How effective are antivirus solutions against zero-day threats?

1 What is device control?

Device control is a feature that allows you to restrict the use of external devices, such as USB drives, CDs, DVDs, or network adapters, on your endpoints. It can prevent unauthorized data transfer, malware infection, or device theft. You can configure device control policies based on device types, classes, vendors, or serial numbers. For example, you can block all USB storage devices except for those that are encrypted and approved by your IT department.

2 What is application whitelisting?

Application whitelisting is a feature that allows you to specify which applications are allowed to run on your endpoints. It can prevent unauthorized or malicious software from executing, such as ransomware, spyware, or trojans. You can create application whitelisting policies based on file names, paths, hashes, or certificates. For example, you can allow only the applications that are signed by trusted vendors or that are installed in specific folders.

3 How do they compare to antivirus?

Both device control and application whitelisting are proactive security measures that can prevent zero-day threats from reaching your endpoints. They do not rely on signatures, heuristics, or behavioral analysis to detect malware, unlike antivirus solutions. They can also reduce the attack surface and the need for frequent updates. However, they also have some limitations and challenges.

4 What are the limitations of device control?

Device control can be effective against malware that relies on removable media or network connections to spread, but it cannot stop malware that is embedded in legitimate files or documents. It can also interfere with the productivity and usability of your endpoints, especially if you have a diverse or mobile workforce. You need to balance the security and functionality of your devices, and monitor and adjust your policies accordingly.

6 How to choose the best approach?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for endpoint security. You need to consider your organization's needs, resources, and risk tolerance. Device control and application whitelisting can complement your antivirus software and provide an additional layer of protection against zero-day threats. However, they also require careful planning, testing, and management. You should evaluate the benefits and costs of each approach, and decide which one suits your situation best.