How to Protect Your IT Network (& Why Antivirus Isn’t Enough)

Editor's note: This post was originally published on July 12, 2021 and has been revised for clarity and comprehensiveness.

If you have antivirus software installed and are extra careful about what you click, shouldn’t that be enough to avoid being part of a breach like that? 

Unfortunately not. 

It only takes one bad day, or one bad click, to upend a company’s cybersecurity.  It might not even be your mistake that causes a data breach. 

At Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS), we specialize in helping small to mid-sized businesses protect their data and operations with comprehensive cybersecurity. Our services include managed detection and response (MDR), cloud monitoring, and cybersecurity consulting aligned with best practices like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.

In this article, we’ll break down:

• Why antivirus is not enough 
• What your business truly needs for IT security

By the end of the article, you’ll have the knowledge needed to protect your IT network – beyond your antivirus.  

Why isn’t antivirus software enough to protect your IT network? 

Many companies rely on antivirus because it’s familiar, budget-friendly, and easy to deploy.   Cyberattacks don’t follow old rules—and neither should your defenses. 

“Most companies have antivirus, but they lack visibility into the network and cloud—where modern attacks often occur,” says Rob Schenk, Chief Security Officer at ITS. 

Some executives might also assume they can rely on cyber insurance to recover from a breach.  Cyber insurance is a last resort, not a safety net. 

“Cyber insurance is reactive. It kicks in after the damage is done,” says Schenk. “Worse, many claims are denied if companies can’t prove they had the right protections in place.” 

Insurers are increasingly requiring proof of security controls like MFA, EDR, and incident response planning. Without these, your policy may be void when you need it most. 

Here are the biggest limitations of antivirus: 

1. Lack of Cloud Visibility 

Antivirus software doesn’t monitor cloud platforms like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or AWS. These platforms are common entry points for attackers using phishing or credential theft techniques. 

2. Gaps in Email and Identity Protection 

Today’s cybercriminals target user identities through phishing and impersonation. Antivirus doesn’t detect login attempts from strange locations or block malicious email links—making identity compromise far more likely. 

3. No Insight into Your Network 

Smart TVs, video surveillance systems, mobile devices, and other connected technologies are all part of your network—and all potential vulnerabilities. Antivirus tools don’t monitor these endpoints. 

4. No Real-Time Response 

“Antivirus may isolate a device. But who’s actually responding? Without 24/7 monitoring and triage, it’s like having a smoke alarm and no fire department,” explains Schenk. 

Without Managed Detection and Response (MDR), your business might not even know it’s under attack until it’s too late. 

5. Vulnerable to Zero-Day Threats 

Even previously unknown exploits—called zero-day threats—can be detected faster with a properly configured cybersecurity solution. According to Schenk, “If your system monitors endpoint, network, and cloud, you’ll see a lot less impact from a zero-day.” 

What does your business need for cybersecurity? 

To defend your organization’s security, you need more than tools. You need a layered approach that combines people, processes, and technology. 

1. People 

Employees are the most targeted IT vulnerability.  They know things like your system's password and how to contact your clients - something that hackers would also love to know.  

Unfortunately, there's always room for errors.  

That's why you must train your employees to recognize possible attacks such as malware installations, phishing attempts, and man-in-the-middle scams. We can't stop a problem we aren't aware of, and knowledge mixed with proper security training is one of the best ways to fight against cyberattacks. 

2. Process 

Cybersecurity processes ensure best practices are followed — every time. You can easily safeguard your data by implementing constant security checks as part of your daily process.  

You’d be crippling your cybersecurity if you ignore your security processes.  

“One of the biggest oversights we see is companies leaving their response plans stored digitally—only to lose access when a breach encrypts everything,” says Schenk. 

Improve your cybersecurity and schedule consistent risk assessments, put multi-factor authentication as a standard, see where there are out-of-place transactions and have constant updates regarding the latest technology that hackers and cybersecurity companies use. 

3. Technology 

Every business - big or small - uses some form of technology. It’s also a huge help in keeping information safe.  

It's a constant race between companies and hackers to see who can protect or collect data the best. Outdated technology is a security risk that you shouldn't tolerate; it opens up your data to hackers who already know how to break into those systems. 

Antivirus software, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), cloud monitoring, advanced email security: when combined, these technology solutions cover your devices, networks, cloud services, and user identities. 

Ready to go beyond antivirus software? 

If your cybersecurity strategy still relies on antivirus and firewalls alone, your business is vulnerable. Today’s threats demand better. 

ITS can help you identify the blind spots and build a more resilient security posture that protects your business from today’s evolving threats. 

It’s time to rethink your approach. Contact ITS to schedule a cybersecurity consultation and uncover where your business is most vulnerable. 

MORE RESOURCES:  

• Best Cybersecurity Practices for 2025: Expert Tips 
• Outsourced or In-House Cybersecurity: What are the Pros and Cons? 
• How Much Does Cybersecurity Cost? (& How to Estimate Your Investment!)