Antivirus isn’t enough. It never was.

TL;DR: Trusting antivirus on its own is like locking one door while leaving every window wide-open.
Add **people training**, two-step logins, a smart web filter, email filtering, automatic patching, smart device protection (EDR), and tested off-site backups to keep modern attacks out and the business running.

Is antivirus enough to protect my business?

No. Antivirus only stops threats it already knows. To stay safe, layer in:

1. People training – turns your team into a human firewall.
2. Two-step logins (MFA) – a stolen password hits a dead end.
3. Web gatekeeper (Firewall + Web filter) – blocks risky traffic at the door.
4. Email filtering (Spam/Malware filter) – booby-trapped mail never lands.
5. Automatic updates – seals software holes fast.
6. Smart device protection (EDR) – spots sneaky behaviour before it causes damage.
7. Safe off-site backups – rewind quickly if trouble slips through.

Antivirus is yesterday’s lock, hackers walk straight in

Antivirus once did the job. Today’s criminals use AI, clever emails, and supply-chain sneaks to stroll past it. We see hard-working SMEs blindsided every week. It isn’t your fault; tools built for 2005 can’t block threats built for 2025.

Why antivirus falls short

Classic antivirus is reactive. It checks files against a list of known nasties. Modern attacks:

• Shape-shift to dodge signature scans.
• Exploit people, not just machines.
• Hide inside trusted apps and browser add-ons.

It’s like posting a bouncer with a photocopied list of faces while impostors slip in wearing disguises.

What we’re seeing on the front line

• Phishing switch-up: A slick “Microsoft” email tricked a director into handing over logins. Antivirus stayed silent.
• Rogue USB: One memory stick locked a network. The scanner missed the booby-trapped file.
• Data-grabbing browser add-on: Harvested customer data while antivirus looked the other way.

The modern security stack (seven layers)

1 . People training

Plain-English sessions turn click-happy staff into sharp-eyed defenders.

2 . Multi-factor authentication

Even if attackers guess or steal a password, they can’t get past the extra code.

3 . Firewall & web filter

Blocks dodgy sites and traffic before they reach your devices.

4 . Email filtering

Quarantines spam and malware so it never hits the inbox.

5 . Automatic patching

A fresh update is often the cheapest security you’ll ever buy. Set it and forget it.

6 . EDR (smart threat detection for your PCs and laptops)

Watches for strange behaviour and kills the process before breakfast.

7 . Tested off-site backups

If trouble slips through, you restore fast and skip the ransom.

Layers beat luck every time

Hackers cast a net. You get caught by being unprepared, not by being unlucky. Layered security keeps your doors, windows, and skylights shut, without slowing the business down.

How we keep SMEs covered

• Monthly patching & vulnerability scans.
• Clear reports showing what we blocked and why it matters.
• 24 / 7 EDR with real people hunting threats.
• Managed backups and insurance-ready policies.
• Cyber awareness training your team actually enjoys.

We handle the tech so you can sleep easy, that’s savvy, reliable, secure, one-team service at work.

Key takeaways

• Antivirus alone is outdated.
• Modern attacks need multiple, simple layers.
• Security is a whole-business mindset.
• Proactive protection costs less than recovery.

FAQs

1. Do I still need antivirus if I have EDR?

Yes. EDR watches for odd behaviour, while antivirus blocks known malware. Together they cover more ground.

2. How often should I update my antivirus software?

Set it to update daily. New threats appear every few hours.

3. What cyber-security layers should a small business add?

Alongside antivirus and EDR, use MFA, automated patching, a firewall & web filter, staff training, and off-site backups. See our managed cyber security services for details.

4. Is free antivirus enough for business use?

Free tools lack the management, reporting, and support a business needs. Invest in business-grade protection backed by professionals.