Palo Alto Networks announced today the release of a new version of its intelligent next-generation endpoint security solution 'Traps'. Through the newly released Traps 4.0, Palo Alto Networks strengthens malware and exploit blocking capabilities while supporting various operating systems including macOS and Android.

Traps uses multiple security policies that block both known and unknown malware as well as exploits that have attacked endpoints, enabling enterprises that must comply with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) to safely utilize it as an alternative to antivirus (AV) products.
Legacy AV products and next-generation AV point solutions merely replace ineffective malware detection techniques with different technologies, but lack intelligent technologies to identify and block exploits and unknown malware.


Palo Alto Networks, which possesses a next-generation security platform, has further enhanced Traps' capabilities to overcome these market limitations. Traps 4.0 supports macOS and Android and has added multiple security modules designed to identify and block ransomware and advanced attacks. Additionally, based on threat intelligence collected through Panorama, the network security management platform, security can be strengthened across endpoints, firewalls, cloud, and SaaS applications.

Frank Dickson, IDC's global security products research analyst, stated, "Signature-based endpoint security products struggle to effectively protect against new types of cyber attacks targeting endpoints. Since serious issues can arise from initial infection, a new approach is required. Palo Alto Networks' Traps, designed from the ground up to address all current endpoint security requirements, has the advantage of being usable as a standalone solution or as part of an integrated security ecosystem in conjunction with next-generation security platforms. It is a product that can provide clear answers to enterprises considering new approaches to modern endpoint security threats."

The key new features added to Traps 4.0 are ▲macOS and Android (beta) support ▲malicious macro blocking ▲script-based attack prevention ▲exploit kit fingerprint protection ▲kernel privilege escalation protection.

Choi Won-sik, CEO of Palo Alto Networks Korea, stated, "Traps is designed to proactively defend against threats that organizations face when relying on existing antivirus technology. By increasing coverage for various attack channels and establishing new standards for intelligent endpoint security, we plan to support strengthened preemptive defense strategies against ransomware and emerging security threats."

Meanwhile, Palo Alto Networks has released updates to block the execution of WanaCrypt0r ransomware, which recently caused massive infections. Traps users can prevent WanaCrypt0r ransomware infection without any separate policy or configuration changes.