10 antimalware tools for ransomware protection and removal (original) (raw)

The best course for enterprises to prevent the risk of malware and ransomware is security awareness training. The next best course is to use tools that can detect, isolate and remove ransomware threats.

Ransomware protection, prevention and removal tools come in many forms. These features are included in most antimalware tools, endpoint detection and response (EDR) products and other security tool suites.

Let's examine how antimalware tools work and look at 10 leading products that integrate well with enterprise IT infrastructures.

What are antimalware tools?

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Antimalware is software engineered to scan devices and monitor network traffic for malware signatures and traffic anomalies. It is deployed on endpoints, networks and other systems.

Antimalware differs from traditional antivirus software that relies on traditional signature-based methods. Antimalware and antivirus software are sometimes deployed as a single application. In some cases, data is transferred to an antimalware sandbox for further analysis before sending the traffic to its destination.

Generally speaking, antimalware tools focus on the following coverage areas -- some more so than others -- to identify and remediate attacks that might occur:

Such tools track malware from the entry point, across the network and to endpoints where infections could have occurred. When an event occurs, security teams can streamline their investigations and response. Compromised devices can be quarantined quickly from the rest of the corporate network to reduce further exposure.

Top 10 antimalware tools

Note that ransomware is a type of malware that can be detected by antimalware tools. Vendors might label specific tools as "anti-ransomware" or "ransomware protection, detection or removal," but the industry standard is to group them as "antimalware."

The following list is a sample of the types of enterprise-grade antimalware available today that include ransomware protection. While there are plenty of other options, these tools are widely deployed by businesses small and large. Tools are listed in alphabetical order.

1. Bitdefender: GravityZone Business Security Enterprise

Bitdefender offers several antivirus and antimalware options for home and business use. Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Enterprise is often the preferred choice for enterprises. The product provides endpoint protection, along with EDR capabilities. This layered architecture helps ensure malware does not slip through.

Pros

Cons

2. Cisco Secure Endpoint

Cisco Secure Endpoint provides network-centric malware protection tools that identify and block malware, from a single endpoint device to multiple affected devices across an entire corporate network. Features and tools include EDR, extended detection response (XDR), secure DNS and, through its Talos service, advanced malware threat intelligence.

Secure Endpoint is offered in three packages: Essentials, Advantage and Premier.

Pros

Cons

3. ESET Protect

ESET Protect offers defense against malware through a combination of advanced threat intelligence feeds and malware behavioral analysis. Among devices protected are email systems, Microsoft SharePoint deployments, endpoints -- including smartphones and tablets -- and file servers.

Pros

Cons

4. F-Secure Total

F-Secure Total provides endpoint software to protect against known malware signatures in the form of ransomware, spyware, Trojans, bots and other threats. It monitors web browsing traffic to identify malware-infected websites and domains.

Pros

Cons

5. Kaspersky Premium

Kaspersky Premium is considered an easy-to-deploy, no-nonsense option. It provides endpoint antivirus and antimalware protection, automated threat removal, identity protection, private browsing, VPN services and global 24/7 support.

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6. Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection and EDR

Malwarebytes' enterprise versions include endpoint (including servers) protection only or endpoint protection combined with EDR. The combined security portfolio offers multilayered defense against malware, including built-in AI-backed analysis, automated remediation processes and malware removal and rollback features.

Pros

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7. Sophos Intercept X with XDR and MDR

Sophos offers two malware prevention products: Intercept X with XDR and Intercept X with MDR (managed detection and response). Intercept X with XDR protects against targeted malware using machine learning techniques. Intercept X with MDR is a managed security tool that offers network-wide incident response and remediation tools for use by security operations center (SOC) technicians.

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8. Symantec Enterprise Cloud

Symantec Enterprise Cloud offers endpoint protection software, network-centric security, email-derived malware defense and global threat intelligence.

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9. Trend Micro Cloud One

Trend Micro Cloud One protects endpoints and networks in private data centers and clouds, as well as various service workloads, containers and file storage.

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10. Webroot MDR

Webroot offers a suite of security products for endpoints, email, DNS, data center and cloud. The company's MDR product provides 24/7 threat intelligence that pushes information to endpoint systems to quickly respond to evolving threats.

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