Cloud Based Anti-Virus Review Part 2 - Symantec Endpoint ...

For part 1 in this series, see my review of AVG Cloud Care here.

Continuing our review of cloud-based anti-virus software, the next solution we?ll look at is Symantec?s Endpoint Protection .cloud product.

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Based on Symantec?s popular enterprise-class Endpoint Protection anti-virus application, the .cloud offering is geared to the small business owner that may not have the full IT staff to implement, manage and monitor anti-virus and security solutions.? The business owner has the option of managing their anti-virus internally or granting access to one of Symantec?s .cloud partners in order to manage their security.

The online management tool shares an interface with Symantec?s Backup Exec.cloud service.? You can install both products with one installer if you opt-in to their cloud backup solution.

Installation can be completed in three ways:

1. Install directly from the online portal by logging in with the computer you wish to deploy the software.
2. Download a redistributable package to install locally or through Active Directory.
3. Send emails to users with links to download and install the software.

Policies

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Endpoint Protection.cloud comes pre-configured with a default recommended security policy that you can copy and configure to fit your needs.? The custom policies can be assigned to groups of devices in order to easily manage classes of computers such as servers, desktops and traveling laptops.

The default policy comes enabled with anti-virus, anti-spyware and Syamantec?s proprietary SONAR technology enabled.? SONAR monitors running applications for suspicious behaviors to block zero-day and highly targeted threats in real time.? SONAR and anti-spyware can be disabled if they interfere with legitimate programs running on your PC.

USB Device Control can restrict user access to USB storage devices.? Policies can be modified to deny all access to USB drives or set them in read-only mode.? This offers additional protection not only against viruses and malware, but also adds another layer of protection for safeguarding sensitive data.

Alerts

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Alerts can be configured to immediately notify IT or management when a virus is encountered or another security event takes place.? Alerts can be sent via email or SMS and are also logged in the online portal for review.

The alerts are very detailed and contain useful information about what device encountered the security threat, what the threat was and information about how the attack was attempted.? All useful information to help prevent future attacks and to educate users on what not to do while online.

Remote Management

Windows PCs can be monitored through the online web portal.? Information about each device includes which services are enabled, the policy it belongs to and a history of incidents that were detected on the computer.? You can also view the update and scan history for the last 90 days.

Initiating scans or updates are not available through the web portal, only an option to remove the service.

Reporting

Endpoint Protection.cloud comes with a report wizard that allows IT or the business owner to customize security reports.? Once saved as a template, the reports can be scheduled to run daily or weekly and emailed to a list of recipients.? This allows for an effective review of security events and can identify trends with threat levels.

Subscription Model

Symantec chose to remain with a traditional annual licensing model for .cloud services.? Prices begins at $34/year per device for up to 24 computers, with volume price breaks for up to 250 endpoints.

Pros

• Web-based Management ? Administrators can access an easy-to-use web-based management console and manage the security settings for multiple devices.
• Enterprise-class Protection ? Endpoint.cloud shares the same code base as Symantec?s enterprise solutions.? As the world leader in security solutions, Symantec has a solid reputation for offering the best protection for your network.
• USB Device Control ? Gives you the ability to detect and protect against harmful files from USB storage devices and helps prevent sensitive data from being compromised via portable storage.
• Extensive Data and Reporting Capabilities ? Alerts and reports can be customized and contain detailed information for the IT administrator.
• Anti-Spyware ? Anti-spyware features are included in the Endpoint.cloud service.

Cons

• Traditional Pricing Structure ? Based on an annual subscription model, companies that have a variable number of computers may find the licensing options restricting and not cost-effective.
• Lack of Content Filtering ? Content filtering for user devices is not available as of this writing.
• No Built-in Remote Deployment ? Endpoint.cloud can be deployed through Active Directory, however many smaller businesses may not have the resources or knowledge to deploy using this method.
• Enterprise Focus ? Symantec promotes the .cloud offerings as built for small businesses, yet they define small business as less than 250 endpoints.? Many small businesses under 20 devices may not find the enterprise features as useful or necessary.

Cloud-based anti-virus applications offer many significant advantages over the traditional local software model.? For small businesses that don?t have sophisticated monitoring tools to manage multiple devices, a cloud management portal can be a valuable addition to their security policy.? Whether you choose AVG?s CloudCare service or Symantec?s Endpoint .cloud protection model, keeping your network secure from online threats has never been easier or more affordable.

Source: http://www.tervosystems.com/cloud-based-anti-virus-part-2/

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