Cylance Smart vs Defencebyte

Cylance was founded in 2012 in Irvine, California, focusing on using artificial intelligence to prevent cybersecurity threats proactively. While their early success was rooted in enterprise solutions, they expanded into the consumer space in 2018 with Cylance Smart Antivirus—a lightweight, AI-based security tool designed to stop threats before they could run. Their antivirus software didn’t rely on traditional signature updates or scheduled scans. Instead, it analyzed behavior in real time and blocked suspicious files. Users could manage multiple devices through a centralized, cloud-based dashboard. They positioned their service as a minimal-intervention alternative for individuals and families seeking quiet, background protection. However, third-party testing was limited. The one major AV-Test evaluation in 2020 gave them strong performance marks but below-average protection results. They also lacked standard features found in broader security suites, such as VPNs or password managers. BlackBerry acquired Cylance Smart Antivirus in 2019 and gradually phased out their home antivirus. Arctic Wolf's acquisition of the company's enterprise solution led to their complete discontinuation by 2024. What did they bring to the table—and what can today’s users learn from their short-lived approach to home cybersecurity?

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Toongabbie, New South Wales, Defencebyte is an Australian cybersecurity company offering antivirus software for Windows devices. Their antivirus solution includes real-time protection, behavior-based threat detection, automated scanning, and system rollback tools. The software is designed to run quietly in the background without slowing down performance, which is especially useful for users with legacy systems. Defencebyte offers multi-device coverage, flat-rate pricing, a 30-day free trial, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. While their products haven’t been reviewed by major independent testing labs and their online activity has slowed since 2022, users have praised the tool’s simplicity and ease of use. For those looking for minimal, real-time antivirus protection with low system impact, Defencebyte may still be worth considering.