At the centre of the GravityZone is PHASR, which Bitdefender describes as the industry’s first dynamic, user-tailored attack surface reduction capability. The technology uses individual AI-driven behavioural models and live threat intelligence to continuously adapt endpoint hardening policies in real time, allowing organisations to reduce exposure without the operational complexity traditionally associated with aggressive security controls.

Bitdefender positions the approach as particularly valuable for organisations with lean security teams that need to balance strong protection with operational simplicity. Rather than relying solely on reactive detection, the company focuses on reducing exploitable attack surface proactively while automating large portions of detection and response workflows.

The GravityZone platform combines prevention, protection, detection and response capabilities within a unified architecture that includes native XDR functionality, automated workflows and human-readable incident reporting designed to streamline investigations and accelerate remediation. Bitdefender argues that this convergence of endpoint protection and extended detection and response capabilities helps organisations simplify security operations while maintaining visibility across increasingly complex environments.

Judges praised both the maturity of the platform and the depth of supporting evidence presented throughout the submission. The panel consistently identified PHASR as the standout innovation, highlighting its pre-emptive and adaptive approach to attack surface reduction as a meaningful evolution in endpoint security.

“A highly credible, well-evidenced and innovative endpoint security entry that impressed judges with its measurable protection, automation and business value.”

The judging panel said PHASR aligned strongly with the category’s focus on innovation and defence-in-depth, particularly because of its ability to intelligently tailor protections to individual users and continuously measure risk reduction over time.

The submission also received strong marks for independent validation and measurable customer outcomes. Judges pointed to Gartner’s recognition of PHASR as a differentiated innovation, alongside AV-Comparatives’ 2025 Endpoint Prevention and Response testing, which reportedly shows the highest detection rate and lowest total cost of ownership among participating vendors.

The judging panel further highlighted the scale of the operational improvements cited in the submission, including up to 95% attack surface reduction, 90% automation of detection and response activity, investigations completed 60% to 70% faster, 50% faster incident response times and operational cost reductions of up to 50%. Together, judges said, these metrics presented a compelling case for GravityZone as a mature, enterprise-grade endpoint security platform capable of delivering both technical effectiveness and measurable business value.