Sophos, a British company that provides endpoint and network security solutions, now offers Intercept X with malware detection powered by a deep learning neural network.
What does all that mean? Here's some context: Intercept X was originally introduced in September 2016; it prevents malicious data encryption by all forms of ransomware and is currently used by thousands of organizations worldwide.
The new Intercept X release combines deep learning with anti-exploit technology, CyptoGuard anti-ransomware technology and root cause analysis capabilities, Sophos said. It features built-in artificial intelligence to detect both known and unknown malware without relying on signatures, Sophos stated, and delivers previously unseen levels of cyber threat detection and prevention.
Also, the new version of Intercept X leverages a detection model that can learn an organization's observable cyber threat landscape, according to Sophos. It can process millions of threat samples, Sophos stated, and make accurate cybersecurity predictions.
Perhaps most importantly for partners: Intercept X's capabilities surface in MSP Connect -- a Sophos dashboard that allows partners to manage all of their security customers from a single pane of glass, Dan Schiappa, senior VP and GM of products, tells MSSP Alert.
What Does Intercept X Offer?
Intercept X's key features include:
- Exploit Prevention: Blocks exploits and techniques used to distribute malware, steal credentials and escape detection.
- Malware Cleanup: Boasts Sophos Clean, which provides forensic-level remediation by eliminating malicious code created by malware.
- Root Cause Analysis: Provides complete visibility of how a cyberattack occurred and offers recommendations to help end users figure out what to do following an attack.
- Synchronized Security: Simplifies and unifies defenses with real-time intelligence sharing between an organization's endpoints and firewall.
Intercept X is available for devices running Windows 7 and above and 32- or 64-bit operating systems. It can be installed alongside existing endpoint security software from any vendor, Sophos said.
Continued R&D, M&A Integrations
In addition to the integration of deep learning capabilities into Intercept X, Sophos in November incorporated Invincea machine learning antivirus technology into its SophosLabs global cybersecurity research and analysis network.
The Invincea integration allows SophosLabs to provide a daily picture of malware and spam activity that is updated in real-time, according to Sophos. It also powers a SophosLabs embedded Twitter stream that enables security researchers to share cyberattack insights with one another.
More than 100 million users across 150 countries leverage Sophos products to protect their endpoints and sensitive data. These products are delivered via a global channel of more than 26,000 registered Sophos partners.