ISTANBUL

As artificial intelligence continues to drive the evolution of cyber threats, traditional antivirus software is increasingly falling short in ensuring digital security, prompting a shift toward more advanced cybersecurity solutions that secure all connected devices and reduce vulnerabilities.

Kaspersky Türkiye General Manager Ilkem Ozar said Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions are increasingly becoming the top priority for all organizations.

EDR technologies are designed to monitor and analyze abnormal behavior on endpoint devices in real time, enabling threat detection and prompt response. Unlike traditional antivirus tools, EDR systems go beyond blocking known malware by identifying the source of attacks, recording suspicious activity, and stopping threats before they spread.

Ozar told Anadolu that demand for EDR-based approaches is rising globally and that Türkiye is following the same trend.

“We have moved beyond classic antivirus solutions. Institutions now face threats that need to be monitored and responded to, not just blocked,” he said.

She underlined that the effectiveness of EDR systems depends not only on product quality but also on proper architecture, integrated installation, and ongoing support.

“Last year, our products ranked first in 91 out of 95 independent tests, but real impact comes from combining product performance with technical support,” Ozar said.

- Every connected device poses a threat

Comparing EDR systems to airport security, Ozar explained: “Antivirus is like passport control, while EDR is a detailed security screening. Institutions must go beyond identity verification and implement comprehensive inspection mechanisms.”

She noted that the proliferation of smart devices has increased the potential attack surface.

“Each endpoint device—such as glasses, watches, sensors, and point-of-sale systems—must be evaluated for security. In retail, even connected cash registers can be vulnerable,” she added.

Ozar said embedded solutions tailored for specific devices have brought in significant customer gains and stressed that EDR is now a critical requirement not only for IT networks but also for operational technologies (OT).

Highlighting the role of human error in cybersecurity, Ozar emphasized the importance of security training for employees.

“Cybersecurity awareness varies across sectors. While the finance industry is ahead, areas like manufacturing and retail, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), still have room for improvement,” she said.

Kaspersky, she added, has invested heavily in Türkiye alongside Brazil and India.

“We are strengthening our local pre- and post-sales teams and providing regular training to technical teams of our business partners,” she said.

- Türkiye among countries most targeted by cyberattacks

Ozar noted that Türkiye ranks among the most targeted countries globally for cyberattacks. “We are the most targeted nation in the African region and rank among the top three or ten globally. Although ransomware attacks dropped by 16%, this still translates to 28,000 to 30,000 incidents,” he said.

This decline, she said, indicates that attacks are becoming more targeted.

“Mass attacks are being replaced by sophisticated campaigns aimed at specific organizations. That’s why EDR solutions are vital as a proactive layer that monitors and responds to threats,” she added.

Ozar also warned that SMEs can be targeted in the same way that large corporations are, and that EDR solutions should be implemented by all sizes of organizations.

She observed that closed network systems are no longer completely isolated.

“Updates and data transfers often require external connections, which can expose vulnerabilities. EDR brings visibility into such blind spots,” she said.

Ozar concluded that companies are establishing integrated security structures and that this mindset must extend to SMEs and firms that may not consider themselves at risk.

“Advanced cybersecurity is now a necessity wherever technology exists. EDR solutions must become the new standard, and in the near future, no endpoint should remain without EDR protection,” she said.