The Next Generation of Antivirus

Viruses and malware are the bane of every business. And unfortunately, sometimes it can seem like the hackers have the upper hand. Cyber attackers keep getting more creative and persistent with their attacks, and the result is a seemingly never-ending battle to stay one step ahead of them. Ransomware in particular is especially pernicious, and it can be extremely damaging to businesses and organizations of all sizes.

Fortunately, cybersecurity experts are also ramping up their protection. The next generation of antivirus solutions are here, and they are making it harder for hackers and ransomware con artists to get their way. 

What Is the Next Generation of Antivirus?

Next-Generation Antivirus or NGAV for short, is an advanced methodology for preventing viruses and malware. 

Conventional antivirus software is becoming obsolete because cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated. Hackers will often search for security holes in network endpoints as a workaround against standard antivirus protections. Hackers might attack anything from memory to macros in their attempts to take control. 

If a hacker uses a backdoor entrance, such as inserting a virus into memory, a conventional antivirus solution may not be able to catch it, because many of these programs are looking for corrupted files, not memory issues. 

The Benefits of Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) 

Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) goes above and beyond traditional antivirus software by leveraging artificial intelligence fueled by machine learning to achieve targeted behavioral detection. Cloud-based architecture also allows for flexibility and quick implementation across platforms and devices. 

NGAV Provides Broader Protection

Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) is far better at attacking malware, shutting down persistent threats, and sophisticated exploits that old-school virus software might miss. NGAV looks for patterns and connections between intruder behaviors to proactively block harmful events. 

NGAV’s Ability to Repel Advanced Attacks

Advanced cyberattacks are becoming more common, and they can often easily bypass old virus software. These next-generation cyberattacks are often multi-modal and layered, with sophisticated targeting designed to break through traditional antivirus protection. But Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) can handle these attacks, and as mentioned above, be deployed quickly to thousands of endpoints.

NGAV: Threat Intelligence with Predictive Analytics

Artificial intelligence employs Next-Generation Antivirus capabilities to offer powerful threat intelligence along with predictive analytics. The value of machine learning algorithms cannot be understated. ML algorithms can help identify threats from surprising and unknown sources. And threat intelligence can help find hidden malware and attacks that do not require files…cyberattacks that might otherwise be missed by regular virus software. These sophisticated AI-powered approaches can be extremely useful in responding to the evolving cyberthreat landscape. 

Why Is Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Important?

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) – or alternatively, Endpoint Threat Detection and Response (ETDR) – focuses on securing “endpoints” in networks to block cyberattacks. An “endpoint” is any device that is attached to the network, such as a computer, smartphone, IoT device, or peripheral such as a printer or multifunction printer. 

The best Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) will include Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) to provide an integrated, 360-degree security solution.

Real-time monitoring and intrusion detection is employed along with automation to help cybersecurity experts quickly clamp down on any suspicious activity. Endpoint activity data is not only monitored but analyzed to pinpoint potential threat patterns. Threats can be automatically removed and contained, with real-time alerts also notifying human cyber experts of any suspicious or malicious activities. 

What Is the Future of Cybersecurity?

The best cybersecurity organizations are looking to the future to anticipate and mitigate threats before they become major problems. The newer security solutions will combine Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and other advanced monitoring tools to anticipate and thwart threats in advance. 

Proactive approaches to cybersecurity are becoming more and more important as more devices become connected to networks via the Internet of Things. And while new cybersecurity tools are constantly being created, it still requires the decision-making of business leaders to get them implemented. 

All businesses need to have service security in mind, since hackers are often indiscriminate in their attacks. The future of cybersecurity thus also depends on forward-thinking managers making cyber protection a priority. Working with a third-party Managed IT provider like CDS Office Technologies can help, because we can provide the cybersecurity expertise that might be missing on your in-house team.

Is It Time to Upgrade Your Cybersecurity? 

Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) can supercharge your organization’s cybersecurity, and CDS Office Technologies can help. We can help institute the right NGAV solutions for your business, along with comprehensive Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) protection. With our Managed IT Services solution, our cybersecurity experts can monitor your systems around the clock to ensure they are safe from hacking and hostile instructions.

CDS Office Technologies can help protect your organization with next-generation antivirus technologies. Contact us today to find out how we can improve your cybersecurity.