In this blog previously, we discussed how signature-based antivirus is no longer adequate to protect managed service providers (MSPs). For a truly comprehensive approach, moving from antivirus to endpoint detection and response (EDR) is recognized as a necessary next step. Combining it with the 24/7 support of a security operations center (SOC) can give MSPs the appropriate level of protection in today’s high cyber risk reality.
Let’s look at each of these protection layers, to better understand how they can be put to optimal use by working together in concert.
Antivirus
Antivirus software is a baseline tool that MSPs use to protect their clients against malicious files and digital threat actors. It is software deployed on a user’s PC or the company’s network to scan and eliminate infected files or applications and can be reliable for the elimination of most common malware. Security compliance programs are also known to require the installation of antivirus programs as part of a company’s overall cyber risk elimination strategy.
However, antivirus programs are not foolproof, as they cannot keep up with all the emerging types of malware appearing on the market, or the new and innovative ways they manifest themselves on user devices and company networks.
While it is important for MSPs to have antivirus programs installed across their user devices and networks, it is just the first step of an overall endpoint protection plan.
Endpoint detection and response
EDR tools significantly reduce the risk of a data breach by detecting and containing malicious activities that other threat detection tools miss. There are several components of an EDR tool:
- Detection of malicious endpoint activity, including those not handled by traditional antivirus and firewalls
- Tracking of endpoint behavior data over time for early insights into irregular behavior
EDR tools are primarily used to identify suspicious behavior on endpoints, and alert administrators accordingly. In essence, they are a detection and alerting mechanism for the MSP cybersecurity team.
MSPs are recommended to deploy EDR tools, in addition to antivirus software and firewalls, for complete endpoint cyberthreat detection and management for their business.
ConnectWise SOC Services
The SOC is a centralized function that incorporates the people, processes, and technology required to monitor and address security issues affecting a company’s IT infrastructure. SOC can provide many benefits, including improved security posture, early detection and prioritization of threats, and regulatory compliance.
SOC security teams are available 24/7, monitoring security vulnerabilities, attack vectors, and emerging threats on a client network. They are prepared to detect anomalies and mitigate cyberattacks as they arise.
SOCs are at the forefront of three key areas:
- Improving an organization’s cybersecurity posture
- Early detection, prioritization, and mitigation of threats
- Regulatory compliance
In the case of MSPs with small cybersecurity teams and insufficient funding to set up their own SOC, partnering with a managed SOC such as ConnectWise can help maintain vigilance against all incoming cybersecurity threats and significantly add value.
Working as an extension of the MSP cybersecurity team, SOC-certified security analysts, cutting-edge threat intelligence, and threat mitigation solutions from ConnectWise will help MSPs handle all required detection and cyber risk elimination needs, on an always-on basis.
SentinelOne Singularity
SentinelOne Singularity is a next-generation antivirus (NGAV) EDR platform that takes traditional antivirus software to a new, advanced level of endpoint security protection. It goes beyond traditional signature-based malware identification and its known limitations, to a system-centric, cloud-based endpoint protection approach.
SentinelOne Singularity Core has three key attributes:
- Modern protection: Predicts, stops, and corrects the effects of malware and malicious behavior in real time
- Baked-in automation: Provides critical context automatically, which enables administrators to understand what’s happening quickly and recover
- Easy, flexible management: Customizable cloud-first SaaS solution that is easy to install, manage, and maintain
The Singularity platform empowers users of every skill level with ease of use, detailed context, increased detection efficacy, and reduced mean time to respond.
SentinelOne Singularity is trusted as a superior endpoint protection platform that can detect both current and future threats. It delivers comprehensive protection, visibility, and user experience to optimize scale, cost, and performance.
Managed detection and response
MDR programs give MSPs who lack security expertise the highest level of protection by pairing EDR solutions such as SentinelOne Singularity with a SOC and their in-house security team. With the ability to evaluate and mitigate the impact of attacks quickly and effectively, MDR is a true 24/7 detection and response service, using expert, human-led, targeted, and risk-based threat hunting to augment an MSP’s baseline security capabilities.
Get superior endpoint protection with SentinelOne Singularity and ConnectWise
ConnectWise MDR™ integrated with SentinelOne Singularity offers stand-alone or managed solutions options with the ConnectWise SOC Services to deliver superior endpoint security with flexible additional levels of control to monitor and manage endpoints in complex and evolving threat landscapes.
In other words, SentinelOne Singularity advanced EDR coupled with ConnectWise SOC Services is a powerful pairing that maximizes your threat detection capabilities.
Find out how ConnectWise Partners can seamlessly integrate with SentinelOne Singularity >>
