Endpoints are the laptops, desktops, servers, tablets and phones your team uses every day. They are where attackers eventually try to land, whether through a phishing link, a malicious attachment or a stolen password. Choosing protection for them is one of the most consequential security purchases a care organization makes, and the marketing language is confusing. Antivirus, EDR, XDR, MDR: what do these mean, and which do you need?
Compares files to known malware signatures. Useful against common threats but less effective against new or fileless attacks that do not match a known signature.
Adds behavior analysis and machine learning to catch suspicious activity, not just known files.
Continuously records activity on devices, detects suspicious behavior and lets responders investigate and isolate a computer remotely. EDR provides visibility into what happened, which is crucial when something goes wrong.
A service in which a security team monitors EDR alerts around the clock, investigates and takes or recommends action. For small organizations without 24-hour security staff, this is often the practical way to get value out of EDR, since alerts at 2 a.m. are useless if nobody is watching.
Extends the concept across email, network and cloud sources. Definitions vary by vendor, so ask what is actually included.
Very small office with few computers and low budget: A reputable business-grade NGAV is a minimum, with centrally managed policies. Consumer antivirus lacks management and reporting.
Facilities with a clinical network, multiple sites or cyber insurance requirements: EDR is increasingly expected, and many insurers ask about it directly.
Organizations without in-house security staff: EDR with an MDR service is usually the better choice than EDR alone.
Central management console covering all locations
Real-time protection with behavior-based detection
Ransomware protection, including rollback or tamper protection where offered
Ability to isolate an infected device remotely
Support for servers as well as workstations
Protection for macOS and mobile devices if you use them
Device control, such as limiting USB storage
Web filtering or integration with DNS protection
Reporting you can show to auditors and insurers
Tamper protection, so malware or users cannot turn it off
Integration with your patching and management tools
What is included in the base price, and what costs extra?
Is monitoring done by humans, and are they available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
What is the typical response when a real threat is detected? Do you isolate machines automatically, or only advise?
What is the performance impact on older computers, such as nurse station PCs?
Is it compatible with our EHR and other clinical software? Are exclusions needed and how are they managed?
Where is data stored, and does the vendor sign a business associate agreement if any PHI could be collected?
What reporting is available for HIPAA risk analysis and insurance questionnaires?
What is the onboarding process and how long does it take?
How do we exit, and what happens to our data?
Buying a tool without anyone watching it. Alerts need an owner.
Gaps in coverage. Missing even a few computers leaves an open door. Maintain an inventory and compare it to what is protected.
Running multiple antivirus products together. This can cause conflicts.
Assuming tool equals security. Endpoint protection works best alongside patching, MFA, backups and training.
Skipping testing. Pilot on a few machines, including older ones, before full rollout.
Pricing is usually per device per month. Count all devices, including servers, and plan for growth and replacement cycles. Compare the cost of MDR against the cost of hiring staff for 24-hour coverage, which is rarely realistic for a small operator.
Inventory devices and operating systems.
Write requirements, including insurance and compliance needs.
Shortlist two or three products.
Run a pilot with a mix of devices.
Evaluate detection, performance and the support experience.
Decide, deploy in phases and confirm full coverage.
UnityCare IT provides managed endpoint protection and monitoring for healthcare organizations and can help you compare options based on your size, systems and insurance needs. If you are unsure whether your current tools are enough, we can review them with you.
Call or text: 405-285-3845
New customers: start@unitycareit.com
Existing customers: support@unitycareit.com
Address: UnityCare Technologies, 2524 N Broadway Ste 554, PMB 947974, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034-4172