Unmanaged Vs Managed Antivirus Software
The Pros and Cons of Both Approaches

unmanaged-v-managed antivirus

Most computer users, especially those working in small and medium-sized businesses, often pay little attention to the anti-virus software running on their computers. I hope someone has anti-virus software installed, but employees in general are busy completing their responsibilities, joining a meeting, or coordinating the next steps of a tedious, often tedious workflow. don’t care about anti-virus software. They have other duties to perform and they should not bear the same burden.

For example, a small office technology administrator, a large organization’s IT department, or an enterprise managed service provider is often responsible for installing and maintaining anti-virus software on devices. of the whole company. But after anti-malware software is installed on a computer, tablet or smartphone, the work begins. Due to application updates, the need to continuously patch the operating system, the possibility of software crashes, and a multitude of other reasons, in order to provide adequate protection against viruses, spyware, and viruses. With messages, ransomware, and other forms of cyberattacks, modern anti-malware software works best with continuous monitoring and real-time (unscheduled) updates. This is especially true at a time when cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving and adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies to better evade defenses and attacks. users as well as computers in smart and innovative ways. Organizations sometimes rely on standalone antivirus software. These unmanaged installations require technical staff to visit each computer directly to install the software and then return periodically to confirm that the software is working properly. When using standalone, unmanaged anti-malware applications, administrators should also carefully confirm that updates (for traditional anti-virus programs include important information important new signatures that help identify and block recorded threats) are circulating properly, and the scan did not detect any problems the software was having. cannot be resolved on their computer. own. Then the unmanaged antivirus process becomes long and slow when something goes wrong, such as when the workstation’s antivirus components fail.

Traditionally unmanaged use of anti-virus software, compiling an inventory list documenting that each workstation has anti-virus software working properly (a common practice in various industries) proved difficult. Difficulties also arise when using stand-alone anti-virus solutions to generate application status, scan and alert history, and other administrative reports. In general, typical administrative and maintenance tasks then become unusually inefficient when unmanaged antivirus software is used.

However, managed antivirus programs, where the antivirus is managed and managed remotely using a centralized console, give organizations many advantages over their competitors. their traditional unmanaged business. Managed solutions simplifies IT administration by providing technicians with a solution to support remote anti-malware deployments, meaning technicians don’t need to visit every location. point or affiliate company to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place. By using a managed solution, IT staff can also centrally manage and monitor anti-malware performance. Centralized administration also helps generate status reports, allowing technologists to identify problematic systems or even identify a device that is running low on network coverage. The fact that managed anti-virus software can also generate real-time alerts allows and speeds up responses. When listing the pros and cons of unmanaged and managed antivirus software, the list is broken down as follows:

Unmanaged Antivirus – Benefits

  • Provides basic anti-malware protection.
  • Generally simple installation.

 

Unmanaged Antivirus – Cons

  • Requires physical access to each machine to be installed.
  • Usually no remote monitoring, alerting or administration capabilities.
  • Usually no notification of failed updates or suspicious activity.
  • Requires tracking and maintaining individual licenses.
  • The end user can usually terminate, deactivate and delete the software.
  • slower response.
  • Potential for missed systems.

 

Managed Antivirus – Benefits

  • Real-time monitoring and warning function.
  • Benefits of centralized governance.
  • Improve confidence that every endpoint is protected.
  • Increased confidence that alerts will come when equipment crashes.
  • It is generally not possible for the end user to disable or remove the software.
  • Simplify licensing.
  • Have more benefit.
  • Enables rapid response, including to new threats.

 

Managed Antivirus – Cons

  • Requires technological expertise for proper implementation and management.

Fortunately, as cyber threats evolve, in some cases quite suddenly, so do cybersecurity safeguards. In particular, over the past two years, anti-malware solutions have become much more sophisticated, themselves adopting advanced threat protection technologies, including AI and ML, to protect users, computers and data.

The modern approach, then, evolved. Companies are increasingly deploying managed antivirus software that can help with remote administration and management. Typically, these take the form of endpoint detection and response (EDR) or extended detection and response (XDR) solutions that include anti-virus components but add additional functionality, such as such as the ability to analyze suspicious behavior to better block new threats, model threat detection, and automatically remove infections.

Since traditional anti-virus programs often rely on matching virus signatures to recognize threats and detect an attack, significant delays between the appearance of of the so-called new zero-day threat and the availability of corresponding signature updates required to protect against these new vulnerabilities. With a managed antivirus that includes an EDR or XDR component, responses are much faster. Because they use advanced analytics and identify patterns and anomalies, these new technologies are better able to resist cyber attacks, block threats, and notify administrators. when anomalies arise.

The benefits are game-changing, as EDR and XDR solutions can detect and protect against exploits before many traditional anti-virus software companies can generate signatures. match and release updates, and enterprise customers can download and install the required fixes. Even better, since modern EDR and XDR solutions include anti-virus components, they can be thought of as complex anti-virus solutions that replace non-anti-virus programs. securely managed.

Distinguishing between managed and unmanaged platforms can sometimes be complicated. Some software vendors offer both options or a platform that combines technologies. If you’re having trouble immediately distinguishing between different types of offers, here are some examples of entry-level (usually unmanaged) antivirus programs. Note that some of these vendors offer basic anti-malware with a cloud-managed component or a managed alternative:

 

Examples of enterprise-capable EDR and XDR managed platforms (which include antivirus protections) include:

 

As shown above, there are many antivirus and endpoint protection solutions available. Most vendors now offer a managed solution, and for good reason. Each offer typically has a wide range of features and capabilities, although navigating the respective spec sheets and administrative nuances can take time, patience, and expert knowledge.

For an Independent review of the leading Cyber Security Vendors Antivirus and Malware solutions see AV Independent Tests of Anti-Virus Software

They provide independent comparative tests and reviews for antivirus software, antimalware tools, and security software.

If you are looking for a managed antivirus solution, contact us today as we may have the right solution for your business.

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