Gartner defines an endpoint protection platform (EPP) as security software designed to protect managed endpoints — including desktop PCs, laptop PCs, virtual desktops, mobile devices and, in some cases, servers — against known and unknown malicious attacks. EPPs provide capabilities for security teams to investigate and remediate incidents that evade prevention controls. EPP products are delivered as software agents, deployed to endpoints, and connected to centralized security analytics and management consoles. EPPs provide a defensive security control to protect end-user endpoints against known and unknown malware infections and file-less attacks using a combination of security techniques (such as static and behavioral analysis) and attack surface reduction capabilities (such as device control, host firewall management and application control). EPP prevention and protection capabilities are deployed as a part of a defense-in-depth strategy to help reduce the endpoint attack surface and minimize the risk of compromise. EPP detection and response capabilities are used to uncover, investigate and respond to endpoint threats that evade security protection, often as a part of broader threat detection, investigation and response (TDIR) capable products.
Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) refers to a set of security practices and technologies designed to detect, investigate, and respond to threats targeting digital identities within an organization. These threats often involve compromised credentials, privilege escalation, or unauthorized access to sensitive systems. ITDR solutions work by continuously monitoring identity-related activities, analyzing behavior patterns, and identifying anomalies that may indicate malicious intent. Once a threat is detected, ITDR tools help security teams respond quickly by isolating affected accounts, enforcing multi-factor authentication, or initiating automated remediation workflows. As identity becomes a primary attack vector in modern cyber threats, ITDR plays a crucial role in strengthening an organization’s overall security posture.