Traditional antivirus software struggled to keep up with the rapid creation and distribution of new malware. As a result, EDR tools were developed to identify malicious activity based on behavior rather than known code signatures. These tools have since been enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI) for improved accuracy, automated incident responses to mitigate damage promptly, and managed detection services for expert oversight. Despite these advancements, EDR solutions still act only after malware is active, potentially allowing significant harm before mitigation occurs.
Cybercriminals now use sophisticated techniques, including AI-driven malware, to bypass detection systems. Traditional EDR tools often fail to recognize such threats until they are running within an environment. This reactive approach highlights a critical flaw: the inability to prevent attacks before they execute. Consequently, organizations are increasingly adopting zero trust security strategies, emphasizing proactive measures to block unauthorized actions entirely.
Zero trust endpoint security enforces strict controls across applications, user access, data, and network traffic.
Unlike blocklisting, which permits all actions except those explicitly banned, application allowlisting ensures that only pre-approved software can operate within a system. This approach prevents both known and unknown threats from executing, offering a more robust defense against ransomware and other cyberattacks.
ThreatLocker exemplifies a zero trust security platform designed to address these gaps. Its proactive tools, including application allowlisting, ringfencing to limit software privileges, and storage control to secure sensitive data, provide comprehensive protection.
ThreatLocker Detect enhances this approach by alerting organizations to indicators of compromise, ensuring swift responses to emerging threats.
A recent case study highlights the efficacy of ThreatLocker’s solutions. In January 2024, a ransomware gang attempted to breach a hospital’s network using stolen credentials. ThreatLocker’s allowlisting feature blocked the attackers from executing unauthorized software, while storage controls prevented data theft. Despite gaining initial access, the cybercriminals were unable to carry out their attack due to ThreatLocker’s proactive defenses.
As cyber threats become more sophisticated, relying solely on detection-based tools like EDR is no longer sufficient. Proactive measures, such as those provided by ThreatLocker, represent the future of endpoint security, ensuring that organizations can prevent attacks before they occur and maintain robust defenses against evolving cyber risks.
