As companies adopt more flexible working models and devices connect from multiple locations, protecting endpoints has become a critical priority for ensuring operational security. Threats are no longer limited to known viruses; today, fileless attacks, zero-day exploits, lateral movement, and highly organized ransomware campaigns that can compromise an entire network in minutes are prevalent.
To help address these types of threats, Sophos offers two versions of its flagship endpoint protection solution:
Sophos Intercept X Advanced
Sophos Intercept X Advanced with XDR
Both are designed to detect, block, and respond to attacks in real time, but the difference lies in how much you want to see and how much control you need. In this article, we'll tell you about the main differences between the two versions, when one or the other is appropriate, the technical benefits they offer, and how they can be adapted to what you already have in your IT infrastructure.
Sophos Intercept X Advanced is an endpoint security solution (computers, laptops, servers, etc.) that goes far beyond traditional antivirus software. It uses artificial intelligence to detect threats before they can cause damage and combines several advanced technologies to cover almost all fronts.
In other words, it is a smart and automatic way to keep your devices protected without having to constantly monitor threats.
Antivirus with Deep Learning: Detects new and unknown malware without relying on updates or signatures. Perfect for zero-day threats.
Anti-Ransomware Protection with CryptoGuard: If something tries to encrypt your files, it detects it and reverses the changes before you lose any information.
Exploit Prevention: Blocks attacks that try to take advantage of bugs in legitimate programs before they run.
Application and Device Control: You can decide what software or hardware can be used within your network. Say goodbye to unknown USBs and unauthorized apps.
Cloud Management with Sophos Central: Manage all your devices from a single console, wherever you are.
This version is ideal if you are looking for robust, easy-to-use protection without the need for a specialized cybersecurity team or SOC (security operations center). Everything works from the cloud and with a fairly intuitive configuration.
The version with XDR (Extended Detection and Response) is for those who need to go one step further. In addition to protecting endpoints, it gives you visibility and control over other key points in your infrastructure, such as servers, network, email, and even cloud services.
It's no longer just about blocking threats, but also investigating what's happening, anticipating attacks, and responding quickly when something out of the ordinary occurs.
Live Discover & Live Response: You can run real-time queries (SQL type) to see what's happening on your devices and take action instantly.
Event correlation: Combine information from different sources: endpoints, firewalls, email, cloud... and detect patterns that might go unnoticed if you look at them separately.
Behavior-based detection: If something “behaves” like a threat (even if it's not known malware), XDR detects it before it acts.
Support for proactive threat hunting: Ideal for IT teams that want to investigate potential threats before they become real problems.
Integration with SIEM and other tools: If you already use monitoring or analysis solutions, XDR integrates easily and centralizes everything into a single security strategy.
Interesting fact: According to a Forrester study, companies that use XDR reduce the time to detect and contain threats by more than 94% compared to those that only use traditional protection. In other words, they react much faster.
Read more: What is Sophos Endpoint Protection?
Choosing between Intercept X Advanced and the XDR version depends on what you really need to protect and the resources you have available. Here's a quick guide to help you decide:
You want strong protection without complicating your life with complex analysis or advanced configurations.
You are looking for something “install and go” that works from day one.
Your main focus is protecting laptops, desktops, and servers with simple cloud-based management.
You have more attack points than just endpoints: network, cloud, email, mobile devices, etc.
You want to go a step further with complete visibility, proactive investigation (threat hunting), and forensic analysis if something gets out of control.
You need to comply with regulations or standards such as ISO 27001, NIST, or GDPR.
You already have a SOC (security operations center) or are in the process of improving your monitoring and response capabilities.
There is no single correct answer: the important thing is to choose what really aligns with the size, maturity, and security needs of your company.
Read more: What is Sophos and how does it improve enterprise cybersecurity?
At TecnetOne, we know that choosing the right cybersecurity solution is not always as simple as it seems. There are many options, many technical terms, and, above all, many important decisions to make. That's why, as certified Sophos partners, we accompany you from the very first step: with personalized advice, practical demos, and technical support so you can choose and implement the version of Sophos Intercept X that really fits your company's needs.
And we don't stop there. We also help you integrate Sophos with other solutions in our portfolio, such as cloud services, storage, backup, and disaster recovery, so you have a complete, scalable security architecture that is aligned with your business objectives.
Both Intercept X Advanced and Intercept X with XDR are powerful tools. The key is to define how much control, visibility, and proactivity you need. The important thing is not just to install a solution, but to have a clear strategy and good implementation.