Limitations to Edge Defense and Traditional Antivirus Software

Cybersecurity has relied on protective edge devices like firewalls, IDS and IPS systems, and antivirus software for years, but these solutions can be improved. What role do these edge devices play, and how do they fall short of the needs of companies that store individuals’ personal information? 

The Functions of Edge Devices and Antivirus Software 
 
While companies use a few different types of edge defense to protect their network, each has a different function. It is common knowledge that firewalls block and filter out specific incoming traffic from outside sources on the internet. After the firewall, IDS (Intrusion Detection System) devices inspect and detect anything that looks suspicious. When an IDS finds a threat, an alert should be triggered. IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) devices function like IDS but proactively stop malicious attacks. Antivirus protects network endpoints by detecting, identifying, and removing malware if it is discovered. 
  
Evolution of Cyberattacks 
 
While this may be a simplified explanation of what these devices do, you should also know that these defensive measures are outdated. 

Hackers have new ways to penetrate networks without worrying about edge defense. Hackers can bypass firewalls and IDS systems without difficulty by using new tactics involving email phishing, creating websites that can be easily mistaken with other popular domains, malvertising, cryptojacking, and much more. If you think an antivirus program will detect this internal attack, think again. 

Today’s Malware 
 
When someone is tricked into allowing access to malware through things such as a dangerous email, using an unsafe USB, going to the wrong website, or something else, that malware can do just about anything. Malware today is encrypted so well that it is practically invisible to firewalls and IDS/IPS systems. Not to mention, traditional antivirus programs can no longer stop malware. That is where Advanced Endpoint Protection, including Endpoint Detect and Response (EDR) software, comes into play.
 
Once malware bypasses these edge devices through these other internal passages, it can gain control of the network, extract data, monitor and hide any other activity, destroy your data, remove your access, or grant authorized access to sensitive assets and data. Often, this type of threat leads to a ransom attack. 

Instead of relying on simple antivirus software and edge defense devices to combat these threats, you need better cybersecurity solutions. You are best protected with an EDR solution, Security Operations Center (SOC) monitoring, Security Information Event Monitoring (SIEM), and other modern defenses to protect your information.

Cyberattacks evolve each day. Edge defenses are insufficient. Contact us if you would like to discuss your cybersecurity options.