How does CyberArk EPM protect against malware and cyber threats?

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager (EPM) plays a critical role in protecting environments against malware and cyber threats primarily by restricting unauthorized applications from executing. This proactive approach ensures that only trusted applications that have been verified and authorized can run on endpoints, effectively preventing the installation and execution of malicious software.

One of the key strategies in cybersecurity is the principle of "least privilege," which EPM implements by allowing users to run only the applications they need while blocking all others. This significantly reduces the attack surface, meaning fewer opportunities for malware to infiltrate systems and for cybercriminals to execute harmful operations.

The other options, while they may have their respective protective roles in a broader cybersecurity strategy, do not directly address how EPM functions. Backing up user data is essential for recovery but does not prevent malware; updating antivirus software is crucial but is often a reactive measure rather than the real-time protection that restricting application execution provides; and increasing network bandwidth does not contribute to security against malware or threats.

By focusing on application control, CyberArk EPM effectively mitigates risks related to the execution of unauthorized and potentially malicious applications, thereby enhancing the overall security posture of an organization.