Only 17% of SMEs (1) rate their cybersecurity capabilities as "effective" or "somewhat effective." A staggering 55% consider them completely ineffective. Whether due to a lack of resources or expertise, SMEs are often ill-equipped to protect themselves against cyberattacks.
This vulnerability makes them prime targets for cybercriminals. Many business leaders rely on antivirus software designed for individual use, assuming it is sufficient for their company. However, this approach can be inadequate. More advanced solutions like EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) can offer significantly stronger protection while remaining affordable. This article explains the essential differences between traditional antivirus tools and EDR—and how to choose the right solution for your business.
I. What is an antivirus?
Antivirus software is one of the most traditional forms of cybersecurity. It is generally installed directly on a device and protects it using a malware database. If it identifies a threat from this database, the antivirus will quarantine and potentially delete the infected file.
However, antivirus software is only as effective as its last update. If it does not recognize a threat from its database, it will not stop it. This means that antivirus solutions can struggle to detect newly developed or highly sophisticated attacks.
II. What is an EDR?
An EDR solution monitors and protects all endpoints on your network—such as computers, smartphones, and servers. Unlike antivirus software, EDRs do not rely solely on a malware database. They use a combination of continuous monitoring, behavioral analysis, and artificial intelligence to detect and respond to a wider range of threats, including those that are not yet known.
III. Key differences: antivirus vs. EDR
- Threat detection
Antivirus software can only detect threats it already knows—those included in its database. EDR, on the other hand, offers real-time monitoring, behavioral analysis, and AI-driven detection, allowing it to identify unknown or evolving threats.
Given the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks—fueled by advances in AI—it is crucial to have adaptive protection. Some modern attacks can now transform during an intrusion, making database-based solutions increasingly obsolete.
- Response capabilities
In the event of an attack, response mechanisms differ greatly. Antivirus tools will isolate and remove known malware, provided it is recognized. EDR solutions, however, offer automated real-time responses—even for unknown threats. This allows for rapid containment without requiring a large internal cybersecurity team, making it particularly effective for SMEs.
- Types of attacks covered
We recently identified the Top 10 cybersecurity threats for SMEs (3). Phishing, ransomware, and malware (including viruses, worms, Trojans, adware, and spyware) were in the top 3.
While antivirus software can effectively handle known malware, studies show that in up to 40% of cases, traditional antivirus fails to protect against malware. EDR solutions offer a more robust defense by analyzing behavioral patterns and using AI to recognize even unknown threats — including advanced ransomware and zero-day attacks (4).
IV. Which one should you choose?
The right solution depends on your needs.
For individuals, antivirus software remains a viable option against basic threats. However, even here, the rise of phishing and ransomware attacks highlights its limitations.
For SMEs, EDR is a much more suitable choice. 43% of all cyberattacks target SMEs (5), and these businesses often lack the internal resources to manually detect and respond to attacks. From a protection standpoint, EDR is the logical option. But beyond security, several strategic advantages support the adoption of EDR:
- Competitive advantage
A robust cybersecurity posture can set your business apart. EDR enables faster detection and mitigation, minimizing downtime during an attack. This is particularly crucial with ransomware, which can have devastating financial and operational consequences. In fact, 60% of SMEs close within six months of a cyberattack (6).
- Reduced cybersecurity workload
According to Gartner, 88% of security breaches are caused by human error. EDR significantly reduces this risk through automated behavioral analysis and constant monitoring. These proactive capabilities lighten the cybersecurity burden on your internal teams, giving SMEs access to enterprise-level protection without the need for a large IT department.
- Scalability
Antivirus tools operate at the individual device level. EDR, by contrast, provides a centralized approach to security, managing and monitoring your entire network infrastructure. As your business grows, EDR grows with it — allowing you to add new endpoints while maintaining complete visibility and control.
Give your SME comprehensive protection
Cybersecurity is not always a priority for SMEs. We started as one ourselves and know how important cost-effective solutions are. That is why we have designed an offering specifically tailored to SMEs.
Our offer provides the most affordable price on the market and will fully handle your cybersecurity needs. It includes an EDR, protection for your phones and tablets, and other tools that will drastically strengthen your company's security.
1) Cyber Readiness Institute, April 2024
2) SMBs: Your cybersecurity matters, May 2025
3) Top 10 Cybersecurity Threats for SMBs, January 2025
4) From screen to server: what zero day attacks mean for CISO today, April 2025
5) Why small business are big targets for cybercriminals, Mastercard, October 2024
