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It’s a question I hear more and more business owners and professionals asking:
“Do we still need antivirus in 2025?”
With operating systems like Windows 11 offering built-in security and businesses investing in cloud platforms and password managers, it’s easy to think traditional anti-virus might be fading into the background.

But the reality is more complicated.

Modern anti-virus (AV) solutions have evolved. They’ve moved far beyond just scanning for suspicious files, and as the cybersecurity threat landscape continues to grow in both volume and sophistication, endpoint protection remains a vital layer in any organisation’s defence strategy.

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📊 Real-World Data: The Threats Are Evolving, Not Slowing Down

According to the 2024 Cybersecurity Threat Report by SonicWall:

• Global malware attacks rose by 11% year-on-year, reaching over 6.4 billion threats detected
• Ransomware activity surged again in Q4 2024, with attacks increasingly targeting SMBs with limited protection
• Encrypted threats (those hiding in HTTPS traffic) jumped by 23%, bypassing basic detection tools

And it’s not just the volume, it’s the method. Threats are now more targeted, more sophisticated, and often use AI to avoid detection.

These aren’t just attacks on enterprise giants. They’re hitting accounting firms, retailers, tradespeople, creatives, and remote teams, exactly the kind of businesses we support at System Plus.

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🧠 Isn’t Windows Defender Enough?

Microsoft Defender, now built into Windows 11, does offer impressive baseline protection. It’s improved dramatically over the years, integrating real-time threat detection, cloud-based scanning, and automated response capabilities.

In AV-Test’s latest 2024 independent review, Defender scored:

• 6/6 for protection
• 6/6 for usability
• 5.5/6 for performance

Not bad at all. In fact, it beats some paid solutions on core protection. But that doesn’t tell the whole story, particularly for businesses.

Here’s why Microsoft Defender might not be enough on its own:

• No centralised management in its default form (unless you’re using Defender for Business or via Intune)
• Limited sandboxing and behavioural AI compared to dedicated endpoint platforms
• Fewer proactive phishing or identity protection tools
• Lack of integrated VPN, dark web scanning, or device control

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🔍 Paid vs Free: What Do the Best Antivirus Platforms Offer in 2025?

For businesses, especially those managing remote workers, client data, or sensitive documentation, the extras matter. Here’s a quick comparison based on current 2025 reviews from TechRadar, PCMag, and AV-Comparatives:

🔒 Best Paid Solutions (2025)

1. Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security

• Centralised management
• Strong behavioural detection
• Network attack protection
• Lightweight performance footprint
  ⭐ PCMag rating: 4.5/5

2. Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus

• Email and file server security
• Integrated VPN (optional)
• Patch management add-ons
  ⭐ TechRadar rating: 4.5/5

3. ESET Protect Entry

• Focused on SMBs
• Great real-time response
• Device control and script blocking
  ⭐ AV-Test protection: 6/6

4. Sophos Intercept X

• Deep AI threat detection
• Strong ransomware rollbacks
• Syncs well with Microsoft environments
  ⭐ TechRadar rating: 5/5

🧰 Top Free (Home/Light Use)

Microsoft Defender
✅ Free and built-in
✅ Good for personal use or cautious users
🚫 Lacks centralised control without Intune

Kaspersky Free (Essential)
✅ High detection rates
🚫 Limited support and no extras like sandboxing

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🔐 The Bigger Picture: AV as Part of a Business Security Stack

In 2025, it’s no longer about choosing just anti-virus. Instead, we talk to clients about endpoint protection, threat prevention, and response planning.

Here’s how AV fits into that bigger picture:

Security Element	Still Needed in 2025?	Why It Matters
Anti-Virus / Endpoint Agent	✅ Absolutely	First layer of defence against malware
Email Filtering	✅ Yes	Stops phishing and malicious attachments
Patch Management	✅ Critical	Prevents known exploits from being used
Cloud Backups	✅ Non-negotiable	Needed for ransomware recovery
User Training	✅ Always	People still click things they shouldn’t

At System Plus, we help clients bring these elements together, choosing the right mix of software, setup, and support.

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💬 Final Thoughts from System Plus

So, is anti-virus still a must in 2025?
Yes, but the definition of “anti-virus” has changed.

It’s no longer about ticking a box or buying the cheapest product. It’s about choosing a layered security solution that gives you real protection, real visibility, and real support when you need it.

Modern threats are fast, quiet, and often invisible to untrained eyes. Having the right endpoint protection in place means your business doesn’t just rely on luck.

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Thinking about reviewing your current protection setup?

📩 Get in touch we’ll help you make sure your business stays secure, no matter the threats.

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External Sources

• AV-Test 2024 results – https://www.av-test.org
• PCMag antivirus rankings – https://www.pcmag.com
• SonicWall Threat Report – https://www.sonicwall.com