A Primer to Endpoint Threat Detection & Response

As global cybercrime continues to develop new methods to penetrate system defenses, the tactics used in response to threats have been forced to adapt as well. The result has been a move from simple antivirus protection to complete endpoint protection using sophisticated integrations of endpoint malware protection, threat detection and response algorithms, and, in some cases, managed security services. Endpoint threat detection has been identified by Gartner research as one of the top tools for fighting cybercrime.So, What Is It?Endpoint protections starts with the agent. In most cases, a piece of software is installed locally on a user workstation or server. This software offers system event monitoring and actively protects against malwares and phishing attempts. On a simple level, it would seem like a traditional antivirus, but they are different.Antivirus and Endpoint SecurityAn antivirus can act in both a passive state and an active state. In its passive state, the antivirus software updates its threat definitions once a day or week, depending on how you configure it. It also scans for threats according to a schedule. Some antiviruses offer website protection, but this can often lead to a performance hit. In contrast, a threat detection and response solution for endpoints is working for you in real-time with far more granular visibility. Most agents will utilize a cloud based threat repository that's updated every minute. This allows your agent to collaborate with other devices in a cloud repository, and identify threats as they occur. This means no waiting for a patch or research to come through with a solution. The advantage to this is an immediate threat validation and response. The ability to dynamically detect and respond to real-time threats is a key benefit to endpoint protection.Managing RiskAs CISO, a large part of your job will require risk management and developing protocol and policy to deal with imminent risks to your infrastructure. Endpoint threat detection and response solutions offers a set of tools to help. Most solutions in this arena will offer real-time threat analysis of zero day exploits. This is critical in being able to respond to threat vectors in a timely manner. In the interconnection of business today, there is a small window of time before your awareness of an exploit is tested by an attack on the network. A complete endpoint protection solution is a critical factor in meeting compliance within risk management frameworks like NIST. As a CISO, this may be a lot of work to take on, which is why a properly trained and equipped team is necessary.Managed SecurityWhile the software is one tool in dealing with security threats, the other side of the coin is the proper staff. The need for highly trained staff is growing, and the pool of skilled labor isn't keeping pace. Security is a critical issue for businesses and having people who are well versed in threat hunting and offering adequate response to threats is too important. You are better invested in a managed detection and response provider, who have dedicated active threat hunting team, available to you to protect your assets 24x7.Why It MattersAs a CISO or as the director of security for your organization, it matters to have a complete solution for protecting your network and digital assets -- not just because of the potential losses to your company, but because it's best practice and a critical step in compliance. The COBIT framework and Sarbanes-Oxley, or SOX, both require a reasonable level of risk management within a company, and the ability to secure your financial systems, data management systems, and user access are key areas that require prudent, intentional effort.A managed endpoint threat detection and response solution will provide you the necessary security architecture for identifying vulnerabilities and mitigating the risks involved in a complex enterprise architecture.Security is a priority for any business. While you can't eliminate all the threats that will come knocking, you can ensure that when it hits your defenses you are ready with the correct tools to combat them.Learn about Endpoint Managed Detection & Response

Sources:https://www.varonis.com/learn/sox-sarbanes-oxley-act-compliance-requirements-for-it/https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm