Future-proofing PC use requires a strong vision for AI deployment in security products and a deep understanding of criminal use of AI in creating today’s threats.
Those efforts to deliver the most advanced protection possible have paid off. ESET has been named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Consumer Digital Life Protection 2025 Vendor Assessment (doc #US52976725, October 2025).
“ESET is a suitable choice for individuals, families, and SOHO users seeking reliable and lightweight digital life protection. Its prevention-first approach is ideal for those who value proactive security measures that do not compromise device performance,” reads IDC MarketScape’s assessment.
A leader in consumer digital life protection
ESET has more than 30 years of experience and has developed several new technologies that we believe have helped differentiate us. The roots of its modern, AI-powered solutions can be traced back to the 1990s when ESET introduced machine learning to detect macro viruses.
We believe the IDC MarketScape recognition confirms that ESET is still on the right track and, what is more, others see it too.
Earlier this year, AV-Comparatives named ESET HOME Security Essential its Product of the Year, praising it for outstanding prevention-oriented protection against malware, low impact on performance, and simple user-friendly management with advanced customization for tech-savvy users.
ESET’s AI strategy
ESET has been leveraging AI and machine learning for over two decades, and is currently focused on merging automated detection technologies with the latest agentic AI capabilities.
These technologies are deployed across multiple layers of our security solutions, so users are protected on all major operating systems, and against both common and never-before-seen threat types, and at multiple stages of an attack — from innocent-looking spam emails entering their mailboxes to ransomware mid-process locking files on the victim’s computer.
Following this AI-oriented strategy, ESET is now combining automated detection technologies with emerging agentic AI capabilities — making security more proactive and effortless for users.
Meet ESET’s AI brain — how AI protects devices
Thanks to this approach, our engineers have built ESET solutions to deal with suspicious software like a scientist examines a new sample. This unified technology is called ESET LiveSense.
Let’s see how the “brain” of this scientist works: First, ESET technology checks the source of an incoming possible threat, and if it’s suspicious, the user is alerted. Subsequently, ESET solutions use an advanced AI module — a combination of multiple algorithms including deep-learning models to assess potential threats and the “DNA” of suspicious software, i.e., its key features. After this initial assessment, ESET LiveGuard technology checks how the sample behaves within its secure “sandbox” environment, further observing its behavior.
If the malware reaches the device despite the abovementioned security measures, ESET solutions can still take protective action via monitoring of processes running on the protected device.
ESET AI is able to correlate these (malicious) processes via information gathered from human intelligence and data gleaned from more than 1 billion users across 195 countries.
Thanks to this AI-oriented approach and the combination of human-led security research and machine-led data gathering, ESET can make significant upgrades to its solutions, increasing their effectivity against scams, phishing, script-based attacks, fileless malware, “Living off the Land” attacks, and novel malware capable of targeting multiple operating systems at once.
Securing AI-powered devices at HOME and Small Business
Having all these capabilities at their disposal, ESET researchers closely observe how AI-powered ESET solutions block AI-powered malware. For example, when cybercriminals created deepfakes to fool a bank’s security and authentication systems.
Via observations, ESET engineers have moved quickly to adapt our solutions for today’s emerging AI PCs. These PCs include central processing units (CPU) for tasks necessitating rapid response times, graphics processing units (GPU) for large tasks like video and graphic rendering and large AI workloads demanding high performance, and finally introduce integrated neural processing units (NPUs) to improve processing and power efficiency while under sustained, heavy AI tasks.
ESET’s Endpoint Security software specifically integrates with new architectures like Intel® AI PC hardware to boost AI-driven malware detection and to analyze telemetry for both known and unknown threats.
By offloading AI detection tasks to the NPU, ESET reduces CPU load, improving performance and efficiency. This hardware-software integration strengthens threat detection, minimizes data breach risks, and future-proofs cybersecurity for hybrid work environments.
What it means for you
In a world where AI is increasingly present in day-to-day technology and where cybercriminals also abuse its advantages to steal money and data, reliable cybersecurity must be one step ahead — prepared for threats yet to come.
ESET AI-driven protection ensures that users and their increasingly intelligent devices are safe in this evolving landscape by focusing on prevention — stopping malware before it can do any harm.
Moreover, ESET understands that top-notch cybersecurity is not only about powerful anti-malware features but also simple management, effectiveness, and keeping performance impact to a minimum — which is surely praised by any home admin, small business owner, gamer, or anyone working with a huge amount of data.
Micro businesses caught in the AI turmoil
The AI boom puts micro businesses in a difficult position: This segment forms the backbone of the majority of global economies, but small offices/home offices handling finances and customers’ sensitive information are also popular targets for cybercriminals who use AI-powered tools to launch sophisticated malicious attacks.
This threat is likely to increase because AI tools make it easier even for low-skilled attackers to cause serious damage. For example, ESET researchers recently encountered the first known AI-written ransomware and expect more to come.
However, micro business owners usually don’t have finances to deploy complex cybersecurity, nor time and skill to manage it. In addition, they also tend to use devices for both work and personal needs, which creates a whole new playfield for attackers.
That is why ESET created ESET Small Business Security, a truly set-and-protect solution that offers the robust AI-powered cybersecurity described above while keeping it lightweight and easy to use.
Key features include secure online transactions and banking, VPN, support for network signatures to block malicious traffic, compliance and data protection enabled by advanced encryption and management, anti-theft features, remote lock, and location for lost or stolen devices.
Peace of mind in a changing world
No one knows how far AI can go or how it will change our world. But one thing is sure: Cybercriminals are ready to use it against you, and yes, everyone is a target.
ESET knows this, and its engineers are keenly focused on understanding future threats and ways to mitigate them.
FAQs
1. Why was ESET named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Consumer Digital Life Protection 2025 Vendor Assessment?
ESET was recognized for the following strengths: “ESET's focus on prevention allows it to proactively address threats through advanced technologies and real-time cloud protection. Its lightweight solutions are designed to maintain device performance while delivering effective security, which is particularly appealing to SOHO users who often rely on resource-constrained systems. The integration of artificial intelligence and human expertise enables ESET to adapt to evolving threats, ensuring its solutions remain relevant in a dynamic cybersecurity landscape.
The ESET HOME platform simplifies the management of security settings and devices. This centralized control is especially beneficial for SOHO users managing multiple devices, as it reduces complexity and enhances efficiency. ESET's compatibility with multiple platforms ensures that users can protect a diverse range of devices, from smartphones to computers, making it a versatile option for both personal and professional use.”
2. What differentiates ESET’s AI strategy?
ESET has been using AI and machine learning for over 20 years. Its AI strategy includes: multilayered threat defense, machine learning, behavioral analysis, sandboxing, AI advisor, and AI-powered cybersecurity embedded into AI-powered hardware.
3. How does ESET protect AI-powered devices?
ESET multilayered endpoint solution is AI-powered devices aware, and the protection capabilities for these types of devices are intrinsic in the ESET detection core. For users, this means seamless integration without any special configuration needed. For example, in partnership with Intel, ESET secures systems with NPUs, enhancing detection while minimizing system impact.
4. Is ESET suitable for small businesses?
Yes. ESET’s solutions are ideal for SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) users who need strong protection but may lack dedicated financial and human resources. On top of that, these micro businesses can enjoy simple cybersecurity management, low performance impact, and free local support.
5. What platforms and threats does ESET protect against?
ESET provides cross-platform protection against spam, phishing, scams, and common malware such as ransomware, infostealers, backdoors, botnets, and more.