Antivirus Is Not a Shield: Why You Can’t Do Without Pentesting

Among companies, there is sometimes a misconception that installing antivirus software is enough to ensure security. This belief often arises from the popularity of antivirus solutions (including free ones), which are indeed a vital part of protection, but they do not address all potential threats.

For example, in 2024, 95% of data breaches were caused by user errors. In these cases, the human factor played a key role, something that antivirus software cannot control. Meanwhile, penetration testing (pentesting) is a method capable of identifying such vulnerabilities, making it an essential element of cybersecurity hygiene.

It’s important to understand that antivirus software and pentesting are not interchangeable tools - they are entirely different approaches that complement each other as part of a comprehensive security strategy.

1. Antivirus doesn’t detect all types of threats

Antivirus software is primarily focused on known threats and relies heavily on signature-based analysis. This limits its effectiveness against new or modified attacks - some threats may go undetected.

2. Pentesting identifies a wider range of vulnerabilities

Penetration testing uncovers not only known vulnerabilities but also specific weaknesses in a company’s infrastructure. It analyzes system configurations, business logic, and inter-system interactions, providing a deeper security assessment.

3. Antivirus reacts, while pentesting prevents

Antivirus tools typically respond to known threats after detection. Pentesting, on the other hand, identifies potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by attackers, helping prevent incidents altogether.

4. Pentesting simulates real-world attacks

During a penetration test, specialists simulate the actions of real attackers to evaluate how well systems can withstand actual threats. Unlike automated scanners, pentesting factors in human behavior and unconventional attack methods, uncovering vulnerabilities that might otherwise be missed.

5. Antivirus doesn’t protect against human error

Attackers often use social engineering to deceive users and gain access to systems. Antivirus programs cannot detect such tactics, as they are not directly linked to malware. Penetration testing can assess employee awareness and the effectiveness of internal security policies, such as resistance to phishing attacks.

6. Compliance with security standards

Many international security standards - such as ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, and SOC 2 - require regular penetration testing to ensure compliance. It is necessary to validate the effectiveness of security measures and identify vulnerabilities. Antivirus software alone does not fulfill these requirements.

7. Limitations of antivirus database updates

Antiviruses rely on regularly updated threat databases to effectively detect malware. However, new threats can emerge faster than the databases are updated, leaving a window of vulnerability during which these threats go undetected.

An effective cybersecurity strategy requires a comprehensive approach, combining antivirus software with penetration testing. This ensures stronger, more reliable protection against a wide range of evolving threats.