 Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager GUI, version 14.2 | |
| Developer(s) | Broadcom Inc. |
|---|---|
| Stable release | 14.3 RU9 (Build 11216) / 24 June 2024 [1] |
| Operating system | Windows, macOS and Linux |
| Platform | IA-32 and x86-64 |
| Type | Anti-malware, intrusion prevention and firewall |
| License | Trialware |
| Website | www |
Symantec Endpoint Protection, developed by Broadcom Inc., is a security software suite that consists of anti-malware, intrusion prevention and firewall features for server and desktop computers. [2]
The first release of Symantec Endpoint Protection was published in September 2007 and was called version 11.0. [3] Endpoint Protection is the result of a merger of several security software products, including Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition 10.0, Client Security, Network Access Control, and Sygate Enterprise Edition. [3] Endpoint Protection also included new features. [3] For example, it can block data transfers to unauthorized device types, such as USB flash drives or Bluetooth devices. [3]
At the time, Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition was widely criticized as having become bloated and unwieldy. [2] Endpoint Protection 11.0 was intended to address these criticisms. [2] The disk footprint of Symantec Corporate Edition 10.0 was almost 100 MB, whereas Endpoint Protection's was projected to be 21 MB. [2]
In 2009, Symantec introduced a managed service, whereby Symantec staff deploy and manage Symantec Endpoint Protection installations remotely. [4] A Small Business Edition with a faster installation process was released in 2010. [5] In February 2011, Symantec announced version 12.0 of Endpoint Protection. [6] Version 12 incorporated a cloud-based database of malicious files called Symantec Insight. [6] Insight was intended to combat malware that generates mutations of its files to avoid detection by signature-based anti-malware software. [6] In late 2012, Symantec released version 12.1.2, which supports VMware vShield. [7]
A cloud version of Endpoint Protection was released in September 2016. [8] This was followed by version 14 that November. [9] Version 14 incorporates machine learning technology to find patterns in digital data that may be indicative of the presence of a cyber-security threat. [9] It also incorporates memory exploit mitigation and performance improvements. [10]
Symantec Endpoint Protection is a security software suite that includes intrusion prevention, firewall, and anti-malware features. [11] According to SC Magazine, Endpoint Protection also has some features typical of data loss prevention software. [12] It is typically installed on a server running Windows, Linux, or macOS. [13] As of 2018, Version 14 is the only currently-supported release. [14]
Endpoint Protection scans computers for security threats. [11] It is used to prevent unapproved programs from running, [11] and to apply firewall policies that block or allow network traffic. [15] It attempts to identify and block malicious traffic in a corporate network or coming from a web browser. [16] It uses aggregate information from users to identify malicious software. [12] As of 2016, Symantec claims to use data from 175 million devices that have installed Endpoint Security in 175 countries. [12]
Endpoint Protection has an administrative console that allows the IT department to modify security policies for each department, [11] such as which programs or files to exclude from antivirus scans. [12] It does not manage mobile devices directly, but treats them as peripherals when connected to a computer and protects the computer from any malicious software on the mobile devices. [12]
In early 2012, source code for Symantec Endpoint Protection was stolen and published online. [17] A hacker group called "The Lords of Dharmaraja" claimed credit, alleging the source code was stolen from Indian military intelligence. [18] The Indian government requires vendors to submit the source code of any computer program being sold to the government, to ensure that they are not being used for espionage. [17] In July 2012, an update to Endpoint Protection caused compatibility issues, triggering a Blue Screen of Death on Windows XP machines running certain third-party file system drivers. [19] In 2014, Offensive Security discovered an exploit in Symantec Endpoint Protection during a penetration test of a financial services organization. [20] The exploit in the Application and Device control driver allowed a logged-in user to get system access. [20] It was patched that August. [20] In 2019, Ofir Moskovitch, a Security Researcher discovered a Race Condition bug which involves 2 Critical Symantec Endpoint Protection Client Core Components: Client Management & Proactive Threat Protection and directly results in Protection Mechanism Failure that can lead to a Self-Defense Bypass, aka "SEMZTPTN" - Symantec Endpoint Minimized Timed Protection. [21]
According to Gartner, Symantec Endpoint Protection 14 is one of the more comprehensive endpoint security products available and regularly scores well in independent tests. [10] However, a common criticism is that customers are "fatigued" by "near constant changes" in the product and company direction. [10] SC Magazine said Endpoint Protection 14 was the "most comprehensive tool of its type . . . with superb installation and documentation." [12] The review said EndPoint Protection had a "no-brainer setup and administration," but it does have a "wart" that support fees are "a bit steep." [12]
Forrester said version 12.1 was the most complete endpoint security software product on the market, but the different IT security functions of the software were not well-integrated. [22] The report speculated the lack of integration would be addressed in version 14. [22] Network World ranked Symantec Endpoint Protection sixth in endpoint security products, based on data from NSS Labs testing. [23]
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