Advanced threat protection, often abbreviated to ATP, is a classification of cybersecurity solutions that are designed to defend against hack-style attacks and sophisticated malware that both target confidential data being stored or sent.
ATP solutions can take the form of managed services or dedicated software. They can differ in their components and approaches, but mostly include a combination of endpoint agents, malware protection systems, email gateways, network devices and a centralised management console capable of correlating alerts and managing defences.
How do ATP solutions work?
ATP has three primary objectives. The first is early detection – this means identifying potential threats and attacks before they are able to breach key systems and access private data. The second is to provide sufficient levels of protection, and this involves the power to rapidly defend against any identified threats. The third and final goal of ATP is to respond, which means having the capability to not only mitigate identified threats, but to react swiftly to any security incidents that occur.
In order to successfully meet these objectives, ATP solutions and services must provide several functions and components. These are as follows:
Continual monitoring
Unless companies are continually monitoring their systems and have real-time visibility, dangerous threats can be identified too late. In scenarios where damage has already occurred, an active response can cost firms greatly in terms of damage to reputation and resource utilisation.
Context
To achieve robust and effective security, threat alerts issued must always include context that allows information security teams to efficiently prioritise threats and organise an appropriate action.
Understanding of data
It is impossible to assess whether risks and threats are dangerous without having a thorough understanding of company data, including its value, sensitivity and other factors that may contribute to formulating the correct response.
Analysing attacks following detection
After a threat has been identified, further analysis is often required. Cybersecurity services that offer ATP may also offer threat analysis, which enables firms to continue conducting business while continual monitoring and dedicated threat analysis occurs, and an appropriate response is formulated. Threats are usually prioritised by the potential damage they can cause, and by the sensitivity or classification of the information at risk.
Potential threats must be mitigated before they are able to breach enterprise systems. Any attacks in progress must be interrupted, stopping them from completing any harmful activities. At this point, analysis and reporting can find a resolution, ensuring that the system and data stores are able to defend against similar attacks going forwards.
Enhancing your data protection levels
At Galaxkey, we have created a user-friendly system that provides enterprises with the tools they need to improve safety levels for the data they retain, share and store. Our simple-but-strong encryption solution ensures that staff can easily activate premier levels of protection to emails and documents, while features like email recall, tracking and electronic sign keep companies compliant with data regulators.
If you’re currently seeking to enhance your defences against threats, contact our team today and book in a free demonstration and two-week trial.
