The need for cybersecurity is becoming a necessity even for a casual online surfer. Cybercriminals are employing sophisticated methods to circumvent traditional security tools. This is why an antivirus for business purposes, antivirus which includes VPN or a specialized antivirus for Mac users or a Windows 10 antivirus is a must.
Therefore, having reliable antivirus protection like Cylance Smart Antivirus or is crucial to safeguard your machines and data. In addition, check out our 360 Total Security review. Also, the fact that we are so reliant on same technology and gadgets that use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth requires us to invest in tools that will prevent data exposure and leak. However, those tools do not have to be too to expensive to work, as you can read in our Zemana antimalware review. Or, if you are looking for a more robust and outstanding protection read about Spybot antivirus we reviewed. In addition, some antiviruses offer protection for your Android or iOS phone, as explained in our Avira AV review, or PC Matic antivirus programs that offers great value for your money, as well.
Our recommendation: McAfee
With so many antivirus products in the market, there is none that’s like McAfee. With over 18.9 billion devices protected on a consistent basis, McAfee’s ability to deal with malware attacks come unmatched! McAfee has a dedicated database that is adept to deal with all sorts of virus attacks whether they may be online or offline. To browse their programs, check out their programs here!
In my Cylance smart antivirus review, I will examine the antivirus performance, detection rate, features, data protection, and many more. Keep reading to learn more.
Cylance Review - AI Protection You Can Trust
Cylance uses advanced artificial intelligence to distinguish between a genuine antivirus program and malware. It is a smart antivirus hence no need to keep scanning your machine; just keep the tool on and you will be safeguarded against new and existing threats.
It has all the features needed to prevent threats such as viruses, spyware, ransomware, Trojans, etc. To identify malware from genuine apps or legitimate programs, this security software relies completely on AI and machine learning.
Based on my AV test, it was light on my PC hence did not cause any system to slow down.
What is Cylance Smart Antivirus?
It is an online security company that is based in Irvine, California. It is one of the few companies to apply AI technology to cybersecurity to fight against cybercriminals.
By employing techniques such as AI and machine learning, it is able to detect threats and identify rootkits better than traditional anti-malware that waits for updates. While waiting for updates, new threats can appear and infect your PC. Cylance Smart antivirus uses a different approach.
Cylance Smart antivirus focuses on prevention rather than a reaction to online threats before they infect and damage a computer.
Cylance antivirus programs have been in existence since 2012. It was later purchased by BlackBerry in 2019.
A super lightweight antivirus
What makes an antivirus lightweight? If it offers cloud-based protection, it will take less space on your computer hence not cause system slowdown. Cylance is light on RAM and the central processing unit of a computer.
This is perfect for professionals, gamers, family, and even businesses. Cylance smart antivirus uses cloud-based technology to recognize threats. Only a small installation agent will be downloaded on your computer that takes less space on your hard drive. This is a welcomed feature in an antivirus for gamers cause it doesn't slow the PC.
There will be low Ram usage, easy installation time is less and you will have total protection without interruption. As you can see, a cloud-based antivirus solution like Cylance smart antivirus is the best for your machines since it comes with many benefits.
You will not even notice it is there since it will be running in the background while you are using your computer. It will automatically react to threats, unlike its competitors that need to keep scanning in order to identify malware.
Cylance Smart Antivirus Pricing
This is an affordable cutting edge protection. Cylance smart antivirus offers 3 pricing plans. They are based on how many devices you want to safeguard. There is 1 device, 5 gadgets, and 10 gadgets.
1 device costs $29.00 for 1 year, 5 gadgets costs $39.00 for 1 year and 10 gadgets costs $49.00 for 1 year. According to many Cylance antivirus reviews, this is straightforward pricing with discounts for loyal clients.
Cylance Security Features
Cylance smart antivirus comes with advanced features, unlike other traditional antiviruses. Instead of using malware signatures to detect threats and remove malware, it employs artificial intelligence (AI) to offer protection. Cylance Smart Antivirus aims to be as intelligent as possible, detecting new threats as soon as they arise.
Other security features offered by this malware include; |
|---|
Uses AI to detect and remove malware |
It is extremely easy to use |
Is a cloud-based antivirus software-This takes less space on your machines |
Has 30 days money-back guarantee |
It installs and full system scans fast as it is cloud-based |
It detect threats, blocks threats fast-by use of its AI and machine learning |
It has a user-friendly interface |
It is a lightweight antivirus software since it is cloud-based |
It focuses on the prevention of malware than dealing with them when they have already infected a machine |
It is able to deal with emerging threats as has automatic updates instead of slow updates |
It is compatible with Windows and macOS |
Has a free customer support |
Cylance Smart Antivirus System requirement
You can use this software on all major platforms and devices such as Windows, iPhone, macOS, etc. This anti-virus is compatible with Windows 7/8/ and 10. It requires a minimum RAM of 2GB and 500MB hard disk.
A user-friendly interface
The program's interface or web based dashboard is pretty cool. It comes with a menu to navigate and govern your anti-virus.
For instance, open its dashboard to remove or add a device, check files that have been quarantined, modify settings, check the status of your malware and ransomware protection, just to name a few. Since this security tool is cloud-based, you will require an internet connection to perform any operation through its program interface.
Focuses on the prevention of Malware
Cylance smart antivirus is also referred to as silence antivirus. This is because it runs in the background stopping threats before they infect your machines. Many ineffective antiviruses wait until your machine is infected before they act.
This is risky since data could be leaked, files destroyed and this can lead to huge losses.
Cloud-based antivirus software
This is the best cybersecurity solution for you.
By being cloud-based and not an offline desktop app, Cylance smart antivirus is lightweight hence takes less space when downloaded on a machine. This makes it to install and initial scan fast.
Choose this anti-malware if you are looking for a tool that has less installation time, will have less computing power needs, and will not conflict with other security software.
Uses artificial intelligence
Cylance smart antivirus was the first antivirus to use AI to identify and block Trojans, spyware, ransomware, viruses before they infect a computer. This will help to keep up with emerging threats.
Most traditional antiviruses use a signature-based model to identify malware. That is, knowing the behavior of malicious files, and blocking them before they infect
However, cybercriminals are aware of this and produce sophisticated malware which alters so fast that signature updates fail to catch. With an AI antivirus, it uses sophisticated mathematical algorithms to prevent malware before it infects a machine.
It learns about specific threats and executes fast defensive activities.
Malware Scanner
Once you install the Cylance home edition or other versions, the antivirus will perform its first malware scan to check if your computer is infected or not. It is worth noting that this is the only scan that you will need since it runs silently scanning and blocking threats.
It will save you the hustle of constantly scanning your machine and waiting endlessly for it to finish. Since it performs smart, fast, and automatic scans, it consumes far fewer system resources than its competitors.
Its AI is able to identify threats and block them before they have a chance of disrupting the system performance of a machine.
Cylance Cloud File Scanner
This is an advanced level of scanning engine by this online security company. Cloud-based antiviruses have all its workloads on a cloud-based server and only a small ‘client’ program is installed on a user’s computer.
Cylance smart antivirus operates the same. Its agent will connect to its cloud-based server to perform scans. Its reports will be sent back to the user’s computer. Since it is cloud-based, its scanning process is very fast, lasting a few minutes.
Full Scan
Many Cylance smart antivirus in-depth reviews have reported that the full scan of this online security company is pretty fast. It will check all the areas of your computer like hard disk, external disks, memory, etc.
Cylance uses cloud technology to process and interpret the results of its scan. This will greatly reduce the usage of a computer and you will not experience any system slow down.
Smart Scan
This is a comprehensive scan that checks your files and folders for any suspicious activity, check network threats, checks out of date software, checks performance issues, just to name a few.
Real-time protection or continuously scanning PCs and gadgets for online threats will save your time and energy of performing manual scans or performing specific folder scans. Its detection rate is high as it is able to identify and quarantine most threats.
It is easy to manage cloud-based antivirus on many gadgets. Also, no interruptions when there are scans.
Web Dashboard
Cylance features a pretty cool dashboard. If you want to navigate your antivirus, go to its dashboard. It will show the status of your antivirus, show the gadgets that are connected to it, and control the quarantine files.
It has more information such as threat file types, event outliers, just to name a few. Use the interface to perform various actions such as;
You will require an active internet connection to perform an operation on the dashboard. It is easy to navigate as I had no problem adding or removing my devices. Its report is easy to interpret.
Important information displayed on your dashboard
Manage your devices
Use your dashboard to connect everything. You can manage or connect up to 10 gadgets from 1 location including your iPhone, PC, and Mac.
Add or remove devices and can even invite members of your family to use your antivirus. When a new device is connected to your antivirus, you will get a notification and can approve or reject it.
You also have the chance of setting rules for the gadgets of your family members and even disconnecting some gadgets that you do not want.
Also, you will be shown the number of gadgets that are connected and their incoming and outgoing traffic.
Customizing your dashboard
You can customize your Cylance dashboard to appear how you want. The default page displayed after you log in to your account has a menu that you use to manage your antivirus.
You can customize your dashboard by modifying or rearranging reports or adding more items to it.
Do not lose your subscription
If you want to activate your antivirus, you can do so from its dashboard. The dashboard makes it easier to manage your subscription such as renew or modify it. How to renew your subscription? Make sure that you have an account and have the product key with you.
Visit the Cylance dashboard and click my account which is located on its upper right corner. Select renew the subscription and follow the steps required.
Popup Client
This is a feature that you will find useful when using this antivirus. It has a simple layout and displays all the information that you need to know of events and malware that has been scanned, and quarantined.
The time and date of specific actions such as when malware was discovered, the file was marked safe, or moved to quarantine is also displayed. Use this feature to analyze the activity of your antivirus.
Cylance Plans and Pricing
The pricing of this antivirus is based on how many devices are covered on a plan. The plans are for 1 device, 5 gadgets, and 10 gadgets.
It is worth noting that the security organization or company does not offer a free version or a free trial. It’s pricing starts at $29.00.
The price of this cloud-based software is affordable compared to its competitors. It also offers discounts to its loyal clients.
1 device
It costs $29.00 for 1 device. It has no price increase when you renew this plan and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You will get the following features with this plan;
Free support |
A user-friendly interface |
Script management |
Integrated threat prevention solution-detects, prevents and block new and existing and known threats |
A smart antivirus for your PC or phone |
Use AI to provide a enterprise level endpoint protection most popular feature |
Cloud-based technology-makes it lightweight |
Instant download |
5 Devices
It costs $39.00 for 1 year. It is Windows and Mac compatible and is the most popular plan. No price increase when you renew it. It comes with the following features;
30 day money-back guarantee |
Instant download |
Free support |
A user-friendly interface |
A smart antivirus for your PC or phone |
Uses artificial intelligence to safeguard your devices |
Cloud-based technology |
Script management |
10 Devices
It costs $49.00 and you will be billed annually. It is Windows and Mac compatible. Since it supports many devices, it will be perfect for home users and organizations with employees.
It will keep your family or organization safe from all malware types. It will also prevent your family members or employees from visiting sites that could be the source of malware.
Its strength is using its artificial intelligence to identify online threats by its URL, IP addresses since they cannot change. It is compatible with most tools. However, it does not offer additional features such as VPN or parental controls that are found in other antiviruses such as Kaspersky and McAfee, but are not always necessary, as can also be seen in our Malwarebytes review.
Free support |
30 day money-back guarantee |
Script management |
A user-friendly interface |
A smart antivirus for your PC or phone |
Uses artificial intelligence to safeguard your devices |
Cloud-based technology-makes it lightweight |
Instant download |
Cylance Getting Started
Like I mentioned before, Cylance offers instant downloads since it is light and is cloud-based. You will only download a small ‘client’ program on your PC and other devices that will be connecting to its server.
In order to get started, you need to choose one of their plans and pay for it. Provide your billing and payment information and you will receive an email to create a Cylance account online with detailed information on how to use the antivirus.
- Use the same credentials to create an account and login to your Cylance dashboard
- Go to my devices section and click add device
- Here you will see download packages. Choose a suitable one for your operating system, and provide an installation token in order to complete this step. An installation token is a code that you will generate from the setting tab. Copy and paste it on the required field
- There is a sent invitation section where you can invite your family members and friends to use your license. This is possible if you bought a plan that covers more than 1 device
- You will receive an antivirus set up. Click on it to run it. Follow all the steps such as selecting the folder path or where to where to store it.
- The installation will be complete. Go to your dashboard to see if your device has been added. You will access the Smart Antivirus web console.
You will not be required to restart your device or PC in order to finish the installation. Also, you will see the status of your protection and how many files have been marked safe and quarantined since it will start to operate in real-time.
Cylance Mobile App
Cylance has mobile apps for both android and iOS users. The apps are designed to safeguard your devices from being infected by malware. However, if you need a more complete protection just for iOS, check out our antivirus for iPhone reviews.
Mobile app for iOS users
For a much more effective mobile security for your iOS devices, use the Cylance app. It is more effective than traditional signature-based antiviruses since it uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to prevent malware from ever arriving on your devices. It is an AI based antivirus product and can identify threats proactively.
This antivirus protects your iPhone and iPad. You will be getting alerts on your devices in case suspicious files has been quarantined so you can take the appropriate action.
The app size is 53.1 MB, and requires iOS 10.0 and up. It is compatible with all versions of the iPhone and iPad. It is available in English, Hebrew, Spanish, Chinese, German, Korean, and Japanese.
Cylance for Android Users
Use Cylance for android to block even undiscovered threats on your devices. It is lightweight and will be running in the background scanning files as they downloaded etc., and quarantine any suspicious file before it infects your smartphone or tablet.
Its size is 28 MB and is available in the play store. It requires Android 5.0. I have used this app at work for over 3 years now and it has been great. I am impressed by how it is light on my device. It is better compared to other antivirus that I had which was causing my phone to be slow.
Features |
Safeguard against threats |
Uses AI to provide advanced protection |
Has a user-friendly interface |
You can invite your friends and family to be protected with a single license |
Sends a notification when your device settings have been changed |
You will get automatic updates |
Offers real-time protection-will be running in the background checking for suspicious activity on your mobile devices |
Cylance for home use
The Cylance mobile app allows you to invite your family and friends to use your license. This means that several devices belonging to your family can be connected to your antivirus. It is a benefit to its users who want to ensure the protection of their loved ones and family.
It is lightweight and easy to use hence will be ideal for your family. It frequently updates itself hence no need to wait for updates contrast to traditional antiviruses.
Also, it works in a totally different way which will be liked by your loved ones; detects and quarantines malware before they arrive in a device.
Cylance Customer Support
Have a question? Contact Cylance support and will give you a solution right away. You can reach support through their email, submit a case, or use their contact us page.
They do not have live chat or phone support; these are the things that they should improve on; according to several Cylance reviews that I have read.
However, there are useful resources such as an online community, knowledgebase, articles; admin guides, technical alerts, and top discussions that could have answers that you are looking for.
There are guides on how to get started with their antivirus, system requirements for Cylance, user manual, and many more.
Support Email
Pros
Cons
Our recommendation: McAfee
Although the product we talked about are notable in the market, it doesn’t come close to McAfee. McAfee is a leading antivirus company in the cybersecurity industry due to its unique line-up of programs catered to dealing with malware and antivirus attacks. No wonder over 18.9 billion devices are protected using McAfee! Check out their security programs here!
FAQs
1. What is Cylance?
Cylance Inc. is a software organization based in the United States that develops antivirus software and other types of computer software that prevents, rather than detects, viruses, malware, and ransomware attack. The company's headquarters are in Irvine, California.
2. What is Cylance protect?
CylancePROTECT is an advanced threat protection solution that does not rely on malware signatures, in contrast to other traditional endpoint protection software. Rather than that, it makes use of techniques such as machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify malicious code and malicious software based on its behavior.
3. Is Cylance protect EDR?
Cylance, which was acquired by BlackBerry, is an artificial intelligence-powered endpoint detection and response (EDR) platform that enables businesses to intelligently strengthen, automate, and streamline their overall endpoint security efforts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
4. When was Cylance founded?
McClure co-founded Cylance in July 2012 with the goal of disrupting the stagnant endpoint security market. He grew the company to 900 employees and over 3,500 active customers before selling the Irvine, California-based company.
5. Is Cylance a good antivirus?
Yes. Cylance Smart Antivirus, on the whole, provides an excellent level of malware protection. With a 100% malware detection rate for ransomware and a 95% threat detection rate, I can recommend Cylance software alongside some of the best antivirus products on the market.
