The mistake of relying solely on antivirus software: Is your business really safe?

marcom-vn
Dec 16, 2025
4 min read

"The system has licensed antivirus software installed, hackers definitely cannot intrude." This is a fatal misconception that causes thousands of businesses to pay a heavy price with their data, finances, and brand reputation.

In the context of cybercriminals using AI and complex encryption algorithms, relying on a single line of defense like Antivirus is like locking a flimsy wooden door but leaving the glass window wide open, inviting thieves into the house.

This article will analyze in depth why traditional solutions are failing and provide a comprehensive protection strategy.

1. Numbers Don't Lie: When the antivirus software "Shield" is pierced

Many business owners and IT managers still believe that Antivirus is a "panacea". However, actual reports from 2024 in Vietnam and the world have proven the opposite.

a. The Big Picture in Vietnam

According to the latest report from the National Cybersecurity Association, the cybersecurity situation is at a red alert level:

46.15% of agencies and businesses in Vietnam have been attacked at least once, despite most of them being equipped with basic antivirus software.
The total number of attacks is estimated to be over 659,000.
More worryingly, 24.32% of units do not organize cybersecurity awareness training for employees, creating a human loophole that no software can patch.

b. Global Trend: Deadly Complacency

According to the "Consumer Antivirus Market Report" from Security.org:

Although risk awareness has increased, users are tending to shift to free antivirus software (accounting for 61%) instead of paid solutions (39%).
Free versions often cut vital features such as: Firewall, Real-time protection, and Anti-Ransomware.

This poses a big question: Why do businesses that paid for antivirus software still fall victim to data encryption attacks?

2. Technical Analysis: Why Does Traditional Antivirus Fail?

To understand the cause, we need to compare the operating mechanism of antivirus software with the modern attack methods of Hackers.

2.1. Signature-based Mechanism Is Obsolete

Most antivirus software works based on a sample database. It compares files on the machine with a list of known "criminals".

Limitation: It only catches malware that "already has a profile".
Reality: About 190,000 new malware strains are created every day. Hackers use "Polymorphic malware" techniques to continuously change source code after each infection. Antivirus software cannot update the blacklist in time, leading to missed threats.

2.2. The Rise of Fileless Malware Attacks

This is a nightmare for antivirus software. Hackers do not download viruses to the victim's machine. Instead, they hijack legitimate tools available in Windows (like PowerShell, WMI) to execute malicious commands.

Consequence: Since no strange files (.exe, .bat) are written to the hard drive, antivirus software has nothing to scan and is completely "blind" to the attack until the data is encrypted.

2.3. Antivirus vs. Modern Threats

Below is a comparison table of the capabilities of traditional antivirus software versus next-generation security solutions (Next-Gen):

Comparison Criteria	Antivirus	Multi-layered Security Solutions (EDR/XDR)
Detection Mechanism	Based on Signature and pattern matching.	Based on Behavior Analysis and AI/Machine Learning.
Against Ransomware	Often fails if it is a new, unupdated variant.	Detects abnormal encryption behavior and blocks it immediately.
Against Fileless Attack	Cannot detect (due to no file to scan).	Monitors memory processes and scripts for detection.
Incident Response	Passive (Only warns or deletes files).	Proactive (Isolates device, investigates root cause).
Visibility	Only knows which machine is infected.	Sees the entire attack chain: Where hackers entered, what they did, where they spread.

3. What Do Businesses Gain by Using Additional Security Solutions?

Instead of relying solely on antivirus software, investing in a multi-layered security system brings clear benefits through risk minimization:

Reduce Downtime: The average cost for each downtime incident can exceed $300,000. Early detection systems help handle incidents in minutes instead of days for data recovery.
Protect Brand Reputation: A customer data leak can destroy trust built over decades.
Meet International Standards: EDR/SOC solutions help businesses comply with strict security standards (ISO 27001, PCI DSS) required by partners.

4. Comprehensive Security Ecosystem from IPSIP Vietnam

Understanding the pain points of SME businesses and corporations when standalone antivirus software cannot shoulder the responsibility, IPSIP Vietnam provides a specialized IT and Cybersecurity service ecosystem:

1. SOC 24/7 (Security Operations Center) Service

This is a "command center" that never sleeps. Instead of letting antivirus software run automatically without control, IPSIP Vietnam's team of experts will monitor the system 24/7/365.

Benefit: Detect and prevent hackers right from the probing stage, before they can spread malware.

2. Solutions for SMEs

A comprehensive IT service package designed specifically for small and medium businesses, including:

Centralized management of enterprise antivirus software.
Standard Firewall configuration.
Periodic Backup and recovery testing.

[Image: Flexsecure 360 - Comprehensive solution for SMEs, personalized, easy to use]

3. Core Infrastructure Services

NOC 24/7 (Network Operations Center): Monitors network performance and bandwidth, ensuring seamless connection.
IT Support: Helpdesk team supports end-users in handling hardware and software incidents quickly.
Cloud: Digital transformation consulting, managing secure and cost-optimized Cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, Private Cloud).

Antivirus software remains a foundational layer, but in the era of booming AI and Ransomware, it is just a very small piece of the puzzle. Businesses need to shift from a "Prevention" mindset (just installing software) to a "Detection and Response" mindset (monitoring and handling).

Don't wait until your computer screen shows a ransom demand to realize your antivirus software is "powerless". Contact IPSIP Vietnam today for advice on a security strategy suitable for your business scale.

References and Data Sources: