Antivirus & EDR: Advanced Endpoint Protection Against Viruses and Ransomware

Endpoint protection is one of the most important parts of business cybersecurity. In this article we’ll explain the differences between traditional antivirus and EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response), why each one matters, and how they work together to protect your business.

What Is Antivirus?

Antivirus is software that protects a computer from malware. It works by using the signatures of known viruses to detect and block malicious software from being installed.

How Does Antivirus Work?

Antivirus works in several ways:

1. Real-time scanning - the antivirus scans files as they are opened, saved, or copied
2. Signature detection - the antivirus compares files against the signatures of known viruses in its database
3. Suspicious behavior detection - some antivirus products detect suspicious behavior by programs
4. Quarantine - when a threat is detected, the antivirus blocks or deletes the malicious files

Why Is Antivirus Important?

Antivirus is the first layer of protection. It is very effective against known viruses and traditional malware. However, it is limited against more advanced threats that haven’t been identified yet (zero-day threats) or sophisticated attacks.

What Is EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)?

EDR is a more advanced technology that detects and responds to advanced cyber threats. Unlike antivirus, which detects known viruses, EDR detects suspicious activity by analyzing system behavior.

How Does EDR Work?

EDR works in several stages:

1. Continuous monitoring - EDR monitors all activity on the computer: file operations, network connections, running processes
2. Data collection - every activity is logged and stored in a central repository
3. Behavior analysis - the system looks for suspicious patterns and deviations from normal behavior
4. Automated response - when a threat is detected, EDR can isolate the computer, stop malicious processes, or raise an alert
5. Investigation - EDR lets you investigate security incidents in detail and identify the source of the attack

Advantages of EDR over Traditional Antivirus

Detecting advanced threats:

• EDR detects threats that aren’t in signature databases
• It can detect sophisticated attacks that try to stay under the radar
• It detects zero-day attacks that haven’t been patched yet

Monitoring and alerts:

• Continuous monitoring of all activity on the computer
• Immediate alerts on suspicious activity
• The ability to investigate security incidents in detail

Fast response:

• Automated response to threats (isolation, blocking)
• The ability to roll back malicious actions
• Shorter time to detect and resolve (MTTR)

Central management:

• Managing all computers from one place
• A complete picture of your business’s security posture
• Detailed reports on security incidents

Why Do You Need Both Antivirus and EDR?

Combining antivirus and EDR provides comprehensive protection:

• Antivirus protects against known and traditional threats. It’s fast, effective, and doesn’t slow the computer down
• EDR protects against advanced and sophisticated threats. It provides monitoring, investigation, and response

Together, they provide multiple layers of protection: antivirus stops the basic threats, and EDR detects the advanced ones.

Current Threats That Advanced Protection Prevents

1. Ransomware

Ransomware encrypts all the files on a computer and demands payment to release them. EDR can detect the activity typical of ransomware (encrypting many files) and stop it before it finishes.

2. Zero-Day Attacks

Attacks that exploit security vulnerabilities that haven’t been patched yet. Antivirus won’t detect them because they have no signature, but EDR can detect the suspicious behavior.

3. APT (Advanced Persistent Threats)

Sophisticated, long-term attacks that try to stay under the radar. EDR detects suspicious activity even when it happens gradually.

4. Spyware

Software that tries to steal sensitive data. EDR detects attempts to access sensitive files or send data across the network.

How to Choose an Antivirus & EDR Solution

When you choose an endpoint protection solution, look for:

Key Features:

1. Fast detection - the ability to detect threats in real time
2. Central management - one management console for all computers
3. Performance - a solution that doesn’t slow computers down
4. Support - professional support in Hebrew
5. Regular updates - automatic updates of signature databases and settings
6. Reports - detailed reports on your security posture

Why Does a Managed Solution Matter?

Deploying and managing Antivirus and EDR requires technical expertise. A managed solution includes:

• Professional deployment - optimal installation and configuration
• Ongoing management - monitoring, updates, and incident response
• Support - professional support when you need it
• Reviews - periodic checks and configuration tuning

Rtek and Bitdefender GravityZone

At Rtek, we use Bitdefender GravityZone, a world-leading endpoint protection solution that combines advanced antivirus and EDR, as part of our cybersecurity services. A full discussion of GravityZone and Amendment 13 compliance is available in our cybersecurity guide.

Why Bitdefender GravityZone?

• Advanced threat detection - detection of 99.9% of threats, including zero-day
• Advanced EDR - extended detection and response for advanced threats
• Central management - one management console for all computers and servers
• Excellent performance - doesn’t slow computers down
• Hebrew support - professional support in Hebrew

What’s Included in the Service?

• License - a GravityZone license for all computers and servers
• Installation and configuration - professional installation and optimal configuration
• Ongoing management - monitoring, updates, and incident response
• Support - professional 24/7 support

Summary

Endpoint protection with Antivirus and EDR is critical for every business. Combining the two provides comprehensive protection against every type of threat, from traditional viruses to sophisticated attacks.

If you want to protect your business with a professional, managed solution, we at Rtek are here to help. Contact us for a tailored quote.