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Is your business relying on traditional antivirus, or does it need more advanced endpoint protection? Understand the differences, discover what modern security solutions can do and make a more informed decision about protecting your organisation.
Every business relies on computers, laptops and servers to carry out its daily operations. These devices are also potential entry points for cyber criminals. Malware, ransomware, malicious downloads and compromised accounts can all put business data and operations at risk.
Traditional antivirus remains an important part of endpoint security. However, today’s threats can involve more than a malicious file. Attackers may use legitimate system tools, stolen credentials and unusual user activity to compromise a device or move through a network.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) adds another layer of protection. It helps organisations identify suspicious behaviour, investigate incidents and take action when a threat is detected.
The right approach depends on your business size, IT environment, risk exposure and the level of monitoring and response you require.
The UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025/26 highlights the continuing exposure of businesses to cyber attacks.
of UK businesses experienced a cyber breach or attack in the previous 12 months.
of UK businesses experienced phishing attacks, making it the most common reported attack type.
Source: UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025/26.
Antivirus software is designed to prevent, detect and remove malicious software from computers and other devices. It is a fundamental security control for businesses of all sizes.
Older antivirus products relied heavily on signatures to identify known malware. Modern antivirus has developed considerably and can also use cloud intelligence, machine learning, reputation checks and behavioural analysis to identify suspicious files and activity.
Depending on the product, antivirus can provide:
Antivirus provides an essential preventative layer, helping to stop many threats before they can compromise a device. It should remain part of a wider security strategy.
Advanced Endpoint Protection
EDR is designed to provide greater visibility into what is happening across computers and other endpoints. It monitors activity, looks for suspicious behaviour and helps security teams investigate potential incidents.
Rather than focusing only on whether a file is recognised as malicious, EDR can analyse patterns of activity that may indicate an attack is taking place.
When a threat is identified, EDR tools can provide alerts and investigation information, and may support actions such as isolating an affected device or stopping malicious activity. The available actions depend on the product and licence.
Both technologies help protect business devices, but they perform different roles in your security strategy.
| Capability | Antivirus | EDR |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Prevent and detect malware. | Detect, investigate and respond to endpoint threats. |
| Threat detection | Signatures, reputation, cloud and behavioural methods, depending on product. | Endpoint activity, behavioural analytics and threat intelligence. |
| Monitoring | Primarily focused on detecting and blocking threats. | Provides broader visibility into endpoint activity. |
| Investigation | Usually focused on detected files and malware. | Supports investigation of incidents and suspicious behaviour. |
| Response | Can block, remove or quarantine detected threats. | Can support containment and remediation actions, depending on the solution. |
| Best suited to | Essential malware prevention and protection. | Organisations needing additional detection, investigation and response capabilities. |
Capabilities vary between vendors, products and subscription plans. Modern antivirus products may already include some advanced detection features.
For many organisations, it is not a choice between antivirus and EDR. They work together as part of a layered endpoint security strategy.
Helps prevent malicious files and software from running on business devices.
Provides additional visibility to identify suspicious activity that may indicate an attack.
Helps investigate and contain threats, reducing the opportunity for attackers to cause further damage.
Endpoint security has moved beyond the traditional distinction between antivirus and EDR. Many current security platforms combine preventative protection, behavioural detection, threat intelligence, automated investigation and response.
For example, Microsoft Defender for Business and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provide different levels of endpoint protection and detection capabilities. Depending on the licence and configuration, these can include next-generation antivirus, endpoint detection and response, attack surface reduction and automated investigation features.
It is important to check exactly which features are included in your subscription. Not every Microsoft 365 plan includes the same endpoint security capabilities, and advanced response features may require additional licensing or configuration.
Form IT Solutions can help your organisation understand its existing protection and identify whether additional endpoint security is appropriate.
Before choosing an endpoint security solution, consider the following questions.
How many devices and users need protection, and what would the impact of a security incident be?
What antivirus, endpoint protection and monitoring tools are already in place?
Who will investigate alerts and take action if suspicious activity is detected?
Are the required security features included in your existing licences, or will additional services be needed?
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Want to understand the differences in more detail? Download our free eBook, Traditional Antivirus vs Endpoint Detection and Response – Which Is for You?
Explore the key differences and consider which approach is best suited to your organisation’s security requirements.
Protect Your Business
Form IT Solutions can help you review your current IT security, understand your options and identify a suitable approach to protecting your business devices.
Alternatively, call our team on 01582 572727.
EDR provides additional detection, investigation and response capabilities. However, it does not make antivirus unnecessary. The two technologies perform complementary roles and are often used together.
Yes. Modern antivirus can use cloud intelligence, machine learning and behavioural analysis to detect threats beyond traditional signatures. The capabilities vary between products.
EDR can help identify suspicious behaviour associated with ransomware and may support containment actions such as isolating affected devices. No single security product can guarantee protection against every attack.
Some Microsoft subscriptions include endpoint security features, but the available capabilities depend on the specific licence. Microsoft Defender for Business and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provide different levels of protection. Check your subscription before assuming advanced EDR features are included.
It depends on the organisation’s risk, devices, data and ability to respond to security incidents. Small businesses can also be targeted by cyber criminals, so it is important to assess whether basic protection is sufficient.
Yes. Form IT Solutions can discuss your existing IT environment and security requirements to help you understand the options available.
Microsoft and Microsoft Defender are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Product names are used for identification purposes only.
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