Should a Cortex XDR Prevent agent be installed on desktop PCs that stay behind the corporate firewall?

The reason this choice is correct lies in understanding the limitations of firewall protection. While firewalls serve as a crucial line of defense against external threats, they cannot guarantee complete protection from all types of malware or exploit files. For instance, sophisticated threats can evade firewalls or originate from inside the network itself.

Using a Cortex XDR Prevent agent on desktop PCs, even those behind a corporate firewall, provides an additional layer of security that helps detect, prevent, and respond to threats in real-time. This endpoint protection is crucial, especially since malware can infiltrate systems through various vectors, such as removable media, email attachments, or even legitimate applications that have been compromised.

Moreover, even if a desktop is mostly used within the corporate network, there’s always a risk that a user might take it home, connect to a less secure network, and inadvertently expose it to threats. The Cortex XDR agent ensures that the desktops are continuously monitored and protected, irrespective of their location or network condition.

This emphasizes the importance of a defense-in-depth approach, where multiple layers of security measures are implemented to safeguard systems against a full range of potential threats.