Broadcom Symantec Endpoint Security Products
For this review, we focused mainly on the Broadcom Symantec Endpoint Security Complete and the Symantec Endpoint Security Enterprise. Each of these products does an effective job at providing endpoint protection, but they also bring different elements to the table.
Endpoint Security Complete
This is the most comprehensive set of endpoint security available from Broadcom Symantec. Essentially, the aim of Endpoint Security Complete is to provide protection against all threats at every step of the potential attack process. Those steps include:
- Pre-Attack
- Attack Prevention
- Breach Prevention
- Response/Remediation
To start the offering, we’ll deal with the pre-attack methods. As part of threat and surface reduction, Endpoint Security Complete has real-time malware detection capabilities. It also continuously sends fake threats through the system to spot potential vulnerabilities.
The second step is attack prevention. This includes added security against malware and zero-day exploits. The Network Connection Security feature provides VPN services when problematic WiFi spots are detected. In other words, additional protection measures kick in when a network device connects to a sketchy WiFi network.
Breach prevention is perhaps our favorite feature of Endpoint Security Complete. Symantec’s product uses advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques to continuously grow the parameters of protection used by the software. As threats get better at evading detection, the detection protocols also get better. In addition to blacklisting dangerous websites and devices, the program also uses deception techniques to better judge the intent of potential threats. For example, it provides attackers with false directories and uses bait-and-lure practices to trap attackers with faulty data.
Finally, response and remediation comes into play to assess the damage done by threats and attacks, and minimize that potential damage. The software is based on the research of over 3,000 Symantec professionals and presents an easy-to-use interface that shows the affected devices. Users are able to isolate devices in order to minimize impact. The software itself also isolates endpoints and immediately begins to retrieve or delete files as needed. Thus, if an attack ever reaches the end stages, the data pool that is compromised will be as small as possible.
Broadcom Symantec is one of the big names in cybersecurity, so it’s no surprise that it tested highly. We would recommend this software for small and mid-sized organizations, given that its software allows for lots of configurability and insight into the specific endpoints of a network.
Endpoint Security Enterprise
The other product we focused on is called Endpoint Security Enterprise. This is a slightly less robust product than the Complete version, but it’s along the same lines. We also liked how you can upgrade your existing subscription from Enterprise to Complete with little hassle, allowing your company’s security to grow as its network of devices and endpoints enlarges.
Endpoint Security Enterprise is flexible, with software that targets the full range of cyberattacks a business can experience: ransomware, viruses, spyware, etc. It also offers a centralized system for protecting the passwords on network devices, which is especially useful for smaller businesses that may not have a built-in feature on their networks. The software is also great at detecting signatureless malware.
Again, what we like about these products is that they can be configured as needed. Fine-tuning isn’t for everyone, and no doubt many business owners’ eyes glaze over when thinking about the technical aspects of network security. But any company’s IT department will be excited to get its hands on Symantec Endpoint Security products and set up specific protocols for the types of protection your company needs.
Pricing Plans
Unfortunately, Broadcom Symantec does not directly advertise its pricing structure. Instead, it encourages users to call the sales team or connect to a specific Broadcom partner located near them. We found this lack of transparency quite frustrating.
Reportedly, the base level of software offered by Broadcom Symantec, called Endpoint Protection Cloud, is priced at $28 per device. It appears that the company offers specific deals for corporations, however. If you are interested in the product, you’ll need to contact a sales office for a better idea of the price.
Final Verdict
As far as cybersecurity goes, there is a reason that Broadcom Symantec has been in the game for so long. Its products work well, play nice, and can be easily integrated into your network devices. Installation is simple, the instructions and explanations used by the software are easy to understand, and the price point is on the affordable end of the cybersecurity spectrum.
These products are good at catching loads of malware threats, including the ever-worrisome ransomware. Where the products have a weak spot, though, is their ability to detect and prevent phishing scams. However, through the use of machine learning and AI inherent in the Endpoint Security line, we expect that this will be addressed in the future. It still gets a recommendation for us, especially if you own a smaller or mid-sized business.
