Executive Summary
Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPPs) remain a foundational layer of enterprise cybersecurity, as endpoints remain primary targets for malware, ransomware, and identity-based attacks. Laptops, servers, and mobile devices operate across corporate networks, cloud environments, and remote locations, making consistent protection and visibility critical. While attack techniques continue to evolve, the endpoint remains one of the most effective entry points for adversaries.
Modern EPPs have moved beyond signature-based antivirus to combine endpoint prevention, detection, and response capabilities. Behavioral analysis, exploit protection, and machine-learning-based detection are now standard expectations, enabling security teams to identify threats that evade traditional controls. EPPs are also increasingly integrated with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) capabilities, allowing organizations to investigate incidents, contain threats, and respond more quickly when prevention alone is insufficient.
Although newer categories such as XDR and identity security platforms continue to expand, EPP remains a critical control for reducing attack surface and enforcing baseline security hygiene. Buyers now evaluate EPP solutions as part of broader security platforms that integrate with identity, cloud, and security operations tooling. This ShortList reflects the continued importance of EPP as a core security layer, while recognizing its evolution toward more intelligent, integrated, and operationally efficient endpoint protection.
Threshold Criteria
Constellation considers the following criteria for these solutions:
Core Capabilities
- Multi-layered threat prevention
Combines signature-based protection with behavioral and heuristic techniques to detect known and emerging threats.
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Continuously monitors endpoint activity, supports investigation of suspicious behavior, and enables rapid containment and remediation.
- Malware and ransomware protection
Detects and blocks malware, ransomware, and fileless attacks before they can execute or spread.
- Application and exploit control
Prevents unauthorized applications and exploits from executing on endpoint systems.
- Device and endpoint policy management
Enforces security policies across endpoints, including desktops, laptops, servers, and mobile devices.
- Integration with security operations platforms
Integrates with SIEM, XDR, and SOC tools to support centralized visibility and response.
Differentiated Capabilities
- AI-assisted and behavioral threat detection
Uses analytics and machine learning to identify abnormal behavior and previously unknown threats.
- Automated containment and response actions
Supports rapid isolation, remediation, and rollback actions directly from the endpoint.
- Cloud-managed and scalable architecture
Delivers centralized management and visibility across large, distributed, and remote endpoint environments.
- Cross-platform endpoint coverage
Provides consistent protection across operating systems and device types.
- Platform alignment and consolidation
Demonstrates alignment with broader security platforms, reducing tool sprawl and operational complexity.
The Constellation ShortList
Constellation evaluates more than 30 solutions categorized in this market. This Constellation ShortList is determined by client inquiries, partner conversations, customer references, vendor selection projects, market share, and internal research.
Broadcom
Cisco
Crowdstrike
Fortinet
Microsoft
Frequency of Evaluation
Each Constellation ShortList is updated at least once per year. Updates may occur after six months if deemed necessary.
Evaluation Services
Constellation clients can work with the analyst and research team to conduct a more thorough discussion of this Constellation ShortList. Constellation can also provide guidance in vendor selection and contract negotiation.
