For a long time, traditional antivirus software was the first line of defense against computer threats. Easy to deploy, inexpensive and familiar to IT teams, they have been able to block a large proportion of common malware. But today, this model is reaching its limits.
In the face of more sophisticated, stealthy and targeted attacks, antivirus is no longer enough. The shift is now clear: to protect themselves effectively, companies need to go beyond simply blocking known threats, and adopt a dynamic, reactive approach. This is precisely what EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) a technology designed to detect, analyze and respond to threats in real time.
In this article, we explore the limitations of antivirus, the concrete benefits of an EDR, and how a managed solution like Phishia's can transform an organization's cybersecurity.
Why antivirus is no longer enough
Antivirus programs work mainly on the basis of signatures. They identify a malicious program because it resembles something already known. But today's cyberattacks are evolving rapidly, using fileless techniques, changing form automatically (polymorphic malware), or relying on legitimate system tools to hide themselves.
The result: an antivirus, however up-to-date, can no longer cope on its own with threats that resemble nothing we know. It acts like a static guard at the entrance to a building, unable to see what's going on upstairs or in the basement. In particular, he is powerless against so-called zero daywhich exploit vulnerabilities that are still unknown to software publishers, and therefore invisible to conventional security tools.
EDR: an intelligent, active approach to cybersecurity
The EDR changes logic. Rather than looking for what is already listed as dangerous, it continuously monitors the activity of workstations and servers. It analyzes behavior, spots anomalies and picks up weak signals, making it possible to isolate a system or block a suspicious action before it's too late.
In concrete terms, EDR is based on a distributed architecture: a lightweight agent is installed on each workstation or server. This agent collects real-time behavioral logs (process creation, file access, network connections, elevation of privileges, etc.) and sends them to a central platform. There, this data is correlated and analyzed using detection engines and artificial intelligence algorithms, to identify potentially malicious activity.
When suspicious behavior is detected, such as massive file encryption, an unusual connection from abroad, or an attempt to exfiltrate data... the EDR can immediately generate an alert, isolate the workstation, block the offending process or trigger an automated remediation script. The entire incident is recorded, enabling analysts to replay the chain of events to understand the origin of the attack and avoid its repetition.
By combining fine-grained detection, rapid response and complete visibility, EDR offers active and resilient cybersecurity, far beyond the capabilities of conventional antivirus software.
Switching to BDU means changing posture
Adopting an EDR solution doesn't just mean replacing a tool. It means changing the company's overall security posture. It's a shift from passive protection to active, resilient defense.
In a context where attacks are increasingly targeted, often manual, and sometimes orchestrated by highly organized groups, it's no longer just a matter of "getting the job done". if a company will be attacked, but when. And what will make the difference is the ability to detect early, react quickly, and understand precisely what happened to avoid a recurrence.
Why coupling EDR with a managed SOC changes everything
Setting up an EDR is a decisive step forward. But its full effectiveness also depends on analysis and human intervention. This is where a managed SOC (Security Operations Center) comes in.
At Phishia, we monitor the BDUs deployed at our customers' sites in real time. Our analysts receive alerts, sort them, interpret them and trigger the necessary responses. In the event of a threat, we take charge of remediation actions, in-depth investigation and post-incident support.
This enables companies, whatever their size or sector, to benefit from a true cybersecurity center, without having to mobilize a dedicated in-house team.
Conclusion: anticipate rather than suffer
Gone are the days when a simple antivirus was enough. Modern threats require modern tools, but also human expertise to understand and respond to them. Today, EDR, coupled with an SOC, represents the best response to the challenges of contemporary cybersecurity.
Failure to evolve means remaining exposed. Setting up a supervised BDU means regaining control.
Would you like to find out how a managed EDR solution can enhance your company's security?
Contact Phishia for a free diagnosis and personalized demonstration.
