Antivirus or EDR: what protection do your computers really need?

For years, “install an antivirus” was enough. Today attackers often use legitimate tools already present in Windows, stolen passwords and fileless techniques that a classic signature-based antivirus does not see. This is where EDR comes in.

The difference

• Antivirus compares files with a database of known threats and blocks them. It is necessary, but it reacts mostly to what is already known.
• EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) continuously records what happens on the computer — processes, network connections, changes — and detects suspicious behavior, such as mass file encryption or a script downloading tools.
• EDR lets the administrator isolate a computer remotely, stop a process and see the whole chain of an attack.

What to choose

For most companies a modern endpoint protection platform that combines antivirus and EDR is the right choice. The key question is not only the product but who watches the alerts. If nobody reacts at night or on weekends, consider a managed service (MDR) where specialists monitor and respond for you.

Do not forget

• Install protection on servers, not only on workstations.
• Protect the agent from being disabled by users or attackers.
• Review alerts regularly and test that the protection really works.

Protection that nobody watches is only half protection.

Need help with this? Contact CySec for a free consultation.

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