With the evolution of cyber threats, traditional antivirus software is starting to show its limitations, and more advanced solutions like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) are increasingly becoming a necessity. This is because, while antivirus relies on signature databases to detect known viruses and malware, EDR analyzes behaviors and anomalies in real-time, making it possible to identify even complex, unclassified threats, known as zero-day attacks.

In an increasingly complex environment, antivirus software can no longer compete with the continuous monitoring, in-depth analysis, and automated response capabilities of EDR. With increasingly sophisticated threats, it is therefore necessary to rely on solutions that can offer adaptable and proactive protection, going beyond the limitations of traditional solutions.

Let’s take a closer look at why antivirus is no longer sufficient to ensure good protection for your business and why it is crucial to equip yourself with innovative solutions like EDR.

Why EDR has replaced antivirus

With the evolution of threats, traditional antivirus software can no longer provide optimal protection for computer systems. In its place, more advanced solutions like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) are needed to better address the challenges of modern cybersecurity.

But what are the differences between these two technologies, and why has EDR gained ground? Let’s analyze the features and functionalities of both.

Antivirus: features and functions

Antivirus software is designed to protect computers or devices from viruses, malware, and other cyber threats. Its main goal is to detect and remove viruses that could damage the system, steal personal information, or compromise the device’s functionality.

In general, antivirus programs scan all files and programs executed on the computer and compare them with a database containing known threats. If a match is found, the software alerts the user and often automatically removes the infected file to prevent potential harm.

The main features and functions of antivirus software include:

• File Scanning: The antivirus constantly checks system files to identify potential threats.
• Real-Time Protection: It continuously monitors the computer's activities, immediately blocking viruses when they attempt to enter or damage the system.
• Malware Detection and Removal: In addition to viruses, antivirus software can detect other types of harmful software, such as trojans, worms, and ransomware, which can steal information or render the system unusable.
• Automatic Updates: Antivirus software regularly updates to add new "patterns" of known viruses.

However, despite these features, antivirus software has become less effective at protecting computers. The main reason for this is zero-day threats, which are vulnerabilities unknown to software vendors that hackers exploit before they can be discovered and patched. Since antivirus software relies on databases of already known threats, it cannot detect zero-day threats, which can cause significant damage before they are identified.

Furthermore, viruses and malware have become increasingly sophisticated, quickly adapting to traditional protection tools. Many modern cyberattacks, such as phishing and ransomware, no longer rely solely on traditional viruses, but use more advanced techniques to deceive users or exploit system vulnerabilities. As a result, antivirus software alone can no longer provide comprehensive protection.

Failing to upgrade the level of protection provided by antivirus software can pose a serious risk for any business. According to a study reported by Cybersecurity Magazine, 83% of Italian SMEs are unprepared to recover from the financial damage of a cyberattack.

EDR: features and functions

An EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) system is an advanced cybersecurity solution designed to monitor, detect, and respond to threats on endpoint devices such as computers, laptops, servers, and mobile devices. Unlike traditional antivirus software, which primarily focuses on identifying known malware, EDR systems are designed to provide broader and more proactive protection, especially against complex and sophisticated attacks, including zero-day threats and advanced persistent threats. These systems combine continuous monitoring with real-time analysis capabilities, allowing them to detect anomalies and respond quickly to incidents.

The main features and functions of an EDR include:

• Continuous Monitoring: EDRs collect real-time data from endpoints, analyzing behaviors, system activities, and network traffic to identify suspicious patterns.
• Advanced Threat Detection: Using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, EDRs can detect zero-day attacks, abnormal activities, and sophisticated threats that traditional tools might miss.
• In-Depth Investigations: In the event of a potential attack, EDRs allow for the analysis of collected data to reconstruct the sequence of events, identify the point of entry of the threat, and assess its impact.
• Automated Response: Many EDR systems include automated response capabilities, such as isolating a compromised endpoint, removing malicious files, and disconnecting suspicious processes to contain damage.
• Integration with Other Security Solutions: EDRs often work in synergy with advanced protection tools like firewalls and cloud security solutions, ensuring multi-layered protection.

The adoption of EDRs is becoming increasingly essential in a landscape of continuously evolving cyber threats, where traditional methods—like antivirus software—can no longer provide adequate protection. Thanks to their ability to quickly and accurately identify and respond to suspicious behaviors, EDRs are a key component of enterprise security and endpoint protection against complex attacks.

Antivirus vs. EDR: a comparison of differences

Below is a comprehensive table highlighting the key differences between traditional antivirus solutions and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). This comparison helps to understand how the evolution of cyber threats has led to the need for more advanced solutions to protect systems. While antivirus remains an effective choice for simple scenarios, EDR is designed to tackle complex attacks and provide a higher level of protection.

Ransomware Rollback: the added value of EDR

One of the most innovative and valuable features offered by many Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions is Ransomware Rollback. This technology enables the restoration of files compromised by a ransomware attack, minimizing the impact on business operations.  

Ransomware Rollback works by continuously recording device activities, temporarily storing file modifications. In the event of an attack, the EDR system can identify the ransomware's origin, terminate the malicious process, and restore encrypted data to its previous version.  

In 2021, 37% of all businesses and organizations experienced a ransomware attack, according to a study conducted by IDC. This statistic highlights how crucial it is for companies to adopt advanced technologies like Ransomware Rollback to protect themselves from such threats.  

This approach not only helps businesses avoid paying hefty ransoms to recover their data but also ensures a quick return to full operational capacity. Thanks to Ransomware Rollback, organizations can more effectively manage one of the most destructive cyber threats, providing a level of resilience that is unimaginable with traditional antivirus solutions.