Cylance Smart vs ManageEngine Malware Protection Plus

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?

ManageEngine, part of Zoho Corp, has built a strong reputation in IT management and is used by thousands of organizations globally. Malware Protection Plus is their venture into next-gen endpoint security, seamlessly built into the Endpoint Central management console. This solution provides next-generation antivirus (NGAV) capabilities – leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and behavior analytics – to protect business endpoints against malware, ransomware, and zero-day exploits. It’s tailored for businesses of all sizes that want to unify their IT administration and security. The antivirus module works hand-in-hand with other ManageEngine features like patch management and device control, enabling a holistic approach to endpoint defense. Companies can deploy it either on-premises or use ManageEngine’s cloud service, managing everything through a web-based dashboard. The software can isolate infected devices in real time, automatically kill malicious processes, and even revert changes caused by an attack, which significantly reduces the impact of incidents. With its AI-driven detection engine, Malware Protection Plus can catch advanced threats that signature-based antiviruses might miss, all while keeping a low performance footprint. ManageEngine offers flexible pricing, including subscription and perpetual licenses, and even provides a free edition for up to 25 devices, making it accessible. Read more in our review.