Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection
Gartner defines endpoint protection as security software that protects managed endpoints — including desktop PCs, laptop PCs, virtual desktops, mobile devices and, in some cases, servers — against known and unknown malicious attacks. Endpoint protection equips security teams with the tools necessary to investigate and remediate incidents that evade prevention controls. Endpoint protection products are delivered as software agents deployed to endpoints and connected to centralized security analytics and management consoles. Endpoint protection provides a defensive security control that protects end-user endpoints against known and unknown malware and fileless attacks using a combination of security techniques, such as static and behavioral analysis. It also uses attack surface reduction capabilities, such as device control, host firewall management and application control to limit exposure to threats. Organizations deploy endpoint protection as part of a defense-in-depth strategy to reduce the endpoint attack surface and minimize the risk of compromise. Its detection and response capabilities help uncover, investigate and remediate threats that evade prevention controls, often as part of broader threat detection, investigation and response (TDIR) products.
Vendors must, among other requirements:
A: This research evaluates 12 endpoint protection vendors across their ability to execute and completeness of vision. It covers vendors offering security software that protects managed endpoints (desktop PCs, laptop PCs, virtual desktops, mobile devices, and servers) against known and unknown malicious attacks. The evaluation includes mandatory features like malware protection, attack surface reduction, behavioral analysis, and EDR capabilities, as well as optional features like endpoint DLP, vulnerability assessment, workspace security integration, and AI assistants. The research analyzes vendor positions (Leaders, Challengers, Visionaries, Niche Players), provides detailed strengths and cautions for each vendor, and examines market trends including AI impacts, sovereignty requirements, and cybersecurity rationalization.
A: This research should be used by cybersecurity leaders, IT security teams, and decision-makers responsible for selecting endpoint protection solutions. It is particularly valuable for organizations evaluating vendors for endpoint security deployments, those looking to replace existing solutions, or those seeking to understand how vendors address emerging requirements like AI discovery and usage control, data sovereignty objectives, and workspace security integration. Small and midsize organizations can use it to identify suitable vendors for their maturity level, while enterprises can assess vendors for comprehensive TDIR-capable platforms. Organizations pursuing sovereignty objectives, operating in regulated industries, or requiring on-premises management will find specific guidance on vendor capabilities in these areas.
A: Vendors must protect endpoints against malware through real-time scanning and anti-malware techniques; reduce the endpoint attack surface with capabilities such as device control, host-based firewall management, exploit protection or application control for various operating systems; and detect and block endpoint threats using behavioral analysis of endpoint, application and end-user activity. Additionally, vendors must support at least Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems, combine prevention, protection, detection and response functionality in a single agent, and embed EDR functionality with real-time telemetry collection, customizable detection, and postincident investigation and response capabilities.
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A: Ability to Execute evaluates vendors on the quality and efficacy of the processes, systems, methods and procedures they use to be competitive, efficient and effective and to improve their revenue, retention and reputation. It focuses on current product capabilities, market presence, sales effectiveness, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. Completeness of Vision evaluates vendors on their ability to convincingly articulate logical statements relating to current and future market direction, innovation, customer needs and competitive forces, and how well these statements correspond to Gartner's view of the market. It focuses on market understanding, product strategy, innovation, and ability to anticipate and shape future market requirements.