ESET wins Best SME Security Solution for ESET PROTECT MDR, its managed detection and response platform designed to bring enterprise-grade security operations to small and mid-sized businesses without the need for extensive in-house security teams.

The platform addresses a growing challenge facing SMEs: increasingly sophisticated cyber threats coupled with limited budgets, staffing shortages and mounting compliance and cyber insurance requirements. In response, ESET combines managed endpoint protection, threat detection and expert-led response services within a solution designed to be simple to deploy, scalable and cost-effective.

At the heart of the platform is a 24/7/365 managed detection and response service supported by human analysts, threat intelligence and AI-driven automation. ESET PROTECT MDR also incorporates ransomware remediation, email protection, vulnerability and patch management, multi-factor authentication and the ESET AI Advisor, helping organisations improve detection, prioritisation and response capabilities.

Affordability and ease of use are central to the offering. ESET highlights transparent pricing starting at approximately £86 per user annually, falling below £53 at higher volumes, alongside low system impact, scalable deployment and reduced false positives designed to minimise the burden on smaller IT teams.

The company reports strong momentum since the platform's launch in 2024, driven by growing demand from SMEs seeking outsourced security operations capabilities and enterprise-grade protection without enterprise-level complexity.

Judges described ESET PROTECT MDR as one of the standout entries in the category.

"A highly compelling SME security solution combining impressive response metrics, accessible pricing and clear real-world customer value."

The judging panel praised the platform's transparent pricing model and the inclusion of capabilities such as multi-factor authentication and patch management within a single licence, describing the approach as well aligned with the operational and financial realities facing smaller organisations.

Judges also highlighted ESET's layered, expert-led security model, noting that it successfully balances enterprise-grade protection with simplicity and accessibility. The combination of rapid response capabilities, low operational overhead and strong value for money was seen as particularly compelling for organisations with limited internal security resources.

Kelley Damore Chief Content Officer CyberRisk Alliance

Kelley Damore is Chief Content Officer at CyberRisk Alliance, where she leads content strategy across the company’s digital brands, research, communities and live events serving CISOs and security practitioners. At CyberRisk Alliance, she is focused on delivering 365-day engagement, trusted journalism and actionable insights to help security leaders navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape.