Product Overview: Symantec Endpoint Protection
Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP), developed by Broadcom Inc., is a comprehensive security software suite designed to protect endpoints, including laptops, desktops, tablets, mobile devices, and servers, against a wide range of cyber threats. This solution is engineered to deliver multi-layered defense across the entire attack chain, ensuring robust protection before, during, and after an attack.
Key Features
Multi-Layered Malware Protection
SEP employs multiple antivirus engines and advanced behavior analysis to detect and block both known and unknown threats, including viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and other types of malware. It also leverages machine learning algorithms to identify suspicious patterns and proactively address emerging threats.
Intrusion Prevention and Firewall
The solution includes an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) that monitors network traffic and blocks malicious activity before it reaches the endpoint. The integrated firewall controls inbound and outbound network traffic to prevent unauthorized access.
Application and Device Control
SEP provides granular control over application execution and device access, allowing IT teams to whitelist or blacklist applications and devices to prevent unauthorized software and hardware from compromising the system.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
The EDR capability is built into SEP, offering real-time visibility into endpoint activity and enabling rapid response to threats. This feature allows for automatic actions such as quarantining infected files, blocking malicious connections, and rolling back system changes. It also provides detailed investigation tools for security teams to analyze threats and take informed response actions.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
SEP includes DLP features that monitor and restrict sensitive data from being stolen or leaked, ensuring the protection of critical data and operations.
Sandboxing
The solution isolates suspicious files and applications in a sandbox environment to prevent harm to the system, allowing for safe analysis of potentially malicious content.
Patch Management
SEP automates software patching across the endpoint infrastructure, ensuring timely updates and closing security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Network Integrity and Deception
The product features network integrity tools, including Wi-Fi reputation and Smart VPN, to protect against network-based threats. Additionally, it uses deception techniques with lures and baits to expose and delay attackers, providing early visibility into malicious activities.
Active Directory Security
SEP defends against lateral movement and domain admin credential theft by controlling the attacker’s perception of an organization’s Active Directory resources. This is achieved through unlimited obfuscation, creating fake assets and credentials to mislead attackers.
Adaptive Protection and Global Intelligence Network
The solution utilizes an Adaptive Protection approach that automates security configuration to deliver customized protection for each organization. It is supported by the Global Intelligence Network (GIN), one of the largest civilian cyber intelligence networks, which provides real-time threat information and comprehensive threat blocking data.
Architecture and Functionality
- Data Collection and Ingestion: SEP uses a client agent installed on endpoints to continuously monitor system activity, file changes, network traffic, and other relevant data. This data is processed through the Symantec Management Center, which acts as a central hub.
- Threat Detection and Analysis: The solution employs a multi-layered engine that combines antivirus signatures, behavior analysis, machine learning algorithms, and threat intelligence to perform real-time analysis and identify potential threats.
- Threat Response and Remediation: SEP can automatically take actions such as quarantining files, blocking connections, and rolling back system changes. It also provides manual response tools for security teams to further analyze threats and take informed actions.
- Reporting and Visibility: The centralized console offers a unified view of security events across the entire network, including threat detections, blocked attacks, system vulnerabilities, and compliance status reports. Customizable dashboards allow security teams to prioritize specific metrics and insights relevant to their security posture and incident response needs.
Deployment Flexibility
Symantec Endpoint Protection can be deployed in various models, including on-premises, cloud-managed, and hybrid environments, providing flexibility to suit different organizational needs.
In summary, Symantec Endpoint Protection is a robust and integrated solution that offers comprehensive protection against sophisticated cyber threats through its multi-layered defense approach, advanced threat detection, and automated response capabilities. Its flexibility in deployment and management makes it an ideal choice for organizations of all sizes and complexities.