Only 17% of SMBs (1) rate their cybersecurity capabilities as ‘effective’ or ‘somewhat effective’. And a staggering 55% consider them completely ineffective. Whether due to a lack of resources or expertise, SMBs are often under-equipped to protect themselves from cyberattacks.
This vulnerability makes them prime targets for cybercriminals (2). Many business owners rely on antivirus software designed for individual use, assuming it’s sufficient for their companies. This approach may however fall short. More advanced solutions like EDRs (Endpoint Detection and Response) can offer significantly stronger protection, while still being affordable. This article explains the core differences between traditional antivirus tools and EDRs — 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 typically installed directly on a device and protects that device 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 doesn’t recognize a threat from its database, it won’t stop it. This means antivirus solutions can struggle to detect newly developed or highly sophisticated attacks.
II. What is an EDR?
An EDRsolution monitors and protects all endpoints in your network—such as computers, smartphones, servers… Unlike antivirus software, EDRs don’t rely solely on a malware database. They use a combination of continuous monitoring, behavioral analysis, and artificial intelligence to detect and respond to a broader range of threats, including those that aren’t known yet.
III. What 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, enabling it to identify unknown or evolving threats.
Given the growing sophistication of cyberattacks—driven by advancements in AI—it’s critical to have adaptive protection. Some modern attacks can now morph during an intrusion, making database-based solutions increasingly outdated.
- Response Capabilities
In the event of an attack, response mechanisms differ greatly. Antivirus tools will isolate and remove known malware, provided it’s recognized. EDR solutions, on the other hand, offer real-time, automated responses—even for unknown threats. This allows for rapid containment without the need for a large in-house cybersecurity team, making it particularly effective for SMBs.
- Types of Attacks Covered
We recenly identified the Top 10 Cybersecurity Threats for SMBs (3) . Phishing, ransomware, and malware (including viruses, worms, trojans, adware, and spyware) were in the top 3.
While antivirus software can handle known malware effectively, studies show that in up to 40% of cases traditional antiviruses fail to protect against malware. EDR solutions provide a more robust defense by analyzing behavior 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 for basic threats. However, even here, the rise in phishing and ransomware attacks shows its limitations.
For SMBs, EDR is a much more suitable choice. 43% of all cyberattacks target SMBs (5), and these businesses often lack the internal resources to detect and respond to attacks manually. From a protection standpoint, EDR is the logical option. But beyond security, several strategic benefits support adopting EDR:
- Competitive Advantage
A robust cybersecurity posture can differentiate your business. 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 SMBs close within six months of a cyberattack (6).
- Reduced Cybersecurity Workload
According to Gartner, 88% of security breaches are caused by human error. EDRs significantly reduce this risk with automated behavioral analysis and constant monitoring. These proactive capabilities lighten the cybersecurity burden for your internal teams, giving SMBs access to enterprise-grade protection without needing a large IT department.
- Scalability
Antivirus tools operate at the individual device level. EDR, in 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 and maintain complete visibility and control.
Get your SMB a full protection
Cybersecurity isn’t always the top priority for SMBs. We started as one and know how important budget-friendly solutions are. That’s why we’ve designed an offering tailored specifically for SMBs. Our offer the most affordable price point on the market and will fully take care of your cybersecurity needs. It includes an EDR, protection for your phones and tablets, and other tools that will drastically enhance your company’s security. Discover it here !
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