IGEL, provider of the next-gen edge OS for cloud workspaces, and Ericom Software, a leader in secure web and application access solutions, today announced an expanded partnership to protect endpoints and networks from web-borne malware, ransomware and phishing attacks.

Building on the companies' existing partnership, the agreement enables any newly licensed IGEL OS-powered endpoint to utilize Ericom Shield remote browser isolation. The combined solution gives organizations best-in-class endpoint management and device security with innovative protection against malicious web attacks and e-mail phishing campaigns. This platform-independent solution runs on any compatible x86-64 device including desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, and thin clients.

"With the rising instances of endpoint attacks, and their associated costs, there is a clear and urgent need to protect against the risk of Web-borne malware," said Matthias Haas, Chief Technology Officer, IGEL. "Yet, protection shouldn't limit end user web browsing. Nor should it add increased management burden to IT staff. By supporting Ericom Shield, IGEL OS now offers this critical extra layer of security so that users, and the IT staff supporting them, no longer have to fear an increased risk exposure from web browsing."

According to Ponemon Institute, 68% of organizations were victims of successful endpoint attacks in 2019, and 80% of the successful breaches were from zero-day exploits. The resulting cost per endpoint breach is now as much as $9 million, compared to $2 million in 2018.

The Ericom Shield zero trust remote browser isolation technology prevents ransomware, advanced web threats, and phishing attacks from reaching endpoints by executing web content in a remote, isolated container. A user's device, virtual desktop, and network are completely secure when browsing the web since no content is ever executed directly in the browser, whether it is running on the user's device, or is in VDI or Desktop-as-a-Service environments. An interactive media stream representing the website is sent to a user's browser, providing a safe, fully interactive, seamless user experience. Websites launched from URLs in emails can be rendered in read-only mode to prevent users from entering credentials for additional phishing protection.

"IGEL has a strong reputation for innovation in the industry, offering a number of cutting-edge features designed to keep IGEL OS-powered devices secure," said John Peterson, Ericom Software Chief Product Officer. "This partnership adds to those capabilities, giving customers a streamlined solution for securely browsing the web while safeguarding against malicious content, phishing links, drive-by downloads, and zero-day vulnerabilities."

Ericom Shield is now validated with IGEL OS firmware and licenses are included with new IGEL OS licenses to provide additional protection at the endpoint. This complements IGEL OS security features which also include support for two-factor authentication, smart card readers, trusted execution, and IGEL's end-to-end "chain of trust" which validates system integrity at each step in the system boot-up process from the endpoint hardware/UEFI all the way to the destination host or cloud. Developed to reduce security exposures at the endpoint, IGEL OS simplifies endpoint management and control and offers a range of device benefits, including remote application and desktop access, a variety of local connectivity interfaces, display, and peripheral requirements. Based on Linux and structured as a modular, read-only firmware base, IGEL OS has an extremely small attack surface and a broad array of security features designed to minimize exposure and prevent attackers from infiltrating organizations through the most frequent entry point, the internet-facing network edge. See more information here.

For more information on the IGEL and Ericom Shield combined solution, read this solution brief