Endpoint Protection Software Review

Endpoint protection software can protect your company’s assets in three ways: by securing online communications, by securing communications between your devices and PCs, and by limiting intentional and unintentional violations against company privacy policies. This type of small office security software can secure more than one PC or Mac from one control console. Endpoint security software includes antivirus, antispyware, firewall protection and more to protect your computers, servers and attached devices.

But this software is not just internet security software; it also includes the ability to manage user profiles, application access, files, web usage and much more, so you can manage productivity and maintain privacy. There are a broad range of endpoint security solutions available, from those that can mange five computers to those that can manage a nearly unlimited number of PCs, Macs, servers and mobile devices.

We've composed helpful articles related to endpoint security software, as well as best endpoint protection software comparisons and reviews to help you find the right software to protect your small business. Our three top-rated titles are Kaspersky Small Office Security, Sophos Endpoint Security and Data Protection and BitDefender.

At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don’t Have To.™

Endpoint Protection Software: What to Look For

Endpoint protection software is not basic internet security software; it does much more to simplify managing sensitive company and personal information. It can control what kind of information can be shared between devices, via the internet or within your network to ensure complete endpoint security. We looked for software that includes not only the best security elements but also a central control console for managing security and user profiles of more than one PC or laptop.

For the purpose of this review, we started out looking at easy to use software that can be installed and managed by a small business owner with little IT experience, we also excluded endpoint solutions that require the use of an appliance for filtering. We then expanded to include well-known products that are capable of managing larger volumes of client computers and those that might need an IT person to install and manage them. We felt this would give our small business owner readers a broader perspective of what is available and how scalable specific endpoint solutions are so they can make a better choice about what is best for their company.

Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate endpoint protection software:

Internet & Endpoint Security
We looked for the best endpoint protection software for protecting computers and data on the internet and within the network. The most defensive endpoint security software includes all internet security suite necessities such as protection from viruses, adware and spam. In addition, this software provides data and identity protection which includes tools to restrict information transferred by email, between computers or to and from devices like USB drives or network attached devices . Many also offer encryption options for protecting specific files and folders.

Management Features
A central console is what sets this type of software apart from basic internet security software. This management tool can deploy software to the client computers and manage users' web usage, application access, download abilities, security updates and more. The best endpoint protection software includes comprehensive reports and easy-to-understand graphs about PC usage as well as instant notifications regarding potential security threats.

Compatibility
Many small businesses use a variety of computers and devices, such as a few PCs or laptops, a couple of Macs, some external storage devices and perhaps a server. Because many companies use a variety of devices, we looked for software that can manage and protect an assortment of devices that may use different operating systems. The most compatible endpoint protection software can manage the security and data privacy of PCs and Macs as well as externally connected storage devices.

Ease of Use
Endpoint security software is ideal for small businesses that most likely do not employ a fulltime IT person or system administrator. We looked for software that is simple to install and employ to client computers. Additionally, configuring client profiles, creating reports and running scans should also be uncomplicated and shouldn't require much help from technical support.

Help & Support
Though endpoint protection software should be simple to deploy and for the most part maintain itself, should you need help it should be readily accessible. We looked for software providers that provide one-on-one support via telephone, email, chat or Twitter. The best providers also post ample product information and user guides online and include comprehensive embedded help files within the software itself.