Encrypt sessions

Having unencrypted remote sessions makes it much easier for an attacker to view the details of the session. Always encrypt remote connections so data isn’t viewed or stolen by a malicious outsider (or insider).

Access controls and MFA

Implementing access controls reduces attackers’ chances to spy on a remote desktop session, especially multi-factor authentication (which requires multiple elements to log in to a platform). The more roadblocks an attacker has, the harder it is for them to brute force credentials or manipulate a remote session.

Updated versions of all protocols

Ensure all network and remote access protocols, like VPN, are updated to the most current version. If a technical body releases security patches, implement those too. Updating protocols is a small, easy way to help protect remote sessions.

Learn more about the best practices for your business to secure remote access.

4 Benefits of Secure Remote Access

Remote access improves organizations’ efficiency, saving them money, travel time, and tech resources. Keep in mind that while it’s a beneficial tool for businesses, if your remote access isn’t properly secured, it will increase your company’s attack surface in the long run.

IT assistance over distances

One of the earliest uses of remote access, IT remote assistance is particularly helpful both for geographically disparate teams and for enterprise tech providers. Remote access allows IT personnel to fix technical issues for their organizations’ employees, and it also allows enterprise IT vendors to provide support for their customers when a solution goes awry. Remote access frees up time and money so IT teams don’t have to travel to solve technical difficulties.

Fully or partially remote companies

Remote businesses need more than remote IT support. Sometimes, team members need to access computers or servers that reside at a geographically distant office. Or they may need to use software that isn’t available on their computer but is installed on a remote desktop.

Employees who frequently travel

Similarly, companies that don’t have remote workers or branch offices might still have sales teams or other employees that travel frequently. If these employees still need to access company resources while traveling, remote access solutions help them use platforms and view files without taking the host computer along.

Device flexibility

Assuming the network connections are properly secured, remote access provides more flexibility for businesses who need their employees to be able to work on phones, tablets, and other devices. If a new contract worker only has a tablet, they can use remote access tools appropriately to access the software they need, even if it’s on a desktop in another country.

4 Challenges of Secure Remote Access

Remote access technology is susceptible to threats from protocol and network vulnerabilities, including outdated software, weak passwords, and unsafe Wi-Fi.

Insufficient access controls

When protocols like VPN don’t have appropriate access controls — such as strong passwords or layered privileges — users tend to have remote access that they don’t need. This opens the door for an external or internal threat actor to take control of a remote session.

Obsolete protocols

Some businesses use old network and remote access protocols that are riddled with vulnerabilities, failing to update them to the most recent protocol. Some older networking protocols need to be done away with altogether because they’re generally unsafe to use.

Software that hasn’t been updated

Outdated operating systems or application versions are often more susceptible to attack because they have known vulnerabilities or are missing the most recent security patch.

Insecurities of remote networks

Many home Wi-Fi passwords are weak, and some networks, like public Wi-Fi, don’t have passwords at all. A spying attacker can hijack a remote access session more easily when it takes place on an unsecured network or Wi-Fi connection.

Bottom Line: Secure Remote Access to Protect Data and Networks

Remote access is a beneficial tool, but without proper security measures it can also cause significant financial and reputational damage. If a threat actor gains control over an entire machine or application, the consequences could easily devastate small businesses and enterprises alike.

It’s also a good idea to create an organization-wide remote access policy. Such a policy should clearly state expectations for remote access credentials — for example, strong passwords and MFA — and should give clear guidance on which employees and devices can access company resources remotely.

Read more about best practices for securing remote access in your organization.

The post What Is Secure Remote Access? appeared first on eSecurity Planet.

Here we’ll look at how XSS attacks work; important coding, prevention and security steps; and a range of application security products that can help make the job of XSS prevention easier.

Jump ahead to:

• How Does Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Work?
• How to Prevent Cross-Site Scripting Attacks
• 3 Types of Cross-Site Scripting Attacks
• Real-Life Examples of Cross-Site Scripting Attacks
• What Tools Help Prevent XSS Attacks?
• Bottom Line: Preventing XSS Attacks

How Does Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Work?

Cross-site scripting attacks happen when hackers take advantage of insecure web application validation and encoding practices to inject malicious scripts into a victim’s browser, potentially leading to account takeover, redirection to a malicious website, or other harmful activity. If the website is vulnerable to XSS attacks, the user’s input will execute as code.

Here’s how an attacker creates and then injects malicious code into a vulnerable website:

1. Malicious code creation: After finding a vulnerable website via vulnerability scanning, subdomain enumeration, and other techniques, the attacker creates malicious code, typically in JavaScript, to take advantage of flaws on the target website.
2. Code injection: After preparing the malicious code, the attacker injects it into the vulnerable website by modifying an executable script with malicious code.
3. Attack Initiation: When a person visits a website that has been hacked, the malicious code is automatically run in that user’s browser.
4. Cookie theft: As the malicious code runs, it can steal tokens, cookies, and other sensitive data from the user.
5. Illegal access: Armed with the stolen data, the attacker gets access to the user’s session or account without authorization.

How to Prevent Cross-Site Scripting Attacks

Fortunately, good coding practices can mitigate the risk of XSS attacks. Here are some coding techniques and preventive steps to defend your web applications from XSS attacks. You can strengthen the security of your website and provide a safe user experience by putting appropriate input validation and output encoding techniques into practice.

Variable Validation

Variable validation is a technique for determining whether an input satisfies your desired criteria. By doing this, you may lower the possibility of harmful information wreaking havoc in your application by ensuring that only secure and correctly structured data passes through.

Use filters or regular expressions, for example, to ensure that an email address looks like one that is expected from a user. Don’t do any delicate operations and notify the user if it doesn’t follow the anticipated format.

PHP example:

//This code assumes we are receiving an email address input
$userEmail = $_POST['email'];

// Validate the email using a filter to ensure it's in a proper email format
if (filter_var($userEmail, FILTER_VALIDATE_EMAIL)) {
    // Email is valid, proceed with further processing
    // ...
} else {
    // Invalid email format, handle the error appropriately
    // ...
}

Output Encoding

Another way to protect against XSS attacks is output encoding. When you display dynamic content on your website (like user comments or messages), you need to encode it properly before rendering it in HTML. Encoding means converting special characters to harmless equivalents so the browser doesn’t interpret them as code.

Encoding ensures that script tags in a user’s submissions show as ordinary text rather than being executed as scripts. OWASP offers a “cheat sheet” to help developers encode securely; we’ve borrowed a few coding examples below.

Output Encoding for HTML Contexts

Inserting a variable between two basic HTML tags such as:

<div> $varUnsafe </div>

could allow data rendered as “$varUnsafe” to be modified to add an attack to a webpage. OWASP recommends HTML entity encoding for a variable as you add it to a web template, using “safe sinks” like textContent for variable placement.

Output Encoding for HTML Attribute Context

This adds variables to HTML attribute values for a variety of functions, like modifying hyperlinks, concealing items, adding alt-text, or altering styling.

Example:

<div attr="$varUnsafe">
<div attr="*x" onblur="alert(1)*"> // Example Attack

Quotes (” and ‘) are difficult to change where a variable operates and this helps prevent XSS attacks. When using JavaScript, .setAttribute and [attribute] will automatically HTML Attribute Encode and will be secure with safe HTML attributes.

Output encoding for JavaScript Context

JavaScript Contexts place variables into inline JavaScript embedded in an HTML document. variables into HTML pages, and should be placed within a quoted data value for security.

Example for “quoted data values”:

<script>alert('$varUnsafe')</script>
<script>x='$varUnsafe'</script>
<div onmouseover="'$varUnsafe'"</div>

Characters should be encoded using the \xHH format. OWASP offers a Java encoder to help developers. For JSON, the Content-Type header should be application/json and not text/html.

Other Output Encoding Dangers

Variables placed into inline CSS must be placed in a CSS property value. This way, users may easily alter the look of their web pages without jeopardizing security.

URLs should be encoded, followed by HTML attribute encoding, and when using JavaScript to construct a URL Query Value, use window.encodeURIComponent(x).

OWASP also notes a number of “dangerous contexts” that are insecure even with output encoding, including:

• <script>Directly in a script</script>
• <!– Inside an HTML comment –>
• <style>Directly in CSS</style>
• <div ToDefineAnAttribute=test />
• <ToDefineATag href=”/test” />
• Callback functions
• URLs handled in code
• JavaScript event handlers (onclick(), onerror(), onmouseover()).
• Unsafe JS functions like eval(), setInterval(), setTimeout()

HTML Sanitization 

HTML sanitization is the process of removing any scripts or components that might be hazardous from user-generated HTML. Before user input is shown on your website, HTML sanitization acts as a safety net, removing or neutralizing any possible risks.

HTML sanitization, for instance, will filter away any dangerous components or attributes from a blog post that contains HTML code, ensuring that only safe material is displayed to users. By doing this, you maintain the safety of your website and safeguard users from potentially dangerous activities.

The use of reputable and well-maintained libraries for HTML sanitization in online applications is critical, and OWASP suggests DOMPurify as a useful tool in the fight against XSS attacks.

Other XSS Controls

Validation, encoding and sanitization are primary XSS prevention techniques, but others can help limit damage from inadvertent mistakes. These include cookie attributes, which change how JavaScript and browsers can interact with cookies, and a content security policy allowlist that prevents content from being loaded.

Also read:

• How to Use Input Sanitization to Prevent Web Attacks
• 7 Database Security Best Practices
• How to Prevent SQL Injection: 5 Key Prevention Methods

3 Types of Cross-Site Scripting Attacks

There are three XSS attack types, each with their own attack techniques and targets. We’ll go into each in greater detail below.

• Stored XSS includes injecting dangerous scripts that remain on the server permanently
• Document Object Model (DOM)-based XSS manipulates the DOM to conduct malicious operations directly on the user’s browser
• Reflected XSS reflects harmful scripts from the victim’s input

Stored XSS

Stored XSS involves the long-term storage of malicious scripts or code on a web server, database, or application. These scripts are then presented to unwary individuals who enter a given website or read a particular piece of information. Sanitize and evaluate all user-generated material before storing it and before presenting it on websites to avoid this.

Reflected XSS

Reflected XSS is a type of attack where malicious scripts or code are injected into the URL or request parameters, and the server reflects this input back to the user in the response. When a user clicks on a manipulated link, the user unknowingly runs the injected script. Validate and sanitize all user input, especially information from URL parameters or form fields, to avoid this.

DOM-Based XSS

In a DOM-Based XSS attack, malicious scripts manipulate the DOM to damage operations. DOM-Based XSS doesn’t require server interaction, in contrast to other XSS attacks. Before dynamically altering the DOM, it is essential to verify and sanitize user input in order to avoid this.

3 Real-Life Examples of Cross-Site Scripting Attacks

British Airways, Fortnite, and eBay are three of the most notable real-life victims of XSS attacks where malicious hackers exploited vulnerabilities in their websites to inject harmful scripts and compromise user data. These high-profile breaches underscore the critical importance of implementing robust security measures to safeguard against such cyber threats and protect user information in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

British Airways

In 2018, British Airways was a target by Magecart, a hacker group known for their credit card skimming tactics. They exploited an XSS flaw in Feedify’s JavaScript library, modifying the script and sending private client information to a fake server. The fake server had an SSL certificate, deceiving consumers into believing transactions were safe. The hackers stole 380,000 booking transactions before anyone discovered the malware flaw.

Fortnite

In 2019, Fortnite, a popular online game with over 200 million users, had an XSS flaw that went unreported. Attackers may have combined the XSS issue with an unsafe single sign-on (SSO) vulnerability to steal virtual money, listen to player conversations, and wreak havoc. Fortnite was informed of the attack by Check Point, but it’s unclear if attackers exploited the vulnerability at the time.

eBay

In 2015 and 2016, a serious XSS flaw on eBay made it possible for attackers to insert malicious code into pages, giving them complete access to seller accounts. The consequences included discounted products, payment details, and manipulation of high-value listings. Although eBay fixed the flaw, follow-on attacks persisted until 2017, making for a lengthy battle against the threats.

What Tools Help Prevent XSS Attacks?

Vulnerability scanning tools, penetration testing tools and web application firewalls can help prevent XSS attacks and keep your website from being compromised. Here are a number of tools you may want to consider, including some specially designed for XSS.

Vulnerability Scanning tools

Vulnerability scanning tools identify and assess security weaknesses in web applications, networks, and systems. They scan code and inputs, detect potential vulnerabilities, and report them to developers and IT and security teams for remediation and patching.

• XSStrike is an open-source XSS scanner that can identify different XSS vulnerabilities. XSStrike can be helpful for spotting possible XSS problems, but how well it works may depend on the particulars of the application being tested.
• XSS Hunter was created to assist security analysts and programmers in locating and monitoring XSS vulnerabilities. It is capable of finding and confirming XSS issues.
• XSSER is another free and open-source XSS scanner. Similar to XSStrike, the application and its security measures will help determine success.
• Acunetix is an effective tool for finding online vulnerabilities, including XSS flaws. It is widely used and well regarded.
• Burp Suite is another highly regard tool for evaluating the security of online applications. Although it offers a variety of options for testing web applications, how it is set up and used will determine how well it works to find XSS vulnerabilities.
• Intruder is another vulnerability scanner used to identify XSS vulnerabilities as well as other security flaws in online applications. The setting and scope of its security checks will help determine how effective it is.
• Dalfox is an open-source XSS scanning tool that is quick and effective. Its usefulness is dependent on the situation in which it is utilized, much like other scanners.

Web Application Firewalls

A web application firewall (WAF) is a security appliance that monitors, filters and blocks malicious traffic before it reaches a web application. It acts as a gatekeeper, detecting and blocking attacks like XSS and SQL injection. WAFs also provide real-time protection by actively analyzing traffic and blocking harmful requests.

While WAFs offer a number of protections for web applications, OWASP notes some limitations for XSS protection, saying they can be “unreliable and new bypass techniques are being discovered regularly. WAFs also don’t address the root cause of an XSS vulnerability. In addition, WAFs also miss a class of XSS vulnerabilities that operate exclusively client-side. WAFs are not recommended for preventing XSS, especially DOM-Based XSS.”

Here are some of the leaders in the WAF market:

• Akamai App and API Protector: Akamai offers security services, and its WAF product is designed to defend apps against a variety of assaults, including XSS.
• AppTrana is a cloud-based application security solution with WAF features to defend against XSS and other web application threats.
• AWS WAF: The web application firewall offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) may be used to defend applications hosted on AWS against a variety of threats, including XSS.
• Cloudflare WAF is a popular solution that provides defense against XSS assaults and other web application dangers.
• Imperva WAF: Imperva offers a variety of security products, and their WAF is intended to defend web applications against various threats such as XSS.
• Microsoft Azure App Gateway: Azure’s Application Gateway offers WAF capabilities to aid in defending web applications hosted on Azure from typical attacks, such as XSS.
• F5 Advanced WAF is designed to shield online applications from XSS attacks and other security risks. To find and stop attempts at malicious code injection, it combines signature-based and behavior-based detection approaches.
• FASTLY is a content delivery network (CDN) that also provides online security services, such as WAF capabilities. Their WAF is intended to recognize and stop a variety of XSS attacks and other web application dangers.
• Fortinet Fortiweb is a specialized web application firewall that offers a defense against typical web application vulnerabilities like XSS. To identify and stop such assaults, it combines signature-based and behavioral analysis approaches.
• Radware offers a WAF solution made to safeguard online applications from a variety of dangers, such as XSS assaults. To recognize and prevent malicious code injections, it makes use of a variety of security measures.
• Wallarm offers a range of application and API security features, including a cloud-based WAF. To find and fix XSS and other web application vulnerabilities, it uses machine learning and behavioral analysis.

Also read:

• Top Code Debugging and Code Security Tools
• Top Application Security Tools & Software

Bottom Line: Preventing XSS Attacks

Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities are all too common, and organizations that depend on their websites and web applications must prioritize cybersecurity and secure coding practices to keep their assets – and brand reputation – safe. XSS attacks can leave seemingly harmless web pages full of destructive scripts, leading to catastrophic consequences and customer harm.

To safeguard your web applications, take proactive measures like routine vulnerability scanning, HTTP-Only cookies, escaping output, and validating user input. XSS attacks happen in a number of ways, and implementing variable validation, output encoding, and HTML sanitization can help enhance security.

Refactor your code to avoid unsafe sinks and rely on trusted libraries like DOMPurify to maintain a safe and user-friendly website. Prioritizing XSS attack prevention and web application security will instill confidence in users, knowing they can count on a secure experience.

Read next: What is Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)?

The post How to Prevent Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Attacks appeared first on eSecurity Planet.

This article will explore how this works in more detail:

• Ransomware & Phishing — a Toxic Combination
• How DMARC Counters Phishing & Ransomware
• Bottom Line: Adopt DMARC as an Essential Part of Email Security

Ransomware & Phishing — a Toxic Combination

Ransomware attacks accounted for approximately one out of every five cyber crimes in 2022 even as the number of ransomware attacks dropped by 23% compared to 2021. However, the impact of ransomware continues to grow as ransoms increase and attackers increase the magnitude of their overall threat with the addition of data exfiltration, extortion, and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks.

The costs of ransomware attacks can be massive, including downtime, data loss, business reputation damage, recovery expenses, forensic investigation expenses, and significant psychological damages for the teams. Ransomware depends upon phishing for the majority of ransomware attacks, yet phishing also delivers other types of attacks. Phishing, in turn, often depends upon email spoofing to trick users into falling for the phishing attack.

Ransomware Depends on Phishing

A ransomware attack can spring from a single email, and phishing provides the most common entry point for ransomware. However, in most cases, clicking on a bad phishing link does not launch ransomware. Attacks that do launch immediately can usually only encrypt the computer for the phishing victim, which limits the ransom-earning potential. More insidious, news-worthy, and revenue generating ransomware attacks need widespread access to the organization for maximum impact.

To achieve the broader goal, 63% of phishing attacks seek to compromise credentials. By stealing credentials, the ransomware gang can then infiltrate the network, expand access, and attack the organization as a whole.

Other Phishing-Delivered Attacks

Although ransomware makes headlines because of their highly disruptive and obvious impact, phishing attacks can deliver a number of other highly harmful attacks such as business email compromise (BEC), credentials harvesting, keyloggers, remote access trojans (RATs), cryptojacking malware, and other spyware. RATs tend to be the malware of choice because they offer the flexibility of future attack options and the hackers can also resell their access to ransomware-as-a-service providers, cryptocurrency mining groups, bot farms, and more.

Phishing Depends on Spoofing

Spammers send an estimated 3.4 billion emails every day, and Google blocks around 100 million phishing emails daily. Attackers use phishing to perform 47% of the attacks against North and South American organizations, 43% of the attacks against Asian organizations, and 42% of the attacks against European organizations. Microsoft even estimates that 94% of cyberattacks begin with a malicious email.

Yet no one clicks on an unconvincing email. Most people will be tricked by emails that appear to be legitimate and sent by a familiar brand. LinkedIn, Microsoft, Adobe, and Google are top brands used in broad phishing attacks, but smaller brands will also be used in more targeted attacks.

It’s not so difficult to fake an email. Attackers forge the “From” address to target victims with a fraudulent, “spoofed” email that appears to be from a legitimate sender.

For example, perhaps an administrator at the law firm of GenericContracts.com clicks on a phishing link and the attackers scope out the firm. The attackers may find the firm too small to be worth a ransom attack but also realize that the firm does local work for dozens of larger corporations.

The ransomware attackers may choose to spoof the GenericContracts.com domain and send phishing emails to the stolen contact names for those larger corporations with “Overdue Invoice” PDF files laden with malware. With an existing working relationship with GenericContractors.com, the corporate clients are more likely to click on the phishing emails and enable future ransomware attacks.

How DMARC Works to Stop Ransomware

Fortunately, DMARC provides a way to stop email using fake “From” addresses and reduce spoofing email attacks. DMARC provides email authentication not only to validate official emails but also to invalidate imposter emails by enhancing other email authentication standards.

How Email Authentication Works

DMARC is published with an organization’s Domain Name Service (DNS) and depends on the prior establishment of two other email authentication standards. The Sender Policy Framework (SPF) lists all domains authorized to send emails on behalf of the organization. The DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) standard enables an organization to digitally sign emails from their domain using public key cryptography to verify that an email is delivered unaltered.

DMARC builds on SPF and DKIM to:

• Check for alignment, or consistency, between the “from” field in the body of the email and the SPF and DKIM domains
• Instruct the email server how to handle (ignore, quarantine, or discard) emails that fail SPF, DKIM, or DMARC checks

DMARC Alignment Example

Extending the example above, hackers may forge a fake email spoofing the accounts payable department of GenericContracts.com in the “From” field of the text the reader can see. However, the email itself will be sent from their own domain of SpammyPhishing.com, which shows up only in the header of the email (normally hidden from the reader).

However, if GenericContract.com deployed an effective DMARC policy, their clients’ email server would perform a DMARC check. The DMARC check would fail the email for being sent from a non-authorized domain and for having misalignment (or non-matching) header and email “From” fields. The receiving email server would be notified that the spoofed emails are fraudulent and likely send the impersonating email to the SPAM folder or even discard them.

Additionally, GenericContracts.com would receive a report from their clients’ emails servers that detail the campaign of phishing emails from SpammyPhishing.com. GenericContracts can then proactively warn customers about the phishing attack, search for their data breach, and report SpammyPhishing.com as a malicious URL.

How to Use DMARC

Security specialists recommend using DMARC to help protect against ransomware attacks as an essential email security tool. While DMARC primarily protects other organizations receiving emails attempting to impersonate the organization, DMARC makes the task of spoofing emails significantly more complicated for hackers and helps preserve the organization’s brand image.

Of course, it’s not the ultimate protection, as there are many other techniques hackers can deploy. Additionally, organizations need to enforce DMARC on their email receiving servers to perform the DMARC check. However, every protection deployed adds an additional layer of defense, and deploying DMARC also adds other benefits to the organization, such as improving the delivery of marketing emails.

Bottom Line: Adopt DMARC as an Essential Part of Email Security

DMARC can be challenging to configure correctly; however, it provides powerful email protection against spoofing, phishing, and related attacks such as ransomware. Organizations need to adopt DMARC to protect themselves and others against spoofing attacks and to help erode the threat of spam, which accounted for 48% of all emails sent in 2022.

For further reading on tools to secure email:

• How to Improve Email Security for Enterprises and Businesses
• 9 Best Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) Solutions for 2023
• Top Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Providers
• Top Secure Email Gateway Solutions

This article was originally written and published by Julien Maury on September 21, 2021 and updated by Chad Kime on June 6, 2023.

The post How DMARC Can Protect Against Phishing & Ransomware appeared first on eSecurity Planet.

Attackers have been using classic flaws for years with a pretty high success rate. While advanced threat actors have more sophisticated approaches such as adversarial machine learning, advanced obfuscation, and zero-day exploits, classic attack techniques such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), remote file inclusion (RFI) and directory traversal are still the most common attacks.

These techniques are often the first step on the way to privilege escalation and lateral movements. That’s why developers must sanitize and validate data correctly before processing transactions or saving any entry in a database.

Here we’ll focus on sanitizing and validating inputs, but other elements such as a server’s configurations must also be taken into account to properly secure forms.

See the Top Web Application Firewall (WAF) Solutions

What is the Difference Between Sanitizing and Validating Input?

Validation checks whether an input — say on a web form — complies with specific policies and constraints (for example, single quotation marks). For example, consider the following input:

<input id="num" name="num" type="number" />

If there’s no validation, nothing prevents an attacker from exploiting the form by entering unexpected inputs instead of an expected number. He or she could also try to execute code directly if submitted forms are stored in a database, which is pretty common.

To prevent such a bad situation, developers must add a validation step where the data is inspected before proceeding. For example, using a popular language like PHP, you can check the data type, the length, and many other criteria.

Sanitizing consists of removing any unsafe characters from user inputs, and validating will check to see if the data is in the expected format and type. Sanitizing modifies the input to ensure it’s in a valid format for display, or before insertion in a database.

Why You Should Use Input Sanitization and Validation

The most common techniques used against weak inputs are probably cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, which involves attackers injecting malicious scripts into otherwise trustworthy websites.

Some XSS attacks are more obvious than others, which means that even if you take the time to sanitize and validate your inputs, a skilled attacker might still find a way to inject malicious code under specific conditions.

A classic attack demo consists of injecting the following script in a weak input, where the placeholder ‘XSS’ is arbitrary JavaScript:

<script>alert('XSS')</script>

If the content of the input is displayed on the page (or elsewhere), the attacker can execute arbitrary JavaScript on the targeted website. The typical case is a vulnerable search input that displays the search term on the page:

https://mysite.com/?s=<script>alert('XSS')</script>

It gets worse if the malicious entry is stored in the database. The demo code might look fun to play with, but in real-world conditions attackers can do a lot of things with JavaScript, sometimes even steal cookies.

When Not to Use Sanitization

The biggest problem with sanitization is the false impression of security it might give. Stripping unwanted chars and HTML tags is only one layer of checking. It’s often poorly executed and removes too much information like legitimate quotes and special chars while it does not cover all angles of attack. You cannot apply generic rules blindly.

The context is the key, which includes the programming languages in use. More on this later, but it’s important to follow a principle called “escape late” (for example, just before output) because you know the exact context where the data is used.

In my experience, the trickiest situations are when you need to allow raw inputs and other permissive configurations. In such cases, it becomes very hard to sanitize data correctly, and you have to maintain a custom whitelist of allowed characters or manually blacklist some malicious patterns.

It’s recommended to use robust libraries and frameworks instead.

More generally, developers must not hesitate to return errors on bad inputs instead of resorting to guessing or fixing, which is prone to errors and flaws.

Best Practices: Sanitizing Inputs, Validation, Strict Mode

There are some principles and best practices that dev teams can follow for the best possible results. We’ll cover the broad categories, along with specifics to watch for.

Don’t Trust User Inputs

Some websites don’t bother checking user inputs, which exposes the application to the maximum level of danger. Fortunately, that’s getting rarer thanks to security awareness and code analysis. However, incomplete sanitization is not a great solution either.

Here are a few of the possible attack paths you need to think about.

GET requests

If developers don’t sanitize strings correctly, attackers can take advantage of XSS flaws such as:

https://mysite.com/?s=<script>console.log('you are in trouble!');</script>

Classic cybersecurity awareness usually highlights the above example with a simple console.log or even an alert. However, it shows that anyone can execute arbitrary JavaScript on your page by simply sending a shortened version of the malformed URL to unsuspecting victims.

Some XSS flaws can even be persistent (stored in the database, for example), which removes the hassle from attackers of making the victim click on something by automatically serving malicious payloads to the website’s users.

Cookies

Websites often use HTTP cookies for session management, customization, and tracking. For example, developers can log in users, remember their preferences, and analyze their behaviors.

The server generates a cookie, or an approximate piece of data, and sends it to the browser to save it for later uses. As a result, stealing cookies allows attackers to be able to impersonate the victims by providing them with immediate access to the targeted accounts without login.

Moreover, hackers don’t have to compromise the victim’s computer. Because HTTP cookies are sent along with each request, attackers can intercept those requests to steal data during man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, for example.

A more sophisticated approach can use an XSS attack to insert malicious code into the targeted website to ultimately copy users’ cookies and perform harmful actions in their name.

While Google plans to phase out cookies in its Chrome browser next year, it’s still important to develop best practices for cybersecurity. For example, as of 2022, SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is no longer an optional layer. However, if the code sends non-SSL requests, cookies will be sent in plain text, so make sure you are using SSL everywhere.

Another good practice is to always use the httpOnly attribute to prevent hijacking with JavaScript. The SameSite attribute is also recommended for developers.

While cookies are convenient for both users and developers, modern authentication and APIs allow better approaches. As storing data in client-side databases allows for many safety and privacy vulnerabilities, it’s better to implement other more secure practices instead.

POST requests

POST requests are server-side requests, so they do not expose data in the URL, for example, when you upload an image on your online account or when you submit a contact form, such as:

<form action="https://my-website.com/contact" method="POST">

A common misconception is that POST requests are more secure than GET requests. However, at most, POST requests are security through obscurity. While it is better to use POST requests for user modifications, it’s not great for security-related purposes, and it won’t harden security magically.

One very simple way to sanitize POST data from inputs in PHP could be through the commands:

filter_var($_POST['message'], FILTER_SANITIZE_STRING);

filter_var('bobby.fisher@chess.com', FILTER_VALIDATE_EMAIL)

Another good practice in PHP is to use htmlentities() to escape any unwanted HTML character in a string.

As with cookies, always use SSL to encrypt data, so only TCP/IP information will be left unencrypted.

Directory traversal

If the codebase includes an image tag such as

<img src="/getImages?filename=image12.png" />

then hackers may try using

https://yourwebsite.com/getImages?filename=../../../etc/passwd

to gain access to users’ information.

However, if your server is configured correctly, such attempts to disclose confidential information will be blocked. You should also consider filtering user inputs and ensuring that only the expected formats and data types are transmitted.

Also read: Top Code Debugging and Code Security Tools

Don’t Trust Client-Side Validation

A common misconception, especially for beginners, is to rely on HTML and JavaScript only to validate forms data. While HTML allows defining patterns and required fields, such as setting a character limit or requiring specific fields to be filled, there is no HTML attribute or JavaScript code that can’t be modified on the client side.

Hackers might also submit the form using cURL or any HTTP client, so the client side is absolutely not a secure layer to validate forms.

Enable Strict Mode

Whenever you can, enable strict mode, whether it’s PHP, JavaScript or SQL, or any other language. However, as strict mode prevents lots of convenient syntaxes, it might be difficult to enable if you have a significant technical debt and legacy.

On the other hand, if you don’t code in strict mode, the engine starts making guesses and can even modify values automatically to make the code work. This opens up vulnerabilities hackers can utilize to inject malicious commands.

For example, in 2015, Andrew Nacin, a major contributor to WordPress, explained how a critical security bug could have been avoided just by enabling strict mode in SQL. He demonstrated how hackers could exploit a critical vulnerability by using four-byte characters to force MySQL truncation and then inject malicious code in the database.

While a simple solution to prevent such an attack would be to execute the command SET SESSION sql_mode = "STRICT_ALL_TABLES" it is impossible to enable this without breaking all websites powered by WordPress.

Consult the OWASP Web Testing Guide

OWASP, the Open Web Application Security Project, maintains a comprehensive documentation called the Web Security Testing Guide (WTSG) that includes input validation.

This guide offers information on how to test various injections and other sneaky attacks on inputs. The content is frequently updated, and there are detailed explanations for various scenarios.

For example, you can check out their page on Testing for Stored Cross Site Scripting to learn how persistent XSS works and how to reproduce the exploit.

Also read: OWASP Names a New Top Vulnerability for First Time in Years

Bottom Line: Sanitize, Validate, and Escape Late

Sanitizing and validating inputs is a mandatory dev practice but you cannot apply a generic solution to all entries. You have to consider the specific contexts to be able to block injections. Moreover, don’t store anything in the database without validating it, but also escape values before displaying them, as some injections can poison database records.

Another essential practice is to escape data as late as possible, preferably just before display. This way, you perfectly know the final context and there’s no way to leave data unescaped.

Lastly, spend time on fine-tuning static code analysis. This process can tend to generate a lot of false positives, such as XSS flaws that can’t be exploited; however, every single HTML attribute and tag that gets its value dynamically should be escaped.

While hackers won’t be able to exploit all tags to grab sensitive data or trick logged in users, you should still incorporate static analysis to prevent as many vulnerabilities as possible.

Read next:

• Software Supply Chain Security Guidance for Developers
• Best DevSecOps Tools

The post How to Use Input Sanitization to Prevent Web Attacks appeared first on eSecurity Planet.

This article looks at the key features and benefits of the ESET PROTECT Advanced solution.

ESET PROTECT

The PROTECT platform is ESET’s solution for the hybrid infrastructure era. As organizations adopt more cloud and virtual workloads, tools like PROTECT are critical to transitioning from on-premises systems and protecting the digital infrastructure. Administrators can use a single cloud-based management console to quickly deploy ESET and configure policies.

ESET Protect delivers:

• IT Operations improves workflows and reduces costs with controls for managing and controlling devices
• Security Management to protect networks and data
• Security Operations to detect, analyze, and respond to threats
• ESET LiveSense multi-layered technologies to improve protection, inspection, and responses to attacks
• Premium Services for threat intelligence, managed detection and response (MDR), support and more.
  

ESET PROTECT IT Operations

Within the IT Operations solution of ESET PROTECT, IT managers can implement a variety of controls and workflows. These options reduce costs by automating many time-consuming tasks related to deployment and policy implementation: device control, firewall management, inventory (hardware and software), mobile device management, rogue device management, and web control.

ESET PROTECT Security Management

Security provides a key component of the ESET PROTECT product and legacy ESET technology. The Security Management solutions include: automated response, cloud office security, encryption, endpoint detection, ESET LiveGuard malware detection, and multi-factor authentication.

Together, these tools lock down data and provide security for a comprehensive range of business infrastructure for small and medium-sized businesses. Of special note are two key features: full disk encryption and advanced threat defense provided by ESET LiveGuard Advanced.

Full Disk Encryption

Using a combination of proprietary encryption and OS encryption tools, ESET PROTECT supports Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and OPAL self-encrypting drives. Full-disk encryption significantly reduces data risks and protects critical systems.

Read more:

• 19 Best Encryption Software & Tools of 2021
• Top 10 Full Disk Encryption Software Products

ESET LiveGuard Advanced

ESET LiveGuard Advanced provides ESET’s fully automated cloud-based machine-learning sandbox to perform behavioral analysis and deep inspection of attacks and malware. This tool directly counters zero-day threats and ransomware strains with a critical protection layer for investigating suspicious traffic before it enters the network.

The sandbox simulates actual machine behavior for all physical and virtual hosts, giving malicious files the chance to launch in an isolated environment while critical segments stay protected.

A sample ESET Dynamic Threat Defense sandbox file behavior report

ESET PROTECT Security Operations

The security operations tools within ESET PROTECT enable detection rules, enriched context for alerts, forensic tools, indicators of compromise, and tools for threat hunting and incident response. As part of this toolset, ESET Inspect enables eXtended Detection and Response (XDR) capabilities.

Using these tools internal security teams, managed detection and response (MDR) teams, or managed IT security service providers (MSSPs) have the tools and the information to rapidly detect, identify, investigate, and document an incident response.

ESET PROTECT LiveSense

The LifeSense technologies within the ESET PROTECT solution provide a host of cloud-based, multi-layered protections and tools. These tools include advanced machine learning, firmware inspectors, botnet protection, network attack protection, secure browsers, and more.

ESET PROTECT Premium Services

To complement the ESET PROTECT solution, ESET provides an array of premium services such as an infrastructure health check, deployment and upgrade services, premium support, threat intelligence, and managed detection and response (MDR) services.

ESET Competitors

• Bitdefender
• Broadcom
• Cisco
• CrowdStrike
• F-Secure
• Kaspersky
• McAfee
• Trend Micro
• Palo Alto Networks

Also read: Top Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) Solutions

Recognition & Reviews

On Gartner Peer Insights, ESET has almost 700 customer reviews for ESET PROTECT with an average of 4.5 / 5 stars. ESET earned similar ratings from 166 reviews on TrustRadius (8.7 / 10) and 605 reviews on G2 (4.6 / 5). Highlighted features included the constant updates and upgrades, an easy onboarding and deployment process, and product capabilities.

Read more: Top XDR Security Solutions

PROTECT Business Pricing

ESET offers an interactive demo and a 30-day free trial of PROTECT. Pricing is listed on their website, but does not reflect potential discounts available through resellers and MSP / MSSP partners.

For businesses, ESET offers three versions of ESET Protect (Entry, Advanced, Complete) with licenses for a minimum of one year and five devices. Discounts are available for longer time commitments, more endpoints, and through occasional new customer promotions. ESET provides instant quotes on licenses for up to 3 years and 100 devices or less on its website and further needs can be explored with custom quotes.

ESET PROTECT Business pricing:

Entry

• $190 / 1 year / 5 devices ($38 / year / device) Minimum
• $4,940 / 3 years / 100 devices ($16.57 / year / device)
• Includes management console, endpoint protection, and file server security
• Detection and Response as well as Security Services are available on demand for additional fees.

Advanced

• $248.40 / 1 year / 5 devices ($49.68 / year / device) Minimum
• $7,560 / 3 years / 100 devices ($25.20 / year / device)
• Adds full disk encryption, and advanced threat defense
• Detection and Response as well as Security Services are available on demand for additional fees.

Complete

• $382.50 / 1 year / 5 devices ($76.50 / year / device) Minimum
• $11,610 / 3 years / 100 devices ($38.70 / year / device)
• Adds cloud app protection and email security

Quotes can also be obtained for separate ESET solutions for multi-factor authentication and Cloud Office security.

ESET: Company background

ESET’s roots start in 1987 in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia (Slovakia), developing its first anti-virus software, NOD. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, ESET was formally established in 1992 and later started subsidiaries in the United States (1999), Czech Republic (2001), Poland (2008), and Canada (2012). With 35 years of anti-virus and endpoint protection experience, the vendor continues its threat research with 13 R&D centers worldwide.

As a security company, ESET’s name recognition may not be as high as other long-time cybersecurity brands. Yet with 35 years of experience, the Slovakia-based company has been around longer than most rivals.

In 2015, ESET made its sole acquisition of UK-based DESlock, a provider of encryption solutions for businesses. With over 1,800 employees in 24 branches around the world, ESET’s security solutions serve over 110 million users and business customers.

Also read: Why ESET makes our list for Best Cybersecurity Awareness Training for Employees in 2021.

This article was originally written by Sam Ingalls on October 9, 2021, and updated by Chad Kime on February 15, 2023.

The post ESET PROTECT Review: Features & Benefits appeared first on eSecurity Planet.