04/11/2026
Your antivirus says you’re safe… But are you?
When we talk about antivirus, many people think of software that scans your computer for viruses. But cybersecurity has evolved, and there are different types of protection designed to tackle different threats.
Let’s break down three of the main types of antivirus protection (although there are many more options available!) 👇
🔹 1. Traditional Antivirus
Traditional antivirus scans your computer for viruses and blocks or removes anything harmful it recognises.
Example: You download a file containing a known virus, and your antivirus detects it and blocks it before it can infect your computer.
🔹 2. Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV)
NGAS is a smarter antivirus that can detect suspicious behaviour and newer threats, even if the virus hasn't been seen before. It uses more advanced techniques to prevent a broader range of threats.
Example: A new type of ransomware tries to encrypt your files. NGAV recognises its suspicious behaviour and stops the attack before your files are damaged.
🔹 3. EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)
EDR monitors what happens on your computer, looks for suspicious activity, and provides security teams with tools to investigate and respond.
Example: You open a file that seems harmless, but it starts accessing sensitive information or behaving suspiciously. EDR can flag the activity, help the security team investigate, and support actions to contain the threat.
If you’d like to learn more about the options available and what might work best for your business, feel free to get in touch.
