Difference between Endpoint Security and Antivirus Software

1. Endpoint Security :
Endpoint Security also called Endpoint Protection Software is an security approach to detect malicious network activities and other cyber attacks and to protect the endpoints means any device utilized by an end-user or corporate clients. These endpoint devices includes servers, desktops, laptops, smartphones, workstations and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Endpoint Protection Software is primarily intended for business of all sizes or commercial use rather than for individuals or home computers.

Some important features of endpoint security platforms are :

• Endpoint devices detection and response/report to vulnerabilities.
• Anti-malware based prevention and data protection.
• Reports and alerts and warnings about vulnerabilities.
• Incident investigation for security fault cause finding.
• Remediation to control the spread of malware.
• Third-party security tools integration.

2. Antivirus Software :
Antivirus is a security software which prevents, detects and removes malware. Malware describes all kinds of malicious or unwanted code which is intended to harm a computer network or its sub-components. Malware includes Viruses, Trojans, Keyloggers, Ransomware, Worms etc. Antivirus Software (AV) is the standalone security solution which is installed on individual devices such as desktops, laptops, and smartphones, as well as on servers. Today’s time most of these Antivirus Softwares provide all types of security measures. These Antivirus Softwares (AV) run in the background and frequently scan device directories and files for malicious patterns and alerts if the presence of any malware is detected.

Some important features of Antivirus Software platforms are :

• Real-time and manual scanning.
• Web protection during use of internet.
• Various threats identification.
• Removal or isolation of infected files.
• Alerts and notifications about periodic scan and update.
• Automatic feature update.

Difference between Endpoint Security and Antivirus Software :

S.No.	Endpoint Security	Antivirus Software
01.	Endpoint Security software protects network and all their endpoints from various threats.	Antivirus software protects a individual system or device from various malware activities.
02.	Endpoint Protection Software is a centrally managed security solution.	Antivirus software is a standalone security solution and it needs to be installed on computer system individually.
03.	Endpoint security aims to protect the entire network and its endpoints.	Antivirus software aims to protect individual devices.
04.	It provides data access hierarchies to setup levels of access.	It does not provide data access hierarchies to setup levels of access.
05.	Endpoint security provides data encryption features means during sending and downloading of files it locks the data from being accessed by unauthorized parties.	Antivirus software does not provide data encryption features means during sending and downloading of files it does not lock the data from being accessed by unauthorized parties.
06.	It works like an all-rounder with multiple capabilities including intrusion detection and firewall etc.	It works like a subset of Endpoint security software.
07.	Endpoint security software is mostly used by organizations of small or large sizes.	Antivirus software is mostly used by home users and very small organizations.
08.	It remotely controls security operations.	It detects and removes malicious files.
09.	It works as a security solution for entire organization.	It works as a security solution for individual workstation.