3 min read

Understanding next-generation antivirus

Farah Amod Nov 29, 2024 4:22:22 PM

Cybersecurity

According to Crowdstrike, “Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) uses a combination of artificial intelligence, behavioral detection, machine learning algorithms, and exploit mitigation, so known and unknown threats can be anticipated and immediately prevented. NGAV is cloud-based, which allows it to be deployed in hours instead of months, and the burden of maintaining software, managing infrastructure, and updating signature databases is eliminated.”

What is NGAV?

Next-generation antivirus (NGAV) is an advanced upgrade from traditional antivirus software. Unlike older versions that depend on recognizing known threats through ‘signatures,’ NGAV uses artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and behavioral analysis to identify suspicious activities. It detects both familiar and new cyber threats, offering stronger protection. NGAV monitors unusual behavior patterns in software, allowing it to detect threats that older antivirus systems might miss.

The shortcomings of traditional antivirus

While once effective, traditional antivirus software has become outdated in the face of modern cybersecurity challenges. Relying on a static library of known malware signatures, legacy antivirus solutions struggle to detect and prevent file-less attacks, which have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. As cybercriminals continue to refine their tactics, traditional antivirus programs often fall short, leaving organizations vulnerable to sophisticated, signature-less threats.

The transformative capabilities of NGAV

NGAV addresses the limitations of traditional antivirus by using cutting-edge technologies to provide endpoint protection. NGAV can detect and mitigate known and unknown threats through AI and machine learning integration, including file-less attacks that bypass legacy antivirus solutions. Monitoring system behavior and pattern analysis enables NGAV to anticipate and prevent attacks before they cause damage.

The cloud-based advantage of NGAV

One of the advantages of NGAV is its cloud-based architecture, which sets it apart from traditional on-premises antivirus solutions. The cloud-based approach allows for faster deployment, easier management, and more seamless updates, ensuring your organization's security posture remains up-to-date and responsive to the latest threats. Furthermore, the cloud-based infrastructure eliminates the performance impact often associated with legacy antivirus software, allowing your endpoints to operate at optimal efficiency.

Extending detection and response with XDR

Many leading cybersecurity providers have introduced extended detection and response (XDR) solutions to further enhance the capabilities of NGAV. XDR takes a holistic approach to security, analyzing data from across the entire IT infrastructure, including endpoints, networks, and cloud environments. Aggregating and correlating this data allows XDR to provide a broader view of potential threats, enabling faster and more effective incident response.

The importance of threat intelligence

Effective NGAV solutions do more than just detect and prevent threats. They also incorporate threat intelligence, offering valuable insights into the latest attack trends, tactics, and techniques used by cybercriminals. With this intelligence, NGAV can proactively adjust its defenses, helping your organization stay ahead of changing threats.

Related: What is threat intelligence?

Is it really “next” gen?

Bryan Otteson, Cybersecurity Enterprise Principal Engineer at CommonSpirit Health, shares his perspective: “NGAV has nothing ‘Next Gen’ about it. Pretty much every vendor today that is still on the market can call themselves Next-Gen. That does not make them good or bad. Every organization has its challenges: size, speed of patching, skill of employees, workload of employees, funding, other protection layers in place, etc., and will have to evaluate on their own what the best way forward is for their situation.”

FAQs

What is NGAV and how does it relate to HIPAA compliance in healthcare?

NGAV is an advanced cybersecurity tool that goes beyond traditional antivirus software by using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and behavioral analysis to detect and prevent modern threats like fileless malware, ransomware, and zero-day attacks. In healthcare, NGAV helps secure electronically protected health information (ePHI) and maintain HIPAA compliance by providing enhanced protection against sophisticated cyber threats targeting healthcare systems and networks.

Why is NGAV beneficial for healthcare facilities that need to comply with HIPAA?

NGAV benefits HIPAA compliance because it strengthens the security measures healthcare facilities must have in place to protect ePHI. HIPAA requires healthcare organizations to safeguard patient data from unauthorized access, and NGAV offers a proactive solution to detect and stop cyber threats. By implementing NGAV, healthcare facilities can reduce the risk of data breaches, ensuring they meet HIPAA’s technical safeguards.

What are the potential risks of not using NGAV in healthcare under HIPAA?

Not using NGAV can leave healthcare organizations vulnerable to modern and advanced threats, including:

Ransomware attacks that can lock systems and access to patient data.
Fileless malware which is harder to detect by traditional antivirus solutions.
Zero-day vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers before a patch is available.

Failing to defend against these threats can result in data breaches, unauthorized access to ePHI, HIPAA violations, financial penalties, and a loss of patient trust.

How can healthcare facilities integrate NGAV into their cybersecurity strategy for HIPAA compliance?

Healthcare facilities can integrate NGAV by:

Conducting a risk analysis: Identifying the specific threats and vulnerabilities that NGAV can address.
Implementing NGAV software: Installing NGAV solutions across all devices, networks, and endpoints within the healthcare organization.
Training staff: Ensuring that IT and cybersecurity personnel are trained to use NGAV effectively and monitor threat reports.
Regular monitoring and updates: Continuously updating NGAV software and reviewing security logs to detect new or emerging threats.
Combining NGAV with other security tools: Enhancing overall cybersecurity by integrating NGAV with other tools like firewalls, encryption, and multifactor authentication.