In recognition of their continued endurance and achievement amid a hypercompetitive industry where giants reign, I wanted to share an overview of ESET's innovations and advancements over the past three years. I asked Microsoft Copilot to generate a Deep Research report on this subject, taking advantage of both ChatGPT and Bing's index to create a fairly in-depth, convenient summary with citations.
ESET Innovations and Industry Impact: Advancements in Cybersecurity (2022–2025)
Executive Summary
Between 2022 and 2025, ESET has emerged as one of the most dynamic and innovative companies in the global cybersecurity landscape. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the company’s progress across product development, threat detection, artificial intelligence (AI) integration, protection against emerging threats, strategic partnerships, threat intelligence, managed and extended detection and response (MDR/XDR), cloud-based security, R&D investments, ransomware defenses, mobile/IoT security, market position, compliance, governance, and its forward-looking vision. Critical milestones in this period include ESET’s revolutionary integration of AI into all layers of its security portfolio, rapid expansion of its threat intelligence services, enhanced MDR/XDR offerings, renowned research contributions, and a prevention-first approach that has helped both SMEs and large enterprises face a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Throughout this time, ESET’s commitment to research-led, science-driven innovation has set industry benchmarks for threat detection, response times, and operational efficiency. Strategic alliances—particularly in XDR space—combined with a collaborative and compliance-aware culture, have further bolstered the company’s position as a vendor “who shaped the year,” according to high-profile industry analyses. ESET’s industry recognition, expanding global presence, and deep engagement with AI governance challenges place it among the most influential cybersecurity firms of the present era. (1)
Table: ESET Innovations (2022–2025) and Their Impact
Next-gen Ransomware Remediation Automated rollback, secure on-drive backups, instant file recovery Reduces business disruptions, improves resilience, thwarts advanced ransomware attacks (2)(3) ESET AI Advisor (GenAI Cybersecurity) LLM-driven assistant for MDR/XDR, automated incident analysis, risk triage Democratizes SOC-grade analysis, closes skills gap, faster decisions Enhanced Cloud Office Security (ECOS) Anti-spoofing, homoglyph detection, clawback, and sandboxed attachment scanning Superior email protection, mitigates phishing and BEC attacks Expanded CTI Services 15 curated data feeds, real-time, deduplicated, multiple APT report tiers, API integrations Richer, actionable insights, faster response times, SIEM/SOAR synergy (4) MDR/XDR Platform Partnerships Integrated Open XDR (e.g., Stellar Cyber), unified case management and threat correlation Comprehensive visibility, reduced false positives, lower TCO ESET LiveGuard Advanced AI-powered, cloud sandbox behavioral analysis, instant results sharing across organizations Blocks zero-day and emerging threats, collaborative immunity Rapid Response and Resolution (MDRU) Detect-to-response times of under 20 minutes in managed services Cuts dwell time, prevents escalation, cost-effective SOC alternative AI-Augmented Threat Detection (Augur) Deep learning, advanced heuristics, offline/online models, memory, and script analysis Proactive, low-false positive threat blocking (fileless, polymorphic) Mobile & IoT Security Expansion NFC fraud protection, Link Scanner, enhanced anti-phishing, application scanning Stronger smartphone/tablet defense, rising to emerging mobile threats New R&D Centers & HQ Facilities New APAC Center (Singapore), San Diego HQ, global research network Deepens regional support, talent pool, knowledge sharing Regulatory & AI Governance Leadership Engagement with global AI compliance, NIS2, rigorous internal frameworks Prepares clients for changing laws, builds trust, future-proofing
In the following sections, each of these innovations and developments is examined in detail alongside analytical perspectives on their technical, operational, and strategic significance.
1. New Product Developments (2022–2025)
1.1 Security Platform Evolution
Over the past three years, ESET has greatly expanded and modernized its product lines across consumer, SME, and enterprise sectors. The transition from primarily endpoint-focused offerings to a layered security platform is evident in the latest versions of ESET PROTECT, LiveGuard Advanced, and unified security suites for personal and business use. ESET HOME Security plans now include advanced threat detection, VPN integration, ransomware remediation, and multi-device identity protection—catering to both privacy and safety for mobile and desktop platforms. Notably, the ESET PROTECT platform now comprises multi-tiered security for enterprises, flexible deployment between cloud and on-premise environments, and seamless integration with other vendors.
Security updates for 2025 reveal further refinements: the debut of ESET Folder Guard for Windows (preventing unauthorized applications from altering protected files), multithread scanning for faster system checks, a new Link Scanner for Android, and improved accessibility across devices. The all-in-one approach reflects ESET’s focus on user-centric, high-performance security without unnecessary complexity or system drag. (5)
1.2 Ransomware Remediation
A headline innovation, ESET’s Ransomware Remediation feature, introduced at ESET World 2025, rethinks conventional approaches by creating secure, untouchable backups at the first sign of suspicious activity. If malicious encryption is confirmed, files are restored instantly from these secure backups—crucially, this system is not susceptible to standard ransomware tactics like Volume Shadow Copy deletion, thanks to proprietary protected storage design. The feature is seamlessly woven into both the home and enterprise product lines, requiring minimal configuration and offering granular recovery for files up to 30 MB. This directly addresses the increasing sophistication of ransomware attacks and the specific challenge of backup-targeting malware. (2)(3)(6)(7)
1.3 Cloud Office Security Enhancements
Amid the surge in targeted phishing, BEC, and cloud-borne attacks, ESET Cloud Office Security (ECOS) has undergone significant upgrades. These include:
These features, along with persistent integration of LiveGuard Advanced (for attachment sandboxing) and threat feeds, position ECOS as a top-tier cloud email protection solution for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace users. (2)
- Anti-spoofing: Blocks impersonation tactics used in email-originated attacks.
- Homoglyph detection: Flags URLs and email addresses with deceptive lookalike characters.
- Clawback: Instantly quarantines delivered but subsequently identified malicious emails.
1.4 Continuous User Experience Improvements
Notably, ESET has maintained a commitment to lightweight performance, user-friendly interfaces, and cross-platform compatibility across its suite. The multithreaded scanning, minimal false positives, and streamlined management across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and now iOS platforms, underscore a design philosophy that doesn’t sacrifice usability in the pursuit of advanced security. (8)
2. Enhancements in Threat Detection Technologies
2.1 Multilayered Security and Behavioral Analytics
ESET’s detection stack is predicated on a prevention-first, multilayered approach. This involves signature-based detection, advanced heuristics, runtime behavior analysis, memory scanning, and network traffic inspection. A key backbone is ESET Augur, which leverages machine/deep learning models continuously retrained on millions of malware samples. Here, behavioral “DNA detections” allow the identification of malware based on actions rather than static code, offering robust defense against obfuscated or never-before-seen strains—including sophisticated fileless and polymorphic threats. (9)(10)
2.2 ESET LiveGuard Advanced
LiveGuard Advanced expands ESET’s threat detection with real-time, cloud-based sandbox analysis. Suspicious files—especially those not previously seen—are automatically uploaded to ESET’s cloud for thorough behavioral emulation in isolated environments. The system draws on both automated AI-based analysis and human expert validation, providing enterprise-wide immunity: once a verdict is rendered, all ESET clients worldwide benefit. A critical innovation since 2022 is its tight integration with MDR/XDR workflows, making advanced sandboxing accessible, fast, and actionable. (11)
2.3 Mobile and IoT Threat Detection
ESET’s mobile security product line has been further enhanced with features specifically addressing the explosion in mobile malware. For example, new releases have expanded real-time scanning to NFC-based fraud detection, a rising attack vector involving Android devices. Proactive anti-phishing on mobile and IoT platforms is now bolstered by AI-driven URL reputation, notification scanning (including SMS and browser warnings), and application vetting for malicious behaviors (e.g., hidden spyware, SMS relay, or data theft). (12)(13)
3. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Integration
3.1 Deep Learning and Augur Engine
ESET has long pioneered the integration of AI and machine learning—dating back to neural network deployments in the late 1990s—but in the 2022–2025 period, the sophistication and scope have dramatically increased. The Augur engine employs deep and ensemble machine learning models for malware classification and anomaly detection, operational both online and offline (crucial for air-gapped devices or those behind strict firewalls). Its models are continuously trained on up-to-date threat landscapes, helping uncover subtle, stealthy, or novel attack types. (9)(14)
3.2 ESET AI Advisor: Generative AI in SOC and MDR Workflows
Launched in 2024 and now a centerpiece of ESET's MDR/XDR solutions, ESET AI Advisor is a generative AI-based interactive assistant designed specifically for security operations. Unlike lightweight, admin-oriented LLM bots, AI Advisor is embedded in SOC analyst workflows—capable of:
This tool directly addresses the global skills gap in cybersecurity, providing pseudo-copilot capabilities for MDR customers and researcher-friendly deep dives in the highest CTI tiers. Its integration with the ESET Inspect XDR module brings rapid, AI-driven insight into complex threat landscapes, automating analysis that would otherwise require teams of specialists. (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)
- Contextualizing and summarizing security incidents based on vast XDR data lakes,
- Generating incident and risk assessments in plain language,
- Advising on response steps,
- Assisting in threat hunting and automated playbooks,
- Lowering the entry barrier for less experienced security staff.
3.3 AI-Driven Threat Intelligence and Feeds
AI and ML drive the deduplication, enrichment, and prioritization within ESET’s threat intelligence services. By analyzing telemetry from over 110 million users worldwide, and aligning with standards like JSON/STIX and MITRE ATT&CK, ESET ensures high-fidelity threat feed delivery to SIEM/SOAR and partner platforms—minimizing alert fatigue and redundant reporting while improving signal accuracy. (4)(10)
4. Defense Against Emerging Cyber Threats
4.1 Adversary Trends and ESET’s Response
ESET’s research over 2023–2025 reveals the rise of social engineering attacks—many AI/fraud powered—such as deepfake BEC, credential phishing, and influencer scams. Notably, Android NFC (Near Field Communication) fraud and “evil twin” adware play a growing role in financial and privacy breaches. ESET’s prompt adaptation, with advanced protections (e.g., Link Scanner, enhanced anti-phishing, NFC fraud recognition), demonstrates agility in countering these surging threats. (20)(21)
Significant efforts have also targeted infostealer disruptions (e.g., actions against SnakeStealer, Lumma Stealer, and Danabot), ransomware groups, and the monitoring of state-sponsored APT actors exploiting vulnerabilities in common utilities such as WinRAR. ESET’s direct engagement with law enforcement on global takedowns highlights its industry leadership in collaborative defense. (14)
4.2 Mobile and IoT Security
The compromised security perimeter—due both to widespread mobile device use and proliferation of IoT—has been an explicit focus, with specific features added such as NFC-based skimming protection, in-app credential theft detection, and enhanced browser and notification-level phishing blocking. These initiatives counteract the surge in mobile-facilitated financial and data-theft breaches observed since 2023. (13)
4.3 Next-gen Ransomware Defense
The convergence of AI-driven behavioral detection, rapid data backup and restoration, and protected storage (untouchable by ransomware), make ESET’s recent ransomware defenses among the most advanced in the industry. These tools are designed not only for endpoint recovery but also to enable rapid enterprise-wide remediation with minimal human intervention—a crucial feature when ransomware attacks attempt to corrupt or delete standard OS-level backups, as is now common among advanced threat actors. (2)(3)(6)
5. Strategic Partnerships and Integrations
5.1 Open XDR and Stellar Cyber
Perhaps the most impactful partnership, ESET’s ongoing collaboration with Stellar Cyber saw a dramatic expansion in 2024. The integration brings together endpoint, email, cloud, and network telemetry to deliver unified threat cases—enabling lean teams to act on prioritized, operator-ready findings. ESET’s telemetry enriches Stellar Cyber’s Open XDR analytics, automating containment actions, streamlining incident investigation, and closing visibility gaps across multi-cloud and hybrid environments. (22)(23)
5.2 Cloud Ecosystem and SIEM/SOAR Integrations
Open APIs and advanced integration endpoints (e.g., ESET Connect, TAXII/JSON feeds) have enabled plug-and-play compatibility with major platforms such as Microsoft Sentinel, IBM QRadar, Elastic, MISP, Filigran’s OpenCTI, and ThreatQuotient. This interoperability addresses the market’s demand for cross-vendor, ecosystem-driven threat response and is a crucial element of contemporary security operations architectures. (4)(14)
5.3 Device and Network Partnerships
ESET’s ongoing integrations with RMM/PSA platforms (e.g., Datto, NinjaOne, Kaseya, N-able), as well as joint development with Intel on leveraging processor-level telemetry for malware detection, exemplify its strategic emphasis on embedding security into broader IT operational stacks and hardware-assisted defense layers. (14)
6. Threat Intelligence and Research Contributions
6.1 Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) Expansion
ESET’s threat intelligence services have grown in both depth and breadth, with coverage expanding from 8 to 15 primary threat feeds, inclusive of ransomware, phishing, smishing, IoCs, and cryptoscams. The addition of new APT report tiers broadens availability, offering technical, operational, and executive-level reporting for organizations of all sizes. The integration of AI Advisor into CTI ensures that actionable insights and summary data are immediately accessible for security staff, regardless of expertise level. (4)(24)(25)
6.2 Notable Research
ESET’s threat researchers made headlines with the discovery of PromptLock—recognized as the first known AI-powered ransomware—as well as uncovering novel vulnerabilities in widely used software. Actionable APT intelligence, as seen in reports on Russian-aligned groups and critical infrastructure attacks, has brought ESET into close partnership with government agencies, including Europol, ENISA, and CISA, while further increasing global demand for ESET’s intelligence services during times of geopolitical crisis. (14)
6.3 Transparency, Community, and Industry Influence
ESET’s research is regularly presented at globally recognized industry conferences (RSA, Black Hat, Virus Bulletin) and disseminated through public blogs and threat reports. The company is known for the responsive sharing of IoCs, YARA rules, and TTPs—offering a high degree of operational collaboration with customers, partners, and the wider security community. (4)(21)
7. Managed and Extended Detection & Response (MDR/XDR) Innovations
7.1 MDR Service Expansion
ESET’s managed detection and response solutions have matured into a centerpiece for MSPs and enterprise partners. Recent enhancements provide:
ESET MDR Ultimate (MDRU) delivers advanced customization, from rule creation to collaborative digital forensics, while scaling efficiently for both large enterprises and SMBs—bridging a crucial gap in the global cyber skills shortage. (16)(19)(26)
- 24/7 threat monitoring with a guaranteed mean detection time under 20 minutes,
- Automated remediation and containment,
- Tailored security playbooks and reporting,
- Seamless escalation/notification for operational transparency.
7.2 XDR and ESET Inspect
ESET Inspect, as the XDR-enabling module of the ESET PROTECT platform, combines deep endpoint telemetry with automated and AI-augmented analytics. It correlates threat data across endpoints, networks, and cloud assets—aligning with MITRE ATT&CK frameworks for adversary mapping and report generation. Combined with Stellar Cyber’s Open XDR, ESET now offers one of the industry’s most integrated SOC platforms for holistic detection, investigation, and rapid response. (22)(27)
8. Cloud-Based Protection Enhancements
ESET’s migration to cloud-first architecture is most apparent in the evolution of its cloud security modules (e.g., ECOS, LiveGuard Advanced, remote management consoles). The use of global telemetry, hybrid AI models, and autoscaling analysis ensures both home and enterprise customers benefit from up-to-the-minute protection and minimal latency. The robust API infrastructure, two data centers for storage/analysis redundancy, and distributed R&D teams guarantee rapid update cycles and higher operational resilience for organizations worldwide. (4)(11)
9. R&D Investment and Global Centers Expansion
9.1 Financial Commitment and Ongoing Growth
ESET’s annual financial performance demonstrates sustained R&D investment, with global revenues reaching €691 million in 2024, and double-digit growth in both enterprise and services sectors. R&D headcount has grown to over 847, with research teams distributed across 13 centers worldwide, including the newly opened APAC Center of Excellence in Singapore and a state-of-the-art HQ in San Diego. This international presence not only fuels technical innovation, but also ensures regionally attuned threat intelligence and compliance support. (14)(28)(29)
9.2 Diversity and Talent Leadership
ESET’s focus on workforce diversity, STEM scholarships (notably for women in cybersecurity), and local community engagement results in one of the more diverse staff profiles in the industry. This contributes to innovation, perspective breadth, and societal impact broader than technological advancement alone. (29)
10. Ransomware Remediation and Recovery Features
10.1 Proprietary Backup and Recovery
ESET sets itself apart with Ransomware Remediation’s on-drive protected backup system, which is distinct from—and more resilient than—common OS-level solutions like Windows Shadow Copy. Automated backup is triggered by suspicious processes, with backups held in an encrypted, access-controlled container. Restoration is seamless; even in destructive attacks where traditional backups are sabotaged, ESET’s system is immune to attacker deletion or encryption without safe mode access. These advances are particularly relevant in 2024–2025 as ransomware groups aggressively target backup systems. (2)(3)(6)(27)
11. Mobile and IoT Security Advancements
11.1 Next-Generation Android Security
ESET Mobile Security has introduced smart, in-depth scanning for Android 16+, up-to-date anti-phishing integrated with leading browsers and apps, and proactive fraud detection for newer NFC-based scams. The addition of Link Scanner and notification protection reflects a proactive approach to the rapidly shifting mobile threat landscape—where attacks are increasingly sophisticated and difficult for consumers to recognize unaided. (13)
12. ESET at Industry Events and Awards
12.1 Global Conference Presence
ESET’s direct engagement with industry thought leadership is exemplified by its regular presence at RSA, Black Hat, Gartner Security & Risk Management Summits, and more. Keynotes delivered by executives and head researchers have focused not only on technical innovation, but also on challenges related to trust, compliance, and collaborative security operations. (21)(30)(31)
12.2 Market Accolades and Independent Testing
ESET continues to earn recognition in independent market analyses and comparative group tests (e.g., AV-Comparatives, Virus Bulletin). Its standing as a vendor “who shaped the year” in IDC’s Modern Endpoint Security Market Shares reflects broad industry acceptance of its longevity, technical acumen, and operational resilience—attributes vital in a field marked by rapid consolidation and fierce competition. (1)(32)
13. Market Position and Industry Recognition
13.1 Market Share and Growth Metrics
IDC research demonstrates ESET’s capacity to consistently outpace market trends in both endpoint and managed security services, achieving stronger double-digit growth in regional markets such as EMEA and APAC. The expansion of its threat intelligence and MDR portfolios is directly responsible for increased traction with government, critical infrastructure, and global enterprise customers. Notably, ESET’s ability to maintain performance even amid currency fluctuations and macroeconomic shifts points to a solid foundation for continued growth. (32)
14. Compliance, Regulations, and AI Governance
14.1 Addressing Global AI and Cybersecurity Regulation
2024–2025 has seen an explosion in AI-related regulations (EU AI Act, GDPR extensions, state-level US laws in Colorado, California, and Texas). ESET actively aligns its compliance posture and risk management frameworks with these evolving standards—the NIST AI RMF, ISO/IEC AI standards, and local law. Crucially, the company not only ensures its internal AI development remains ethical and transparent, but also builds governance frameworks and consultation into its tooling, supporting customer journeys through an increasingly fragmented compliance landscape. (33)(34)(35)
14.2 Proactive Risk and Bias Mitigation
ESET’s in-house tools systematically mitigate AI-related risks (e.g., bias, explainability, privacy), from training data selection to deployment safeguards, and leverage external audits and compliance partnerships when warranted. Its adaptability to regulatory change—whether deregulation or strengthening of controls—is a competitive differentiator in 2025, as organizations seek both protection and regulatory certainty in deploying AI-driven cybersecurity. (19)(33)(35)
15. Future Roadmap and Industry Vision
ESET’s forward vision, as articulated by its leadership at ESET World 2025, emphasizes:
The underlying theme is resilience—in both technology and business ethics—anticipating a landscape where compliance, collaboration, and capabilities must evolve even faster than threats. (19)(21)
- Intensifying use of automation and agentic AI across all defense layers, while maintaining a critical balance with human expertise.
- Expanding MDR/XDR offerings, particularly for organizations outside traditional enterprise segments.
- Leveraging cloud-first architectures for more responsive, scalable, and globally consistent security coverage.
- Deepening collaboration with ecosystem partners (Open XDR, hardware vendors, SIEM/SOAR providers) to counteract fragmented defenses.
- Prioritizing proactive, not reactive, security postures, placing prevention as the first line of defense—augmented by instant response and robust remediation.
- Preparing for a world where AI is both a tool for offense and defense, with “data poisoning” and “AI ransom attacks” as anticipated future threats.
- Leading on AI governance, transparency, and regulatory compliance as essential, not optional, aspects of competitive advantage.
Conclusion
Between 2022 and 2025, ESET has reinforced its reputation not only as an innovator, but as a global leader in the fight against complexity and unpredictability in cybersecurity. Its technical advancements, notably in AI-driven defense, XDR/MDR maturity, ransomware remediation, threat intelligence, and compliance frameworks, have set high standards for competitors and partners alike. Simultaneously, its organizational commitment to research, regulatory agility, ecosystem collaboration, and diverse talent acquisition signal a sustainable trajectory toward continued industry leadership.
For organizations seeking a security partner capable of combining technical, operational, and regulatory excellence—across the full spectrum of today’s and tomorrow’s cyber threats—ESET represents a benchmark, both for what has been accomplished and for the ongoing innovation needed in the years ahead.
A forum members name here that I've been liking more over the last couple of months is, I Walk My (own) Way 
