| What is an endpoint? An endpoint is any device that connects and can exchange information with your RIA’s network. It includes all the computers, phones, tablets, you might expect, but internet-of-things like smart speakers or thermostats are also endpoints. |
The prevalence of remote and hybrid work has made endpoint security more important than ever because people are using devices outside the protection of the company’s network. RIAs need to be able to protect their data and devices from a variety of threats, and the best way to do so is to invest in a comprehensive endpoint security solution.
Which endpoint security solution should your RIA firm use?
The type of solution that you should use depends on a number of factors, including the size of your firm, the type of clients you serve, and your geographic location.
However, if you’re like most RIA firms, then you probably already use Microsoft products and services, which makes Microsoft Defender for Endpoint a natural choice. It offers robust protection against a wide range of threats, integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft solutions, and is easy to use.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint also comes at no additional cost if you already have a Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 plan, making it an extremely economical option.
At RIA WorkSpace we recommend Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to the firms we work with. It’s a powerful, flexible, and cost-effective endpoint security solution that can keep your RIA firm safe from the ever-growing number of cyberthreats.
Industry leaders in endpoint security
According to Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms, there are 18 technology providers that stand out in the market. These providers are divided into four categories or “quadrants:” Leaders, Challengers, Visionaries, and Niche Players.
The Leaders quadrant is where you’ll find the cream of the crop when it comes to endpoint security solutions. These are the providers that offer the best combination of features and capabilities, and they’re also the ones that are constantly innovating and expanding their offerings.
Let’s take a closer look at the six vendors that make up the Leaders quadrant and how their solutions can empower your registered investment advisory (RIA) firm to protect its data and devices.
CrowdStrike
The CrowdStrike Falcon is a cloud-based security platform that offers a wide range of technologies to prevent all types of attacks. It includes an endpoint detection and response (EDR) product that’s powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), which makes it extremely effective at stopping even the most sophisticated attacks. It also has a file-based antivirus engine that’s light on resources and doesn’t affect system performance.
What’s more, CrowdStrike’s acquisition of Preempt Security and Humio has allowed the tech provider to introduce additional features into the platform, namely, advanced firewall management and mobile device protection.
McAfee
McAfee’s Endpoint Security Suite comprises a number of security solutions, such as MVISION Endpoint, which defends cloud-native workloads, PCs, and servers as well as MVISION Mobile, which protects Android and iOS devices. The suite also includes MVISION EDR, which enables security teams to detect, investigate, and respond to security incidents.
One unique feature of MVISION EDR is MVISION Insights, which is a technology that prioritizes threats before they strike, predicts if an organization’s countermeasures can stop them, and prescribes the best mitigation strategy.
Microsoft
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an integrated suite of endpoint protection platform (EPP), EDR, and threat hunting capabilities. It’s constantly updated with the latest security intelligence from Microsoft’s vast ecosystem, which gives it a leg up on other solutions in terms of threat detection.
In 2020, Microsoft expanded its operating system coverage, introducing new macOS and Linux protection capabilities and additional coverage for Android and iOS devices. The tech giant has also developed enhancements in threat and vulnerability management and attack surface reduction.
| Related reading: How endpoint security and Microsoft 365 can help RIAs and financial advisors avoid a high RON (return on negligence) |
SentinelOne
SentinelOne’s Singularity platform brings together the company’s EPP, EDR, and next-generation antivirus (NGAV) solutions into one offering. It features AI-driven automation for threat prevention and resolution as well as behavioral-based detection. The platform is also constantly updated with the latest security intelligence, so it can detect and prevent the most recent threats.
In 2020, SentinelOne added new automated mitigation options to Singularity via the Storyline Active Response capability, making it even easier for security teams to investigate and resolve incidents. In addition, the company incorporated new Internet of Things (IoT) discovery and protection capabilities in its Ranger product, which is also a part of the Singularity platform.
Sophos
Sophos Central is a single management console for the company’s EPP, EDR, and mobile threat defense products. This unified platform offers better visibility and control for security teams, making detecting and responding to threats across all endpoint types easier. Sophos Central enables security teams to manage disk encryption, server protection, firewall, and email gateways, providing holistic protection against advanced malware and targeted attacks.
Trend Micro
Trend Micro’s Apex One platform offers a comprehensive range of capabilities, including enhanced automated detection and response, expanded investigative features, and centralized visibility. With a single add-on, organizations can expand the platform to include more sophisticated EDR capabilities that can link with other security tools in the company’s portfolio.
What’s more, Trend Micro solutions work on all current and various legacy operating systems, making it a good choice for businesses with a heterogeneous environment. Trend Micro also offers on-premises, cloud, and hybrid management options, giving organizations the flexibility to choose the deployment model that best suits their needs.
If you have any questions about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or need help getting started, feel free to contact us. Our team of RIA security experts would be happy to assist you.