They’re able to ward off attacks from well-known malware but they’re usually not as effective at dealing with unknowns and emerging issues without established signatures.Īny decent antivirus product will offer real-time, manual and scheduled scanning for maximum versatility. (Image credit: Shutterstock) Antivirus exploredĬonsumer and small business antivirus products tend to use existing databases alongside simpler machine learning (opens in new tab) and AI (opens in new tab) features to detect known threats to your PC.

Endpoint systems are powerful, and an entire network of devices is usually managed from a single cloud-based control panel, so they’re extremely useful for businesses with more complex needs. An endpoint security system is a cloud-based platform that protects an entire network and all its connected devices, from PCs and laptops to smartphones and tablets.Įndpoint systems include antivirus modules alongside other features, like encryption, data protection, and intrusion detection. And while they do often have extra features, removing malware is their main job.Įndpoint security is a far broader area – and antivirus is just one part of it. It’s been around for decades, and it’s designed to detect, identify and remove malware (opens in new tab) – from viruses and worms to keyloggers and trojans.Īntivirus software is used on consumer PCs and in simpler business setups, and it tends to use existing threat databases to deal with issues as they appear. More computer users are familiar with antivirus software, and for good reason.

Checkpoint endpoint protection