With ransomware continuing to be a major security threat in 2024, endpoint security should be an essential aspect of your cybersecurity solution. 

IBM defines ransomware as “a type of malware that holds a victim’s sensitive data or device hostage, threatening to keep it locked – or worse – unless the victim pays a ransom to the attacker.” 

This malware gains access to your organisation’s network through various infection vectors, such as malicious email attachments, downloads or compromised websites. According to Acronis, email attacks in 2024 surged by 293% when compared to the first half of 2023. When you hear stats like this it becomes clear why Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) plays a pivotal role in a business’s ransomware prevention. 

What is endpoint protection?

Endpoint protection or Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) refers to a comprehensive security approach that aims to protect the endpoints, or devices, that connect to a corporate network. These endpoints include computers, laptops, mobile devices, servers, and even Internet of Things (IoT) devices. 

The goal of endpoint protection is to act as the first line of defence, securing your organisation’s devices from cyber threats, such as malware, ransomware, phishing attacks and unauthorised access. Moreover, it prevents attacks from gaining a foothold within your network by detecting and blocking threats immediately.

Endpoints are often the most vulnerable parts of a network, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. As businesses increasingly adopt remote work and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, the number of endpoints that need protection has grown. Without robust endpoint protection, these devices can become entry points for attackers to infiltrate a network, steal data, deploy ransomware or cause other damage.

How Acronis Extends EDR with XDR

While EDR focuses on safeguarding individual endpoints, Acronis takes cybersecurity a step further with its Extended Detection and Response (XDR) solution.

Acronis XDR extends the EDR approach by integrating and correlating data across various security layers – such as networks, servers, and cloud environments – to provide a broader and more unified defence strategy. This holistic approach enables organisations to detect and respond to sophisticated threats that might bypass traditional endpoint security measures, ensuring comprehensive protection across the entire digital infrastructure.

Key Components of Endpoint Protection:

1. Anti-virus and Anti-malware: Detects, quarantines, and removes malicious software from endpoints, including viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware.
2. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Monitors and collects data from endpoints to detect suspicious activity. EDR solutions often include real-time detection, incident response capabilities, and threat hunting.
3. Firewall: Controls incoming and outgoing network traffic to protect against unauthorised access and attacks. It can be software-based (installed on the endpoint) or hardware-based (at the network perimeter).
4. Encryption: Ensures that data stored on or transmitted from an endpoint is encrypted, preventing unauthorised access even if the device is compromised or stolen.
5. Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Monitors and protects sensitive data on endpoints, preventing unauthorised disclosure.
6. Application Control: Restricts the execution of unauthorised applications on endpoints, reducing the risk of malware and other threats.
7. Patch Management: Ensures that all software on endpoints is up-to-date with the latest security patches, reducing vulnerabilities.
8. Remote Access Control: Manages and secures remote access to corporate networks, often using virtual private networks (VPNs) or secure access tools.
9. Behavioural Analysis: Analyses the behaviour of applications and users on the endpoint to detect anomalies that could indicate a security threat.
10. Cloud-Based Management: Allows centralised control, monitoring, and updates across all endpoints in an organisation through a cloud-based console.
11. Signature-Based Detection: Compares files or processes to a known database of malicious files or signatures.
12. Sandboxing: Runs suspicious files or processes in a controlled environment to observe if they exhibit malicious behaviour.
13. URL Filtering: Blocks access to malicious websites, reducing the risk of web-based attacks.
14. Vulnerability Scanning: Identifies security vulnerabilities on your endpoints to help patch them before attackers exploit them.

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By combining robust EDR capabilities with the extended protection of XDR, Acronis ensures that your organisation is well-equipped to face the evolving cybersecurity landscape in 2024 and beyond.

For more insights and to learn more, reach out to Radical Cloud Solutions today. Together, we can simplify your IT management and drive your business forward.