Cybersecurity threats have changed dramatically. Today’s attacks are faster, smarter, and often invisible to traditional protection tools. If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably heard terms like Antivirus (AV), EDR, and MDR—but knowing what they actually mean (and which one you need) isn’t always clear.
Let’s break them down in simple terms.
Standard Antivirus (AV)
What is it?
Antivirus is the most basic and commonly used form of computer protection. It’s been around for decades and is often included with new computers.
What does it do?
Antivirus scans files on your computer and compares them to a list of known viruses and malware. If it finds a match, it blocks or removes the threat.
Why do I need it?
Antivirus is good at stopping older, well-known threats, but that’s where its effectiveness ends. Modern cyberattacks often don’t look like traditional viruses and can slip right past antivirus software. While AV is better than nothing, it is no longer enough on its own to protect a business.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
What is it?
EDR is a more advanced form of endpoint protection designed for today’s threats. It doesn’t just look for known viruses—it watches how your computers behave.
What does it do?
EDR continuously monitors activity on your devices and looks for suspicious behavior, even if the threat has never been seen before. If something unusual happens—like ransomware trying to encrypt files—EDR can alert your IT provider and help stop the attack.
Why do I need it?
Cybercriminals now use legitimate system tools to carry out attacks that antivirus can’t detect. EDR helps catch these stealthy, file-less attacks. For businesses that use a Managed IT Provider (like JK), EDR provides much better visibility and protection—but it still requires someone to monitor and respond to alerts.
Managed Detection and Response (MDR)
What is it?
MDR combines advanced security tools (like EDR) with real human cybersecurity experts who monitor your systems for you.
What does it do?
With MDR, a dedicated security team watches your environment 24/7, investigates alerts, hunts for threats, and responds immediately when something goes wrong—often before you even know there was a problem.
Why do I need it?
Most small businesses don’t have in-house cybersecurity experts, and attacks don’t wait for business hours. MDR provides around-the-clock protection, expert response, and peace of mind. It’s the most comprehensive option and is ideal for businesses that want strong security without hiring internal security staff.
So, Which One Is Right for Your Business?
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Antivirus (AV): Basic protection only. No longer sufficient by itself.
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EDR: Stronger protection with better detection—ideal when paired with a Managed IT Provider.
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MDR: The highest level of protection with 24/7 expert monitoring and response.
In today’s cybersecurity landscape, relying on antivirus alone is risky. For most small and mid-sized businesses, EDR or MDR is quickly becoming the new standard for protecting data, systems, and operations.
| Feature | Standard Antivirus (AV) | EDR | MDR |
|---|---|---|---|
| How threats are detected | Looks for known virus signatures | Watches behavior and activity patterns | Advanced detection plus real human experts |
| Threat coverage | Known malware only | Known and unknown threats | Full coverage, including active attacks |
| Monitoring | Periodic scans | Continuous monitoring on each device | 24/7 monitoring by security professionals |
| Response capability | Quarantines or removes files | Alerts, investigation, and guided response | Full incident response handled for you |
| IT resources required | Low | High (requires skilled IT staff) | Low (fully outsourced) |
| Typical cost | Low | Medium | High |
How JK Technology Solutions Can Help
At JK Technology Solutions, we help businesses choose the right level of protection based on risk, budget, and business goals. Whether you’re upgrading from antivirus or ready for fully managed security, we make cybersecurity simple and effective.