Endpoint/Device Security, Channel partners, Content, Security Program Controls/Technologies

Sophos Unveils Intercept X Advanced Endpoint Protection

Sophos, the British network security company, has introduced the Intercept X Advanced with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solution.

Intercept X Advanced with EDR helps IT administrators understand the scope and impact of security incidents, detect cyberattacks and report on their organization's security posture, according to a prepared statement.

Intercept X Advanced with EDR provides IT administrators with threat investigation and SophosLabs threat intelligence, Sophos stated. It allows IT administrators to analyze millions of malware samples to identify malicious code and cyber threats.

Key features of Intercept X Advanced with EDR include:

  • CryptoGuard Ransomware Protection: Uses behavioral analysis to stop ransomware and boot-record attacks.
  • Deep Learning: Leverages a deep learning neural network that detects both known and unknown malware without relying on signatures.
  • Exploit Prevention: Blocks cyber exploits and techniques used to distribute malware, steal credentials and escape detection.
  • Malware Cleanup: Provides forensic-level malware remediation.
  • Synchronized Security: Automatically isolates infected computers and provides real-time intelligence sharing between an organization's endpoints and firewalls.

Intercept X Advanced with EDR is now available from registered Sophos partners worldwide via the company's Early Access Program. It also can be integrated into the Sophos Central cloud-based console.

Sophos Introduces Intercept X for Server

In addition to the Intercept X Advanced with EDR launch, Sophos in July unveiled Intercept X for Server.

Intercept X for Server helps organizations protect their critical applications and data on physical servers, virtual servers or in the cloud, Sophos indicated. It offers a variety of server protection capabilities, including:

  • Anti-Exploit: Safeguards browsers, plug-ins or Java-based exploit kits, even if an organization's servers are not fully patched.
  • Cloud Workload Discovery: Offers visibility into server workloads running in Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure.
  • Deep Learning Neural Network: Uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify malicious code.
  • File Integrity Monitoring: Monitors and tracks unplanned and unexpected changes to help an organization identify potential security breaches.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Offers incident details to help an organization identify ways to improve its security posture.

Sophos Partner Strategy, Growth Check

More than 100 million end users in 150 countries leverage Sophos security solutions. Furthermore, Sophos offers a channel partner program that enables MSPs, MSSPs and technology resellers to offer its security solutions.

Despite the strong channel program and a multi-tenant dashboard for partners, Sophos recently revealed a slower-than-expected growth forecast -- which prompted the company's stock to fall more than 20 percent in a single day earlier this month. Still, the business is certainly growing. Revenue for the first half of fiscal year 2019 rose 18 percent to $350 million, the company said in early November 2018.

Dan Kobialka

Dan Kobialka is senior contributing editor, MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E. He covers IT security, IT service provider business strategies and partner programs. Dan holds a M.A. in Print and Multimedia Journalism from Emerson College and a B.A. in English from Bridgewater State University. In his free time, Dan enjoys jogging, traveling, playing sports, touring breweries and watching football.