Cylance

What is Cylance?

Cylance, now part of BlackBerry, is a pioneering AI-powered endpoint security solution that revolutionized the antivirus industry by using machine learning instead of traditional signature-based detection. Founded in 2012 by former McAfee executives, Cylance developed mathematical algorithms that predict and prevent malware before it executes, fundamentally changing how endpoint protection works.

Unlike traditional antivirus software that relies on constantly updated virus definitions, Cylance’s artificial intelligence analyzes file characteristics and behaviors to identify threats mathematically. This predictive approach means Cylance can stop zero-day attacks and never-before-seen malware without needing prior knowledge of specific threats, addressing a critical weakness in conventional security solutions.

Following BlackBerry’s acquisition in 2019, Cylance technology has been integrated into the BlackBerry Cylance suite of enterprise products while continuing to offer consumer protection through CylancePROTECT Home. The platform’s lightweight design and AI-driven approach result in minimal system impact while providing protection that anticipates threats rather than merely reacting to them.

Key Features

• AI-Powered Detection: Mathematical machine learning models analyze file attributes to predict and prevent malware without requiring signature updates or cloud lookups.
• Pre-Execution Prevention: Threats are identified and blocked before they can execute, stopping attacks before any damage occurs rather than cleaning up afterward.
• Zero-Day Protection: Predictive AI can identify previously unknown threats by recognizing malicious characteristics, providing protection against attacks with no existing signatures.
• Minimal System Impact: Lightweight agent uses approximately 1-3% CPU and minimal memory compared to traditional antivirus solutions that can consume significant resources.
• Offline Protection: AI models work locally without requiring constant internet connectivity, providing protection even on air-gapped or disconnected systems.
• Script Control: Monitor and control script execution including PowerShell, Python, and macro-based attacks commonly used in fileless malware.
• Memory Exploit Protection: Detect and prevent memory-based attacks including buffer overflows, process injection, and other exploitation techniques.
• Application Control: Whitelist approved applications and prevent unauthorized software from running, reducing attack surface significantly.
• Device Control: Manage USB and removable media access to prevent data exfiltration and malware introduction through physical devices.
• Silent Operation: Runs quietly without constant pop-ups or notifications, intervening only when genuine threats are detected.
• Cloud Console: Centralized management dashboard for monitoring protection status, viewing threat data, and managing policies across all devices.
• Cross-Platform Support: Protection available for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems with consistent AI-powered threat prevention.

What’s New in 2026

• Enhanced AI Models: Updated machine learning algorithms trained on expanded threat datasets providing improved detection accuracy and reduced false positives.
• Extended Detection and Response: CylanceOPTICS integration providing advanced EDR capabilities with automated threat hunting and incident response.
• Cloud Workload Protection: Expanded support for container and cloud-native workload protection in AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud environments.
• Mobile Threat Defense: Enhanced protection for iOS and Android devices through CylancePROTECT Mobile with AI-based threat detection.
• Identity Security: Integration with CylancePERSONA for continuous authentication and user behavior analytics.
• Ransomware Shield: Specialized protection layer specifically targeting ransomware behaviors and encryption attempts.
• Simplified Consumer Offering: Redesigned CylancePROTECT Home with streamlined interface and family protection features.

System Requirements

CylancePROTECT Home (Consumer)

CylancePROTECT Enterprise

How to Get Started with Cylance

1. Choose Product: Select CylancePROTECT Home for personal use or contact sales for enterprise CylancePROTECT evaluation.
2. Create Account: Register at my.cylance.com with your email to manage subscriptions and device installations.
3. Download Installer: Access your account dashboard to download the appropriate installer for your operating system.
4. Install Agent: Run the installer which deploys the lightweight Cylance agent – installation typically completes in under a minute.
5. Activate License: Enter your license key or sign in to link the installation to your subscription.
6. Initial Scan: Cylance performs a comprehensive system scan to identify any existing threats using AI analysis.
7. Monitor Dashboard: Use the cloud console to view protection status, threat history, and manage settings across all protected devices.

Cylance vs Traditional Antivirus

Who Should Use Cylance?

• Security-Conscious Individuals: Users wanting next-generation protection that catches threats traditional antivirus might miss.
• Low-Resource Systems: Those with older hardware or performance-critical workstations benefit from Cylance’s minimal system impact.
• Offline Workers: Users frequently working without internet connectivity receive full protection from local AI models.
• Enterprise Security Teams: Organizations seeking advanced endpoint protection with centralized management and EDR capabilities.
• Tech-Savvy Users: Those who appreciate the technical innovation of AI-based prediction over signature-matching approaches.
• Minimalist Security Seekers: Users preferring quiet, unobtrusive protection without constant notifications and pop-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Cylance detect malware without signatures?

Cylance uses machine learning models trained on millions of file samples to identify mathematical characteristics associated with malicious software. By analyzing hundreds of file attributes, the AI predicts whether a file is malicious before it runs, regardless of whether that specific threat has been seen before.

Does Cylance protect against ransomware?

Yes, Cylance provides strong ransomware protection by preventing the malicious executable from running in the first place. The AI recognizes ransomware characteristics and blocks it before encryption can begin, rather than trying to stop encryption in progress.

Why doesn’t Cylance require frequent updates?

Traditional antivirus needs constant signature updates because it can only detect known threats. Cylance’s AI models are mathematical representations of what malware “looks like” – they predict threats based on characteristics rather than matching against a database, so they don’t need frequent updates to detect new malware.

Is Cylance suitable for home users?

Yes, CylancePROTECT Home brings enterprise-grade AI protection to consumers at an accessible price point. The silent operation and minimal system impact make it particularly suitable for home users who want strong protection without complexity.

What happened to Cylance after BlackBerry acquisition?

BlackBerry acquired Cylance in 2019 and integrated its AI technology into the BlackBerry Cylance enterprise security suite. Consumer protection continues through CylancePROTECT Home, while enterprise customers benefit from expanded EDR, mobile, and cloud security capabilities.

Final Verdict

Cylance represents a genuine paradigm shift in endpoint security, replacing reactive signature-matching with predictive AI that stops threats before they execute. The technology’s ability to protect against zero-day attacks without requiring constant updates addresses fundamental limitations of traditional antivirus, while the minimal resource consumption makes it suitable for any system.

Under BlackBerry’s ownership, Cylance continues to evolve with enhanced enterprise capabilities while maintaining consumer accessibility. For users seeking protection that anticipates threats mathematically rather than playing catch-up with signature updates, Cylance delivers a compelling alternative that has proven its effectiveness in both enterprise and consumer environments. The quiet, efficient operation combined with genuine next-generation protection makes Cylance an excellent choice for anyone prioritizing security without compromise.